Job Description

Independent Mental Health advocate Advocacy service Arnold Lodge

Application Deadline: 10 April 2026

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Health and Advocacy (H&A)

Reporting To: Rebecca Lilley

Compensation: £27323.51 per annum pro rata (basic salary) plus £620 per annum pro rata (geographical allowance)

Arnold Lodge

Are you a qualified Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) or passionate about becoming one?

Do you want to make a meaningful difference to the lives of patients detained under the Mental Health Act within a medium secure forensic setting?

We are seeking a committed, skilled and compassionate advocate to join our team.

What We’re Looking For

Experience:
• Ideally 3+ years’ experience as an IMHA or within mental health services, general healthcare, or other public-facing roles (including customer service).
Qualifications:
• A Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ) or a willingness to work towards it within your first year in post.
Communication Skills:
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people using varied and adaptable communication approaches.
Organisation:
• Strong note taking, record keeping and time management skills.
Professionalism:
• The ability to manage complex, sensitive and challenging situations with confidence, empathy and clarity.
Safeguarding & Compliance:
• A DBS check is required for this role.

What You Will Do

As an IMHA, you will work directly with individual patients to:
• Provide information, support and representation.
• Empower them to participate in decisions about their care, treatment, legal rights and daily life.
• Ensure their views are heard and respected in all relevant processes.

Training & Development

You will be required to complete all mandatory training and job related learning activities.
Please note: this includes annual breakaway and physical disengagement training, which requires a level of physical ability.

If you’re driven by compassion, committed to upholding people’s rights and ready to empower individuals at some of the most critical moments in their lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Part Time - 22.5 hours per week
£27323.51 per annum pro rata (basic salary) plus £620 per annum pro rata (geographical allowance)

Key Responsibilities

Essential

• Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals gained from paid work and/or voluntary and/or life experience.
• Understanding of the principals of advocacy.
• Understanding of the specific role, purpose and responsibilities of an Independent Mental Health Advocate.
• Understanding of discrimination and its effects.
• Experience of liaison and negotiation with health and social care professionals.
• Competence in the use of email and word processing software.
• Demonstrate a non-judgemental attitude.
• Able to be empathetic towards service users and create a trusting environment.
• Ability to work alongside individuals experiencing mental distress.
• Ability to work in partnership with services users.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries when working with service users.
• Ability to establish and maintain a safe environment.
• Ability to be adaptable and resourceful in overcoming challenges.
• Committed to work in ways which reflect Together’s values.
• Always safeguard the wellbeing of patients and colleagues.

Desirable

• Experience of working in an advocacy or care setting.
• IAQ Level 4 in Independent Mental Health Advocacy.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Essential

• Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals gained from paid work and/or voluntary and/or life experience.
• Understanding of the principals of advocacy.
• Understanding of the specific role, purpose and responsibilities of an Independent Mental Health Advocate.
• Understanding of discrimination and its effects.
• Experience of liaison and negotiation with health and social care professionals.
• Competence in the use of email and word processing software.
• Demonstrate a non-judgemental attitude.
• Able to be empathetic towards service users and create a trusting environment.
• Ability to work alongside individuals experiencing mental distress.
• Ability to work in partnership with services users.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries when working with service users.
• Ability to establish and maintain a safe environment.
• Ability to be adaptable and resourceful in overcoming challenges.
• Committed to work in ways which reflect Together’s values.
• Always safeguard the wellbeing of patients and colleagues.

Desirable

• Experience of working in an advocacy or care setting.
• IAQ Level 4 in Independent Mental Health Advocacy.

Job Benefits

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

Benefits of Working for Together


About Together for Mental Wellbeing