Specialist Mental Health & Learning Disability Advocate
Provide high-quality, independent, and statutory Advocacy for individuals under the Mental Capacity Act (IMCA/RPR), Community Advocacy for those with Mental Health or Learning Disability needs in the community, and patients in receipt of Secondary Mental Health Services.
Ensure that individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable or deprived of their liberty, have their voices heard, their rights upheld and are central to decisions regarding their care and treatment within Powys Teaching Health Board.
Main duties of the job
Lead and act as an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) and Relevant Person's Representative (RPR) for individuals deprived of their liberty in care homes and hospitals, ensuring rights and compliance under the Mental Capacity Act are upheld.
Support adults with complex mental health needs and learning disabilities to participate in decisions affecting their lives, across community and clinical settings.
Employ "non-instructed" advocacy methods for individuals with profound communication or cognitive needs. Utilise specialised communication skills to represent the views, wishes, and feelings of those who may lack the capacity to provide clear instructions.
Attend Care Planning Meetings, Best Interests, Safeguarding meetings, in relation to the clients wishes and needs.Update and maintain patient records following visits.
Autonomously manage a varied and demanding caseload, maintaining meticulous records on the advocacy data system in compliance with GDPR and Caldicott principles without direct supervision.
Personal duty of care for IT equipment.
Interpret complex data to produce specialist written reports for legal and clinical forums.
We would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers; but even if you don't speak any Welsh, or want to develop your skills, don't worry: the health board will support you with training.
About us
Being the smallest Heath Board in Wales means that you won't get lost in the crowd. Everybody at Powys Teaching Health Board is valued for the contribution they make to our varied and diverse portfolio of community-based services. Together, we can continue to make a real difference to our patients and build on our unrivalled reputation.
As a supportive and progressive employer, we actively encourage you to carve out a career with us, through a range of development pathways. We're also lucky enough to be situated in one of the most beautiful rural counties in Britain, let alone Wales! Achieving a healthy 'life work' balance is essential, and something we recognise by prioritising your well-being.
To start your journey with us, and to learn more about what we can offer you please visit: https://pthb.nhs.wales/working-for-us/. There you will find information about our benefits and values, read staff experiences and more about what our beautiful county has to offer.
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
* Post graduate level in a relevant subject or equivalent skills and knowledge through significant professional experience
* GuidanceScore Post graduate level in a relevant subject or equivalent skills and knowledge through significant professional experience2 Knowledge and professional understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (2005), Mental Health Act/services & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
* Knowledge of the Datix system
* Strong working knowledge of the public and voluntary sectors within Wales to enable effective partnership working
Experience
* Significant experience working with and representing vulnerable adults, specifically those with mental health issues, learning disabilities and/or those with complex needs
* Proven experience in rights-based work or handling complex, sensitive client information within a large organisation
* Experience in multi-professional team working and providing persuasive verbal and written representations
* Experience recruiting/training team members
* Experience in safeguarding
Skills and Attributes
* Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate and advocate effectively at all levels
* Interpret complex information and produce specialist written reports
* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and basic Excel) for database management and presentations
* Some ability to speak, read and/or write Welsh, or an eagerness to learn
* A non-judgemental, sensitive approach with an absolute commitment to confidentiality and professional integrity
* Emotional resilience when dealing with advanced health conditions and complex needs
* Work independently, make balanced judgements, and meet demanding deadlines
* Highly motivated, reliable, and creative in the face of challenges
Other
* Ability to travel across the vast geographical area of Powys and the Welsh border from an agreed office base
* Willingness to work outside normal business hours when required to meet the needs of the service and its users
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£40,559 to £48,841 a yearper annum pro rata
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