Mental Health Act Administrator

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to apply for the post of part-time Mental Health Act Administrator within the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. We are looking for a bright, enthusiastic and flexible individual prepared to acquire a working knowledge of the operation and application of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) and related legislation to work as part of a small, close knit team in this extremely busy department, dealing with a complex specialised area of work.

You will report to the Head of MHA and MCA and be a member of the Mental Health Legislation Team. You will be based in The Redwoods Centre, Shrewsbury, however may on occasion be required to work and provide cover at St George's Hospital, Stafford.

On a day to day basis you will deliver, maintain and promote operational compliance with statutory legislation in respect of the administration of the MHA, safeguarding and promoting the rights of some of our most vulnerable patients.

You will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, a methodical and flexible approach, the ability to work under pressure and a keen eye for detail. You will also be confident in dealing with professionals at all levels both internal and external to the organisation, place a great deal of importance on accuracy and have the ability to work as part of a team.

Main duties of the job

Duties will include:

the checking, acceptance, processing and administration of Mental Health Act documentation;

organisation and co-ordination of patient appeal and renewal hearings;

maintenance of accurate computer and manual patient related systems;

shared management of the departmental generic email boxes;

deal with queries from ward staff and other professionals with regard to any aspect of paperwork in relation to the Mental Health Act, including Section 17, Consent to Treatment and Second Opinion documentation.

You will be expected to acquire a full working knowledge of the legislation relating to patients' detentions and become conversant with the duties of other posts within the Department. You must be willing and able to undergo training and development on an ongoing basis to achieve the required standard and knowledge.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job responsibilities

This role isnot eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

• Provide a comprehensive service for the Trust in the implementation and monitoring of the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), Mental Capacity Act 2005 (as amended) and related Code of Practice and guidance documents
• Co-ordinate and organise patient appeal and renewal hearings (Managers Meetings and Mental Health Tribunals) in accordance with policies and procedures, liaising with health and social services professionals, including hospital and community staff, solicitors, Non-Executive Directors and Associate Hospital Managers, and Mental Health Tribunal members and staff
• Attend Managers Meetings and advise on any issues relating to the documentation and points of law required by the Panel.
• Ensure accurate manual and computer records are maintained in respect of patient hearing dates and outcomes
• Deal with queries from ward staff and other professionals with regard to any aspect of paperwork in relation to the Mental Health Act, including Section 17, Consent to Treatment and Second Opinion documentation
• Visit patients in a ward setting to discuss any aspect of detention, application to the Managers of the Hospital or to the Mental Health Tribunal. Assist with their application in a sensitive and communicative manner where necessary
• Responsible for ensuring that all medical recommendations for detention are scrutinised by an independent Clinical Professional in a timely manner
• On notification of a detained patients intended transfer to another hospital, arrange for legal documentation to be delivered to the ward or to the receiving hospital in order for the transfer to take place, liaising with the receiving hospital as necessary
• Respond to telephone queries by patients or relatives regarding any correspondence which may have been sent to them in relation to the Mental Health Act
• Authorised on behalf of the Trust Board to accept Mental Health Act documentation during normal working hours, ensuring paperwork is legal, valid and correct and that service users rights are observed at all times
• The post holder must have a good working knowledge of the operation and application of the Mental Health Act1983 (as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007), Mental Capacity Act 2005 (including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards), and Human Rights Act 1998. They must be capable of understanding the importance of adhering to guidance and policy and the impact of detention upon patients rights and liberty. They must ensure that they keep up to date with changing policies and procedures, statute and guidance in relation to this legislation
• Ensure Mental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act documentation and supporting paperwork is correctly filed in patients files (paper and electronic)
• Ensure that all systems which monitor the expiration of sections, consent due dates and automatic Tribunal dates of patients held under the Mental Health Act are kept up to date and accurate
• Monitor Renewal and Consent due dates and ensure documentation is received in accordance with the Act
• Ensure that automatic referrals are made for Tribunal hearings in accordance with statutory timescales
• Prepare and deliver training on the Mental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act
• Provide cover for Mental Health Legislation staff across the Trust as required
• Cover key aspects of the Head of Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act / Mental Capacity Act Leads roles as required

Person specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

• Portfolio of experience or qualification in Mental Health Law
• ECDL or qualification in computer use.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in the administration of the Mental Health Act and/or Mental Capacity Act (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards).

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with a wide range of different healthcare and other professionals, senior managers and external agencies

Skills, knowledge and attributes

Essential

• Good working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards).
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to meet travel requirements of the role.
• Build, develop and maintain effective working relationships
• To be computer literate

Desirable

• Able to provide effective training on MHA, MCA and related legislation to professional staff

Personal attributes

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal skills, able to communicate with patients, relatives and staff at all levels.
• Able to manage time effectively, prioritise work, have good organisational skills, and have a flexible working approach.
• Able to deal with an unpredictable work pattern and conflicting demands
• Ability to ensure work is accurate, even when working under pressure.
• Team worker.

Desirable

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to continued personal development.