Mental Health Advocacy in Pembrokeshire



JOB DESCRIPTION

Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)

Accountable to: MAP Management Committee

Responsible to: The Senior Advocate

Pay Scale: NJC Scale 29-32 (£24,646-£27,052) pro rata

Hours: 37 hours per week (In a 37 hour week)

Summary of Role

Based in Haverfordwest you will be part of MAP’s 3 Counties IMHA service providing Independent Mental Health Advocacy to Qualifying Patients.

Main Duties

• To provide Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) in hospital and community settings as defined under the Mental Health Act 1983 and amended by the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010.

• To develop systems for:

o Referral – Prioritisation and Case load management including the maintenance of accurate records.

o Monitoring and reviewing service provision that include quarterly and annual reports

o Quality assurance and complaints

• To liaise and develop relationships and good working practices with other mental health service providers.

• To contribute to the raising of awareness of MAP’s IMHA Service.

• To work within MAP policies and procedures

• To work within the principles of advocacy good practice

• To ensure own development needs are met and attend training as necessary

• To attend and contribute to meetings agreed with senior advocate

• To attend and participate in MAP’s supervisory policy and structure

• To work within MAP’s confidentiality policy

• To practice safely and carry out your responsibilities laid out within the health & safety policy

• To contribute to the development, promotion and quality of the entire MAP activities

• To participate in MAP’s appraisal process

• To undertake training as necessary including accredited training in order to provide Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)

• To provide cover for other advocates in Carmarthenshire and other areas of South West Wales as and when necessary.

• To carry out other duties on behalf of the management committee and senior advocate as required

This job description will be reviewed on a regular basis, at least annually and may be subject to changes.

Person Specification

Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)

1. Essential

i) Experience of people with serious mental health problems.

ii) Experience of the complex issues surrounding mental health, the implementation of the mental health act, the network of community services and the need for advocacy.

iii) Awareness and understanding of the particular need for independent mental health advocacy and the role of an IMHA as defined under the Mental Health Act 1983 and amended by the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010.

iv) An understanding of the voluntary sector.

v) Evidence of the ability to listen effectively to people’s needs and accurately represent them to others.

vi) Able to communicate effectively with a range of people in different circumstances.

vii) Experience of working on your own initiative, recognising the need for personal support and ensuring it is met.

viii) A professional approach to working within a dedicated team.

ix) Ability to drive, with current licence, and a vehicle available for use in connection with the work.

x) A commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

xi) Computer literate, able to do own word processing, organise information, prepare and present reports and maintain accurate records.

xii) Able to work occasional out of hours session i.e. weekends, evenings.

xiii) To keep up to date with developments locally and nationally related to mental health matters.

2. Desirable

i) Ability to speak Welsh or a commitment to learning the language.

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