Job Description
Job Title
IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity Advocate)
Salary Scale
£21,830 - £24,278 FTE per annum
(appointed with Framework)
Reporting to
Supervising Advocate
Job Purpose

Within the IMCA contract, to provide non-instructed advocacy support to those defined
as lacking capacity, in relation to decisions being made regarding changes of NHS or
local authority accommodation and serious medical treatment issues.

To assist those making decisions relating to the above areas to arrive at conclusions
which, wherever possible, are informed by the views of service users, and which
safeguard their human rights.

Within the Care Act contract, to elicit a person’s views about the decision proposed
insofar as possible, using appropriate means of communication, and represent their
views or their likely views to those responsible for making decisions.
Key Responsibilities
1.
Act at all times to ensure the independence of the service, and function in accordance
with the philosophy and ethos of the organisation as defined by SEAP and its
Charitable Status.
2.
Respond to valid Mental Capacity Act referrals, within an appropriate time-frame
ensuring that a high quality, responsive and effective advocacy service is provided.
This will include the need to provide a rapid response time in urgent cases (for
example, emergency treatment) and occasionally may require some out of hours work.
3.
Obtain information about the person’s communication system/s, where necessary
liaising with other workers/carers.
4.
Work creatively, where necessary, using specialist communication systems, to
establish as far as possible the service user’s views, wishes and/or feelings.
5.
Where it is not possible to obtain the views of the person directly, explore alternative
methods of identifying their preferences by means of files, impressions of their views as
understood by those known to the person, and/or material written by the person prior to
lacking capacity.
6.
Ensure the service user’s human rights are protected, and due regard is given to
ensuring that the least restrictive option is pursued.
SEAP Job Description & Person Specification
February 2016
7.
Provide a clear written report to decision-makers, promoting the service user’s best
interests with regard to the course of action being considered, based on what it has
been possible to elicit with regard to the service user’s views.
8.
Promote, support and facilitate the development of the Independent Mental Capacity
Advocacy Service (IMCA) within the priorities agreed by SEAP.
9.
Work in partnership with key stakeholders including service providers, without
compromising the independence of the advocacy role
10.
Attend and participate in meetings as required, and deliver presentations on the work of
the project to a variety of audiences
11.
Accurately record case notes, statistical data and other records, completing
administrative tasks, and providing written reports as required
General
12.
To attend and participate in regular supervision, in line with SEAP’s supervision policy.
Participate in annual performance appraisals, training and internal meetings.
13.
Become familiar with, and work within, the policies, procedures and protocols of SEAP.
14.
Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with SEAP’s Equality
and Diversity Policy.
15.
Comply with individual responsibilities in relation to health and safety in the workplace
in accordance with SEAP’s Health & Safety Policy & Procedure.
16.
Undertake such other duties and tasks commensurate to the grade and character of
work. Therefore the above list of main tasks in this job description should not be
regarded as exclusive or exhaustive.
*Note This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties
may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of
responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot themselves
justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post. SEAP reserves the right to update the Job
Description from time to time to reflect these changes in or to the post after consultation about
any proposed changes.
SEAP Job Description & Person Specification
February 2016
Organisation Structure
Strategic Services
Development
Manager
Area Manager
Team Manager
Supervising
Advocate
Advocate
External Contacts







Service users, carers and relevant others
Statutory Agencies including managing and supervisory authorities.
Best Interest Assessors,
SEAP Advocacy Projects
Other Local Advocacy Projects
Patient and Public Involvement Forums / LINKS
Voluntary and Independent Organisations
Signatures
___________________________________________________________
Post Holder
Date
___________________________________________________________
Line Manager
Date
SEAP Job Description & Person Specification
February 2016
Person Specification
Job Title
IMCA
Salary
£21,830 - £24,278 FTE per annum (appointed with Framework)
Essential Criteria
Desirable Criteria
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
A good level of written and verbal English.
A good standard of general education.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge and understanding of the
principles and practice of advocacy and
empowerment, including non-instructed
advocacy
Working knowledge of the Mental Capacity
Act
Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act
Understanding of issues relating to mental
capacity and the provision of an effective
advocacy service to clients with mental health
issues, learning disabilities, dementia-type
illnesses and cognitive impairments
Working knowledge of Deprivation of Liberty
Safeguards
Thorough understanding of discrimination and
disability issues, equal opportunities and antidiscriminatory practice
Knowledge of the NHS and Social Services
Complaints Procedures
Understanding of the operation of the public,
private and voluntary sector
KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES
Strong communication skills and the ability to
communicate effectively with a wide range of
people at all levels
Specialist communication skills e.g. Makaton,
BSL, Symbol systems (Bliss, Wigit, PEX).
Strong advocacy , representation, listening
and negotiation skills
Ability to promote the service and to give
presentations to a variety of audiences
Ability to liaise with service providers, carers
and families without compromising the
advocacy role
Competent in the skills needed to operate a
computer and undertake own administrative
tasks
SEAP Job Description & Person Specification
February 2016
Ability to organise your own workload, to work
under pressure and to deadlines
Ability to maintain information systems and
keep accurate, up to date records
Ability to collate information and write clear
reports within tight timeframes
EXPERIENCE
Experience of providing advocacy
Experience of working in one or more of the
following specialist areas: learning
disabilities, mental health, dementia,
cognitive impairment
PERSONAL / BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES
Commitment to working in partnership with
clients, equal opportunities
practice/anti-discriminatory practice and to the
promotion of civil and human rights
Commitment to the ethos of SEAP and
adherence to its policies and procedures
Commitment to own professional development
Willingness to attend and participate in
supervision and undertake training
Flexible and creative approach
High self-motivation and commitment
Empathic personality
OTHER
Must be based within 20-30 minutes of the
locality and able to travel throughout the
immediate region, including occasional travel
to Head Office in Hastings when required.
Clean driving license and have access to a car
for work
Flexibility including the ability to work unsocial
hours
SEAP Job Description & Person Specification
February 2016