Mental Health Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Administrator
We are seeking to recruit someone who has a genuine interest in mental health, learning disability, and neurodiversity, especially in the application of the legal framework that protects patients' rights should they be detained under the Mental Health Act or cared for under the framework of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards in a hospital inpatient unit.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small busy team that is passionate about ensuring that patients and family members are supported and aware of their rights.
The role of the MHA administrator requires excellent administration skills and attention to detail - it is an administrative job with a real focus on upholding the rights of patients and their families (Nearest Relative). It is a role where there are infinite opportunities to learn about the statutory framework that determines how people receive care, support, and treatment.
The team provides support to a range of staff who may have questions about patients' legal status. The team works closely with the First Tier Tribunal service to arrange tribunal panels for patients and with Hospital Managers, all of which have a key role in safeguarding patients' rights.
Mental health services are facing a time of change; the Kings' Speech emphasized a new Mental Health Act is very much on the horizon. Joining the team now is an opportunity to be involved in applying new legislation which puts patients at the center of treatment and care.
Main duties of the job
1. Receiving detention papers, checking that they are legally valid or whether rectifications are possible; this can involve physically collecting papers from inpatient units and the general hospital.
2. Entering details of legal status on the patients' electronic record.
3. Writing to the patient and their Nearest Relative to make them aware of their detention and rights of appeal.
4. Entering section expiry dates, consent to treatment dates.
5. Answering phone calls from a range of people, including patients, family members, members of staff, solicitors, Ministry of Justice, First Tier Tribunal Service, etc.
6. Submitting applications to the Tribunal and preparing statements for the tribunal.
7. Meeting and greeting the tribunal and clerking the tribunals.
About us
We provide mental health, learning disability, and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist and secure services for the wider south-west region and nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health and wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise and resources within our organization, and through our partnerships, to deliver high-quality services that are safe and focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families, and carers in everything we do.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who possess and demonstrate the behaviors which underpin our Trust's core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity, and compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile, making time for people, challenging ourselves and others, and being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer, and applications are encouraged and welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part-time and flexible working applications will be considered and supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity, or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* NVQ level 3/4 in administration, similar administration qualification, or equivalent experience.
* Certificate in MHA Law qualification.
Experience
* Office experience and working as part of a small busy team.
* Experience of working with mental health services or personal/life experience of mental ill health.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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