TUNBRIDGE WELLS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE LTD

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF POSTAdvocate (IMHA and General)

BASED ATDartford, Kent

ACCOUNTABLE TOAssert Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

To provide statutory advocacy to detained patients at Little Brook Hospital Site Dartford and other hospitals / units across West Kent as necessary and to people with mental health difficulties in the community in West Kent.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. To provide independent mental health advocacy to eligible patients in accordance with the provisions Mental Health Act 2007 as amended and as detailed in the Code of Practice to the Act.
  1. To provide independent advocacy in the community as appropriate.
  1. To meet with clients on the ward or other convenient place to help them prepare for meetings and to attend appointments with them to speak on their behalf if required, take notes and ensure that they understand the proceedings.
  1. To maintain records of all transactions with clients in accordance with statutory requirements and relevant legislation.
  1. To undertake appropriate training in order to gain accredited status.
  1. To provide information, reports and statistics as required.
  1. To attend and participate in meetings of the project team, charity staff and other bodies as required.
  1. To participate in supervision and annual appraisals.
  1. To maintain records of hours worked and to complete accurate expense returns.
  1. To foster and develop an equality and diversity approach within the role, in line with the Charity’s Policy.
  1. To promote the service through the distribution of publicity material, liaison with statutory and voluntary services and where appropriate through the media and presentations to local groups within the agreed company policies
  1. To carry out any tasks reasonably requested of them by the Assert Co-ordinator

ADVOCATE (IMHA and General)

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

  1. Understanding of and commitment to justice, advocacy and empowerment.
  1. Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills both written and oral.
  1. Experience of identifying and meeting the needs of individual people.
  1. Good organisational skills and the ability to work flexibly.
  1. Computer Literacy.
  1. Ability to work as part of a team and act on own initiative.
  1. Ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
  1. Personal commitment to equal opportunities.
  1. Car driver with access to own vehicle for use at work.

Desirable Criterira

  1. Understanding and knowledge of the needs and position of people with mental health problems in our society.
  1. Experience of working with people with mental health problems either in a professional or voluntary capacity.
  1. Experience of facilitating training.
  1. Experience of working with a database
  1. Experience of working as a volunteer or with volunteers.
  1. An understanding of legal and social role of statutory and voluntary agencies and relevant policy.
  1. Prepared to work some evenings (when necessary – this would only be occasional).

Advocate (IMHA and General)

Updated September 16

Page 1