Statutory Advocate

Together UK; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 16,000; Part time

Job summary

A community advocacy organization is seeking an Independent Statutory Advocate for part-time work in Rochdale. This role involves empowering adults to express their wishes under various legal frameworks. Key responsibilities include providing advocacy, supporting individuals in understanding their rights, and maintaining legal records. Ideal candidates will have experience working with vulnerable populations and understanding advocacy principles.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in an advocacy or care setting.
• Understanding of key advocacy and care regulations.
• Commitment to training and self-development.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, independent advocacy as per statutory duties.
• Support individuals in understanding their rights.
• Challenge decisions to uphold rights and promote equality.
• Maintain accurate case records in line with regulations.
• Promote advocacy services within the community.

Skills

Advocacy principles understanding

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation with professionals

Experience with vulnerable populations

Basic IT competencies

Ability to work independently

Education

Relevant qualification in advocacy or care

Job description

Statutory Advocate

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Part Time

Location: Rochdale Advocacy Hub

Reporting To: Alexandra Clarke

Compensation: £15,991 / year

Description

We are seeking an Independent Statutory Advocate to join our advocacy team. You will work with adults who are eligible for statutory advocacy under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Mental Health Act 1983, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld in decisions that affect their lives. As an Independent Advocate, you’ll empower individuals to express their wishes, understand their options, and participate as fully as possible in key decisions regarding their care, treatment, and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, independent advocacy in line with statutory duties under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Mental Health Act.
• Support individuals to understand their rights and participate in assessments, care planning, safeguarding enquiries, and reviews.
• Challenge decisions and practices when necessary to uphold people’s rights and promote equality.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records in accordance with organisational and legal requirements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with service users, carers, professionals, and partner agencies.
• Promote the advocacy service within the community and contribute to service development.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• A relevant qualification or demonstrable experience in an advocacy or care setting
• Previous experience of working with a diverse range of vulnerable people with a wide variety of communication needs, which may include people who lack capacity
• Understanding of advocacy principles and the issues involved in providing independent advocacy
• Experience of liaison and negotiation with health and social care professionals. Ability to check, challenge and negotiate with people at all levels of seniority
• Ability to work flexibly to meet varying demands on the service
• Excellent communication skills – orally and written
• Access to appropriate transport to enable effective access to services & service users that are geographically dispersed, i.e. essential car user
• Competency in the use of basic IT: Word, Excel and databases
• An understanding of discrimination and its effects
• Evidence of training and learning and a commitment to self-development
• Hold, or be willing to complete within 12 months, the Independent Advocacy Qualification with IMHA/IMCA/DOLS/CAA specialism
• Ability to work independently, on own initiative and prioritise workload while working as part of a team

• Understanding of the statutory regulations and other key guidance covering this work: Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Mental Health Act, and the Advocacy Charter
• Understanding of Care Planning and Assessment
• Understanding of the specific role, purpose and responsibilities of an IMHA, IMCA and CA Advocate
• Understanding of the complexities of attaining the perspective of people who lack mental capacity in decision making
• Understanding of how an equal opportunities policy can contribute positively to the diversity and health of an organisation

Job Benefits

Benefits of working for Together. Download the PDF to find out more about what you can get out of working for us.