Senior Culturally Appropriate Independent Advocate

Gaddum has been selected by the DHSC to deliver the ‘Culturally Appropriate Advocacy Pilot Phase II’ from October 2023 to March 2025. Gaddum will deliver this pilot scheme in partnership with our established partners, African & Caribbean Mental Health Services (ACMHS). We have built on the learnings from our Phase I pilot to deliver a coproduced Culturally Appropriate Advocacy service for People of Colour in Greater Manchester in inpatient psychiatric and community settings.

 

Background

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is commissioning Culturally Appropriate Advocacy Pilots to improve outcomes for people from racially marginalised backgrounds who are detained under the Mental Health Act or at risk of detention. This is one of the key recommendations from the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act (2018) and is a policy commitment in the Government White Paper Reforming the Mental Health Act (2021).

 

Outline of Service:

·       Co-production of the Advocacy service design in partnership with racially marginalised people who are detained under the Mental Health Act or previously have been.

·       Group and 1-to-1 Advocacy sessions in inpatient and community settings for racially marginalised people who are detained under the Mental Health Act (or at risk of detention) in Greater Manchester.

·       Providing training on Culturally Appropriate Advocacy and the challenges racially marginalised people face when accessing Mental Health services to increase awareness.

 

Job Purpose of Senior Culturally Appropriate Independent Advocate

·       To increase the say and satisfaction of racially marginalised patients about their care and treatment during detention under the Mental Health Act through group and 1-to-1 Advocacy.

·       To provide Advocacy to support positive outcomes for people from racially marginalized groups who are detained under the Mental Health Act (e.g. reduced length of stay, effective uptake of positive pathways to care and reduction in re-detention).

·       To increase access to culturally appropriate advocacy in Greater Manchester to people detained under the Mental Health Act (or at risk of detention).

·       Increase understanding, awareness and positive attitudes towards Culturally Appropriate Advocacy and the challenges being faced by people from ethnic minority groups when accessing Mental Health services.

·       To potentially line manage a maximum of 1 Culturally Appropriate Independent Advocate or student social worker placement.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide Advocacy support to individuals and groups

·       To facilitate group Advocacy in inpatient psychiatric settings and community settings to people that are detained under the Mental Health Act or at risk for detention.

·       To provide 1-to-1 Advocacy for racially marginalised people in inpatient and community sessions.

·       To facilitate the co-production of resources to support Group Advocacy.

·       To keep accurate and up to date casework records.

·       To provide Advocacy to ensure the individual’s views, wishes and feelings are heard.

·       To ascertain, where possible, users’ wishes and feelings using a range of communication methods which best suit the person. 

·       To provide non-instructed advocacy to individuals who are unable to express their wishes and feelings.

·       To consult with other parties where relevant and to access relevant records in line with Gaddum Centre’s confidentiality policy.  

 

Coproduction and Development of service

·       Establishing, developing and facilitating coproduction sessions across Greater Manchester to design service with input from people with Lived Experience.

·       Developing Culturally Appropriate Advocacy and IMHA training for new Culturally Appropriate Advocates.

·       Developing relationships with affiliate partners form the VCSE sector across Greater Manchester with support from Culturally Appropriate Advocacy Service Manager.

·       Develop relationships with NHS Foundation Trusts with support from Culturally Appropriate Advocacy Service Manager. 

·       Developing referral routes that align with service needs with support from Culturally Appropriate Advocacy Service Manager.

·       Developing communication materials including Easy Read Guides.

 

Management of staff

·       Provide 1:1 supervision and casework support to 1 Culturally Appropriate Independent Advocate.

·       Identify staff training and development needs as part of supervision and appraisal process.

 

Service Development and Engagement

·       Support the development of the Culturally Appropriate Advocacy service including developing policies and procedures in line with best practice.

·       Develop and maintain relationships with colleagues in NHS Mental Health services, provide training and awareness sessions on Culturally Appropriate Advocacy and the challenges racially marginalised people can face when accessing Mental Health services.

·       Take a solution-focused and evidence-based approach to service challenges.

 

Contract Monitoring

·       Report to the Culturally Appropriate Advocacy Services Manager on the delivery of the service as needed.

·       To support the Culturally Appropriate Advocacy Services Manager and Administrator to ensure monitoring reports are completed line with contract requirements.

·       To contribute to the production of monthly and quarterly reports as requested.

·       Undertake initial investigations into complaints relating to the service.

 

Training and development

·       To keep up to date with relevant policy, legislation and case law.

·       Attend and participate in training as required.

·       Effectively engage in supervisions and appraisals.

·       Effectively engage in team meetings and peer support discussion with colleagues at Gaddum and ACMHS.

 

Other responsibilities:

·       To respond to enquiries and calls coming into the service in a professional and knowledgeable manner.

·       To be aware of personal safety and security when carrying out work.

·       To support activities that promote social inclusion, equality and social justice.

·       Represent Gaddum Advocacy at meetings, forums and events where appropriate.

 

Our values and policies:

·       To adhere to Gaddum Policies and Procedures, including Safeguarding and Confidentiality.

·       To uphold Gaddum’s values of being: Supportive, Empowering, Professional, Diverse and Innovative.

·       To work as a team with colleagues.

·       To promote the work of Gaddum.