JOB DESCRIPTION:
Job Title: Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)
Salary: £25,000 – £26,000 per year (FTE) - depending on experience
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Contract: Fixed-term for 2 years (extension subject to funding)
Location: Office-based in Derby City with travel across Derby City and the surrounding areas
Reports to: Advocacy Services Manager
Requirement: Must hold Level 4 Independent Advocacy Qualification with IMCA specialism
Travel: Must have access to own vehicle with business insurance – mileage reimbursed
About the Service
Disability Direct Advocacy is commissioned by Derby City Council to deliver Independent Advocacy in Derby City.
We provide specialist independent advocacy support focused on one-to-one, issue-based advocacy services.
Disability Direct Advocacy delivers the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy service (IMCA) including the Relevant Persons Paid Representative Role (RPPR) under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), the Independent Mental Health Advocacy service (IMHA), Independent Advocacy under Care Act 2014, NHS Complaints Advocacy and Non-statutory Advocacy in Derby City.
Role Purpose
The IMCA will provide statutory independent advocacy to support adults who lack capacity to make specific decisions, ensuring their rights, wishes, feelings, and beliefs are represented in decisions about serious medical treatment, accommodation moves, safeguarding processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver statutory IMCA advocacy in line with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), and relevant guidance.
- Receive and respond to IMCA referrals in accordance with service timescales.
- Establish contact with decision-makers, social workers, health professionals, and the person’s informal network where relevant.
- Meet the person in the most appropriate setting to understand their wishes, feelings, beliefs, values, and preferred outcomes.
- Examine relevant health and social care records to gather information necessary for the IMCA report where appropriate.
- Prepare high-quality IMCA reports that describes the benefits and burden of all available options as well as introducing possible additional alternative options for the attention of decision makers, and that clearly represent the person’s views.
- Raise safeguarding concerns and conduct issues in accordance with Disability Direct’s and Derby City Council’s safeguarding procedures where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate case notes and records on the case management system.
- Attend professionals’ meetings, best-interest meetings.
- Work within the Advocacy Charter, Advocacy Code of Practice, and statutory IMCA legislation and Codes of Practice.
- Ensure communication support needs are met, arranging interpreters, BSL, Makaton, or alternative methods when required.
- Participate in supervision, reflective practice, and team meetings.
- Ability to support other areas of advocacy where appropriate.
Person Specification
Essential
- Level 4 Independent Advocacy Qualification with IMCA specialism.
- Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, and best-interest decision-making processes and the Advocacy Charter.
- Ability to analyse and interpret professional reports and records.
- Excellent written communication skills, particularly report writing.
- Ability to challenge decision-making and escalate where appropriate in a professional manner.
- High level of resilience and ability to work independently.
- Experience of managing a caseload and working to a deadline.
- Experience supporting adults with cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, dementia, or brain injury.
- IT competency, including Word, Excel, and case management systems.
- Full driving licence and access to own vehicle.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
Desirable
- Previous experience working with Adult Social Care, NHS clinical teams, safeguarding, or multidisciplinary settings.
- Training or proficiency in BSL, Makaton, or alternative communication methods.
Disclosure and Barring Service
In accordance with Disability Direct policy, the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced screening by the DBS.
Probation Period
3 months – with possible extension if performance review is required.
Benefits
- 5.8 weeks per year pro rata to include bank holidays.
- 5% employer contribution to the company pension scheme (matched by the employee)
- Employee Assistance Programme, which gives access to Digital GP service, Remote counselling, coaching support and much more.
- Death in service and critical illness insurance.
- Up to 10 days sick pay pro rata depending on length of service
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months
Pay: £26,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Life insurance
Licence/Certification:
- Level 4 Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy qualification (required)
Work Location: In person
