Independent Professional Advocate (IPA)

Salary: £14,165.92 – £15,998.03 (Actual)

Hours: 21 per week

Pension: 9% employer’s contribution

Line Management: Advocacy Manager

Accountable to: Mental Health Matters Wales’ Board of Directors

Office Base in: Swansea

Purpose of the post

To provide an Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) Service as identified within the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, Part 10 which states “Local authorities must arrange for the provision of an independent professional advocate when a person can only overcome the barrier(s) to participate fully in the assessment, care and support planning, review and safeguarding processes with assistance from an appropriate individual, but there is no appropriate individual available.”

To promote self-advocacy and to provide formal advocacy to people living within Swansea County Borough who experience mental health issues, physical disabilities, sensory impairment issues, or those with dementia.

To actively promote the purpose and importance of IPA to professionals based in community settings and healthcare settings where clients may be in receipt or require Social Services support.

Main duties

1. To provide an Independent Professional Advocacy service to individuals in line with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, within Swansea.
2. Provide IPA support to clients which may include accompanying clients to meetings, or support in writing letters to represent and/or negotiate on their behalf as requested.
3. To work in such a way as to encourage clients to self-advocate as much as possible via training/coaching/rehearsing.
4. To provide clear information to enable clients to understand their rights and to make informed choices on options available to them.
5. To make and maintain secure, accurate and confidential case records.
6. To maintain contacts in the community.
7. In conjunction with the IPA manager and Swansea Council, work to maximise the potential for the future development of the IPA service.
8. In conjunction with the manager, actively develop and maintain links with other advocacy groups within Swansea.

Corporate Responsibilities

1. To adhere to and implement MHM Wales’ philosophy, aims and objectives and policies and procedures.
2. To contribute fully to team meetings, working groups and in-house training.
3. To attend and fully engage in supervision (or annual performance review) with the IPA Manager.
4. To identify and attend training as necessary.
5. To regularly monitor, upkeep and disseminate statistical information as required.
6. To undertake other duties identified as reasonable and necessary within the scope of this post.
7. To network with other Mental Health Matters Wales staff members to promote and facilitate integrated and cohesive services.

Other duties

1. To be willing and able to undertake the Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Independent Advocacy within 12 months of undertaking the post.
2. To provide occasional cover for IMCAs/PRPR role.

General

The post holder may be required from time to time to perform other duties that fall within the scope of this post to ensure the efficient running of the organisation. Other than when central office admin support is available, to be administratively self-servicing.