Mental Health Act Co-ordinator
Come and join us
We're looking for people who share our values (compassion, accountability and optimism) to help us provide high quality care to the patients, carers, families and local communities we serve. We specialise in providing NHS mental health and learning disability services.
So what can we offer you in return?
We're an organisation which puts people first. We'll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. We'll help you learn, acquire new skills and gain further experience to support your career development. And we'll provide the opportunity for you to bring your fresh ideas to work about how we can do things differently and continue improving.
You will also be joining a health and care system committed to working together to do the best we can for the communities we serve. Above all, at Sussex Partnership you'll have the chance to make a difference to the lives of the patients, carers and families across our communities.
As a Trust we are committed in making a difference. Your development is important to us, so don't forget to ask us during interview what opportunities we can offer. We can offer fully funded lifelong learning opportunities such as an apprenticeship from GCSE to Masters level.
If you like the sound of that, then come and join our team.
Job overview
The post holder will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to undertake the administration of the Mental Health Act 1983 including ensuring the accuracy of MHA administration data, both in electronic and paper format- accepting and scrutinising documentation relating to a patient’s detention and taking the necessary action.To include cover for other Mental Health Act team colleagues in the East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove MHA teams to ensure continuity of administration of the Act.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will be expected to undertake tasks independently in line with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust policies and procedures and the Standards for Mental Health Act Administration.
The postholder will be required to respond to queries appropriate to their job role, referring more complex queries to the Mental Health Act Services Officer as appropriate.
To attend regular supervisions, Mental Health Act Team meetings and others as necessary.
Answer staff queries regarding the administration of the Act, associated legislation and the relevant processes in place to support these.
Undertake necessary personal development to ensure up-to-date and continuing knowledge and understanding of legal requirements of MHA and associated legislation, case law and government guidance to help protect the Trust from possible litigation due to non-compliance with legal requirements and statutory guidance relevant to their role and responsibilities
Use personal computer and other systems in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and Trust policies on Computer Security.
The post holder will support clerking of Tribunal and Hospital Manager Hearings on site and on the units within East Sussex
To carry out other duties appropriate to the banding as and when required.
Attend other training as necessary as specified by the Trust.
Working for our organisation
The successful candidate must be enthusiastic, willing to learn administrative and legislative processes, to work as part of a team but be self-motivated and have ability to work without supervision. The job is busy and varied and requires an eye for detail and an enquiring mind.
We offer you an opportunity to work in a unique administrative role, in a vibrant team, with potential for structured learning and personal development.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- To undertake Receipt & Scrutiny of Mental Health Act detention papers.
- To arrange and support patient hearings.
- To ensure patient clinical records are updated.
- To provide advice and guidance on the administration and application of the Mental Health Act.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- A sound educational background with good analytical and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Willingness and ability to learn quickly and gain a working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and associated legislation.
- Certificate in Mental Health Law (or similar qualification) or significant relevant experience
Knowledge/Experience
Essential criteria- Experience in a working environment with regular contact with work colleagues/public.
- Previous experience in a lead administrative role
- Ability to learn to understand and interpret provisions of the Mental Health Act and associated legislation, seeking appropriate advice and guidance where necessary
- Previous NHS experience
Skills
Essential criteria- Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy to all relevant professionals, patients, relatives and carers
- Ability to understand and interpret statute law, statutory and non-statutory guidance.
- High level of accuracy and an eye for detail required in all aspects of job role.
- The ability to prioritise work to meet legal and local deadlines.
- Ability to work alone and a committed team member and prioritise own workload.
- Ability to work alongside new members of staff allocating tasks as appropriate and playing a supportive role in their knowledge and skills development.
- Use of computer based systems and programmes – Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point and email
- Computer literate, including ability to obtain information/guidance from legal databases and government websites, etc.
- Accurate data entry and high quality typing skills.
- Ability to concentrate on specific activities when under pressure.
- Ability to deal with multiple and conflicting deadlines and demands.
- Respect and understand the need for confidentiality.
- Self-motivated, adaptable and flexible with a conscientious approach to work.
Sussex Partnership NHS FT is committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our communities. Our workforce is currently under-represented from Black and Minority, Ethnic and disabled communities and we would welcome applications from these communities.
We regret that we are unable to advise candidates if they have not been shortlisted. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
In the event of an excessive number of applicants the Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy earlier than indicated.
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust takes its responsibilities for the safeguarding and protection of children and young people and vulnerable adults very seriously and expects this of all its employees and bank workers. The Trust works with adult and children’s social care to ensure that the integrated service has systems in place to equip staff and bank workers with the knowledge and skills to recognize abuse, and take action to safeguard and protect vulnerable adults and children and young people.It is expected that all staff and bank workers familiarise themselves with the appropriate structures and policies and with the Sussex child protection and safeguarding procedures and the Sussex multi-agency policy and procedures for safeguarding vulnerable adults and undertake the relevant essential training and further training appropriate to their role.
Successful candidates are normally offered salaries at the bottom of the relevant salary range. However, where previous or equivalent NHS experience in a similar role can be demonstrated and evidenced, this may be taken into consideration when setting the starting salary.