Age UK Cheshire
Job Description
Job Title:
Temporary Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)
Accountable to: Senior Advocate
Date written:
May 2012
Primary Purpose:
To act as an advocate working with vulnerable older people, according to
agreed criteria, including the role and functions of an Independent Mental
Health Advocate (IMHA) and Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)
under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
(DOLS). To carry a caseload of clients as part of a team utilising, as
appropriate, both instructed and non-instructed advocacy techniques.
Main duties:
1.
To work with the Senior Advocate and Information Services Manager in
developing and maintaining advocacy services to older people in
Cheshire, including:
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Assessing referrals made to the advocacy service
Identifying social policy issues affecting older people
Keeping informed of new developments and initiatives locally, regionally
and nationally which may affect the work of the projects
Representing the organisation at appropriate meetings and venues
Promoting Age UK Cheshire’s Advocacy Services
Writing reports as required in a timely manner, including formal reporting
under the role of an IMCA and IMCA DOLS
Establishing and developing relationships with health and social services
staff and with other partners and agencies
Monitoring client satisfaction with the quality of service provided
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2.
To work with older people to identify the advocacy issues which they wish
to resolve and to agree with the client and with those involved in their
care the likely outcomes of the advocacy intervention and the time-scales
involved
3.
To represent the views, needs and rights of clients on a formal and
informal basis to others involved in their life and care
4.
To support clients who are vulnerable in making decisions about their
future housing, health, care and daily living needs
5.
To provide clients with accurate, up-to-date information taking due
consideration of relevant legislation including the Mental Health Act,
Mental Capacity Act and associated Code of Practices, as well as issues
such as confidentiality and client consent
6.
To maintain accurate, up-to-date case records, adhering to Age UK
Cheshire’s policy on confidentiality and client consent and the
requirements for Data Protection at all times
7.
To liaise with the Advocacy team, and support the Advocacy Volunteer
Co-ordinator with the training and induction of volunteer advocates to
ensure a consistent service across Cheshire
8.
To refer clients to other appropriate agencies as required
9.
To work according to Health and Safety policies and procedures
particularly those relating to home visiting and lone working
10. To work to the Quality Standards currently defined by the Community
Legal Service and Age UK.
11. To attend appropriate training and supervision sessions as required and
report regularly to the Senior Advocate according to agreed standards.
12. To undertake training to be able to undertake statutory Advocacy.
13. To assist in any fundraising activities organised by Age UK Cheshire
14. To be an active part of the team and to undertake clerical and
administrative duties required to service the post (when required)
15. To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Chief
Executive
INDEPENDENT MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE (IMHA)
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria:

A commitment to empowering older people to have choice and control over
their own care.
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A sound knowledge and understanding of the issues that affect the lives of
older people (such as community care, mental health, housing, benefits, debt,
etc.)
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Experience of mental health issues, including dementia and depression
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Knowledge of Mental Health legislation
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Organisational skills and an ability to work on own initiative and under
pressure
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Ability to work with a wide range of people from the statutory, voluntary and
private sectors.
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Good communication skills, both verbal and written, including case note
recording and report writing.
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Ability to approach issues objectively and diplomatically.
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Experience of service promotional work.
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Commitment to equal opportunities and confidentiality.
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Have use of a motor vehicle for work related use.
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IT skills, including Microsoft word processing, databases, internet and e.mail
Desirable Criteria:

Experience of working with older people and an understanding of the issues
which affect the quality of their lives
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Experience of working in the voluntary sector
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Experience of working with volunteers
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Prior experience in an IMHA or advocacy role
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Knowledge of the structure and organisation of local and health authorities.
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Counselling or listening skills training.
AGE UK CHESHIRE
TEMPORARY INDEPENDENT MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
(IMHA)
(This information does not constitute part of a contract of employment).
Age UK Cheshire has been running a Mental Health Advocacy Service for older
people across the county since 1999. The organisation is also contracted to run the
Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) and Independent Mental Health
Advocacy (IMHA) services for older people in Cheshire aged 65 and over. The
service is currently staffed by the Information Services Manager, a Senior Advocate,
four 25-hr post Advocates (comprising 2 IMCAs and 2 IMHAs), a Volunteer Coordinator, Administrative Assistant and a number of volunteer advocates.
This temporary post will be based at our Hartford office and the postholder will be
expected to undertake IMHA work, IMCA work (including DOLS) and general
advocacy across Cheshire. Full training will be given to equip them for the IMHA and
IMCA roles.
The post holder will be expected to comply with Age UK Cheshire's policies regarding
equal opportunities, health and safety and confidentiality. Age UK Cheshire has
achieved the Community Legal Service Quality Mark and works to ISO 9001 and
advocacy staff will be expected to work within these standards.
Hours: 12 hours per week, split over 2 or 3 days per week. Flexibility is available for
the right candidate and this will be discussed at interview.
Salary: is £7,356 per annum for hours worked.
Funding: This post is required on a temporary basis in order to provide cover for
maternity leave within Charity Services. It is expected that it will be required from
early June 2012 until June 2013.
Travel: The nature of the job will require travel across Cheshire. A full driving licence
and use of a car is essential. Travelling expenses will be paid for travel incurred in
the course of duty (paid at Inland Revenue dispensation rate – currently 45p per
mile).
Holiday Entitlement: Five weeks leave p.a. (excluding Bank Holidays).
Contract: All new staff are subject to a six month probationary period. One month’s
notice is required to terminate employment by either side i.e. the employee or Age
UK Cheshire. During the probationary period, one week’s notice is required by
either side.
Pension: Age UK Cheshire has a stakeholder pension scheme in place for eligible
employees.
Health Care: After the 6 months probationary period staff will automatically join the
Age UK Cheshire’s Health Care Cash Plan and will be entitled to receive healthcare
benefits.
Childcare Vouchers: After the 6 months probationary period staff will have the
option to make use of the Age UK Cheshire Childcare Voucher scheme (available
to eligible staff whilst in receipt of salary).
Criminal Disclosure: The post holder will be subject to police checking by the
Criminal Records Bureau (Enhanced Disclosure).
Age UK Cheshire is a Mindful Employer and positive actions will be taken to ensure
that people will not be excluded from working for Age UK Cheshire because of their
age, race, ethnicity, faith, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, physical or
mental health.
Closing Date for Applications: 5 pm Friday 1st June 2012
Interview Date: week commencing 11th June 2012