Job Title

AtCAUSE , we support families and carers of those with severe mental illness. We're looking for aCarer Advocateto join our team at Beechcroft, the regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health inpatient unit. In this vital role, you’ll provide emotional and practical support to parents and carers of young people receiving treatment. Job Title:Carer Advocate (CAMHS) Beechcroft Location: Beechcroft Belfast with some community-based work Hours:21 hours per week Contract:Permanent (subject to ongoing funding) Salary:£26,158 per annum pro-rata (based on 35-hour FT week), £15,695 working 21hrs per week Accountable to:Head of Operations What Success Looks Like: You’ll build trusted relationships with carers, helping them navigate the mental health system and ensuring their voices are heard by professionals. You’ll also liaise with staff across the unit to promote a whole-family approach to care. How This Role Fits In: As part of our dedicated advocacy team, you’ll be central to CAUSE’s mission of amplifying carer voices and improving outcomes for families affected by mental illness. You’ll work closely with professionals in health and social care to influence change and ensure families are supported throughout their journey. Key ResponsibilitiesProvide emotional and practical support to parents and carers of young people in CAMHS Help families express their needs and concerns, including preparing for tribunal appeals Attend and support carers during discharge planning and other key meetings Work collaboratively with family therapists at Beechcroft to ensure coordinated support Deliver educational support groups for carers on-site at Beechcroft Commit to one evening shift per week at Beechcroft (typically Thursday) Promote CAUSE’s services to families, carers, and professionals Work closely with CAMHS teams and service providers to strengthen carer involvement Support the CAUSE Helpline as part of a rota and contribute to outreach initiatives Participate in conferences, events, and workshops to raise awareness and share learning Represent CAUSE and carers in service planning, consultations, and development forums Stay up to date with mental health policy, carer rights, and service changes Assist with service monitoring, evaluation, and reporting in line with work plans Maintain accurate, confidential records and uphold data protection standards Ensure compliance with safeguarding, legal, GDPR, and organisational policies Be willing to travel and work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends Qualifications & SkillsEssential: Personal experience caring for a child/adolescent with mental ill health,ora loved one with serious mental illness A qualification in a relevant field (e.g. Social Work, Health and Social Care, Counselling, Community Work, Business Development, Degree, BTEC, HND, HNC, etc.) Recognised mental health or personal development training (e.g. Recovery College courses) Good understanding of mental health and carer issues Experience supporting or advocating for individuals in emotionally complex situations Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence in advocacy roles Ability to work independently and collaboratively with professionals and peers Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication tools Full driving licence or access to transport during working hours Willingness to work flexibly, including one evening per week (typically Thursday) Desirable: Post-secondary education or further training in mental health, advocacy, or family support Experience delivering educational or support group sessions Familiarity with CAMHS, the health and social care system, or the voluntary/community sector Understanding of carer rights, mental health tribunals, and relevant structures Our Values As a representative of CAUSE, you will be expected to promote our core values of: Compassion – providing empathetic, understanding support to carers. Empowerment – helping families find their voice and navigate systems. Integrity – being transparent, trustworthy, and respectful in all you do. How to Apply You can request or submit your application by: Email: info@.uk Phone: 028 9065 0650 Post: CAUSE, Unit 2 Lesley Office Park, 393 Holywood Rd, Belfast, BT4 2LS Deadline for applications: Monday 25th August 2025 at 2.00pm CAUSE is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and actively welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be made to support applicants with disabilities. Flexible working arrangements may be considered.#J-18808-Ljbffr