Job summary
The Mental Health Legislation Team are seeking to appoint a motivated, experienced person to the post of MHL Officer based within the MHL Department at West Park Hospital. The post holder will have responsibility for administration of the MHA for a number of patients in the Darlington area.
The successful candidate will be a member of a team of MHL Officers based at various Trust hospital sites with responsibility for ensuring the lawful administration and implementation of the Mental Health Act for detained or Community Treatment Order patients. The role carries a level of responsibility and requires the ability to work autonomously and as a team player with good prioritisation and excellent communication skills. NVQ level 3 or equivalent is essential and knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act is required and ideally experience of working within a mental health and/or learning disabilities setting.
You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the role are.
To hold a caseload of patients subject to the MHA and ensure that all aspects of the MHA are administered lawfully and effectively.
To use Microsoft applications and Paris ECR, including MHA module and Cito on a daily basis. Use of Datix and IIC.
To arrange and attend Hospital Managers hearings ensuring that the process is adhered to and the rights of the patients are upheld.
To arrange Mental Health Tribunals, working within strict deadlines and complying with tribunal rules and processes.
The post holder may be required to work in locations other than those specifiedin the job description as required by service need.
About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Date posted
12 March 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£26,530 to £29,114 a year Per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
346-CORP-029-25
Job locations
West Park Hospital
Edward Pease Way
Darlington
DL2 2TS
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will act on behalf of the Hospital Managers (the Trust Board) in relation to the implementation of Mental Health Legislation.
They will ensure that the provisions in relation to all Mental Health Legislation (. Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Capacity Act 2005), are implemented in accordance with the legislative requirements, Codes of Practice requirements and National and Government Guidance across the Trust.
They will be required to demonstrate a high level of specialist knowledge and provide expert administrative support and guidance in relation to Mental Health Legislation to staff of all disciplines and from all agencies and specialities across the Trust.
Additional contact details -
Alternative contact
Jacqueline Ramsey
MHL Team Manager
01642 837362
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. NVQ Level 3 Business Administration or equivalent experience
Experience
Essential
2. Significant experience of working effectively with clinicians, social care, partner agencies and stakeholders.
3. Significant experience of communicating with people and departments outside of the usual span of influence.
Desirable
4. Experience of using the Paris electronic care record.
Knowledge
Essential
5. Able to demonstrate a knowledge of the legal and operational framework of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act
Skills
Essential
6. Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
7. Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence.
8. Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks.
Personal Attributes
Essential
9. Able to work in accordance with the Staff Compact and Trust Values and Behaviours.
10. High level of self-motivation.
11. Ability to work both autonomously and independently and as part of a team.
12. Ability to travel independently in accordance with Trust policies and service need.