Job summary Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (DHCFT) operate a Service Level Agreement providing Metal Health Act administration support to the University Hospital of Derby and Burton (UHDB). This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic. self-motivated, and organised individual to join a well-established MHA team in a role that has room for expansion. The successful candidate will have the autonomy to grow the role to achieve the broad aim of supporting UHDB to remain compliant with their MHA processes and procedure and the education of their staff. This is an exciting career development opportunity to enhance existing MHA knowledge and skills. The successful candidate must have extensive knowledge of the Mental Health Act, maintaining management systems and experience of building relationships. A clear understanding of the complexities of the MHA 1983, MCA 2005 and DoLS is essential in this role, as is the ability to recognise relevant changes to current legislation and to disseminate information appropriately within this area of responsibility. It is essential to keep up to date with ever changing case law The role will be based at Royal Derby Hospital and will require periodic travel to other sites operated by UHDB, DCHFT and DCHS. Main duties of the job Ability to produce and deliver MHA training Ability to mange and prioritise workload Ability to deal with and respond to difficult issues Ability to work alone and make decisions, obtaining legal support as required Work closely with the MCA/DoLS Co-ordinator, providing cover for absence Work closely with the MHAC for DCHS and provide cover for absence Maintain good working knowledge of the MHA About us Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of 'making a positive difference in people's lives'. The team are made up of a Senior nurse, Lead nurses, registered nurses, specialist support workers, Occupational therapist, a Physiotherapist, a psychologist and Consultant Psychiatrist. Benefits include: Commitment to flexible working where this is possible 27 days annual leave/year plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years & 33 days after 10 years' service Yearly appraisal and commitment to ongoing training Generous NHS pension scheme Good maternity, paternity and adoption benefits Health service discounts and online benefits Incremental pay progression Free confidential employee assistance programme 24/7 Access to our LGBT network, BAME Network and Christian Network Health and wellbeing opportunities Structured learning and development opportunities It is Trust policy that for posts that are for a time limited period, applicants who are currently employed by an NHS organisation will only be appointed on a secondment basis and should have approval from their line manager this is possible before applying. Applicants who are not employed by an NHS organisation, will receive a fixed term contract. Date posted 07 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 383-COR-5607-25 Job locations Royal Derby Hospital Uttoxeter Road Derby DE22 3NE Job description Job responsibilities Please review the Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account. maintain a robust administrative process for monitoring and recording the use of the MHA 1983 and continually review the systems in place to ensure they meet legal and Trust requirements. To develop and deliver training to UHDB/DCHFT colleagues to ensure they understand and consistently apply the complexities of the MHA 1983. Manage any problems or issues that may arise, dealing with conflicting views and interpretations of law and good practice in an assertive and sensitive manner. Maintain and continually update an extensive knowledge of the MHA 1983 and associated legislation. Keep up to date with ever changing case law and guidance issued by statutory/legal bodies and government directions, disseminating new information to relevant professionals. Offer expert advice to all professionals. service users, nearest relatives, Associate Hospital Managers and outside agencies on all issues relating to the MHA. Report back to the UHDB Safeguarding Manager and DHCFT MHA Manager any concerns regarding the application of the MHA and respond with appropriate actions as agreed. To provide support to teams and individuals when dealing with difficult or complex issues regarding the application of the MHA. To receive and scrutinise legal documents/statutory forms, checking for accuracy and compliance with the MHA, ensuring the lawful detention of the service user. To take responsibility for arranging any required amendments of statutory documentation, taking appropriate action where these are insufficient to warrant detention. Ensure patients are aware of their rights under section 132 of the MHA, including their right to access an IMHA. Monitor and record changes in legal status under the MHA. Monitor a system for issuing reminders to consultants, nurses and care co-ordinators to remind them of the legal deadlines for section expiry, consent to treatment etc. Ensure requests for Second Opinion Appointed Doctors are submitted to the Care Quality Commission. Ensure Mental Health Tribunals and Associated Hospital Manager are arranged in line with the MHA and associated Trust policies and timescales. Act on behalf of the Hospital Managers to ensure all delegated duties as defined in the MHA 1983 and Code of Practice are undertaken. Collate, manipulate and compile statistical data as required for statutory purposes, reporting any issues to the DoLS Co-ordinator Review and prioritise the workload to meet constantly changing demands Audit the MHA 1983, taking appropriate action or escalating to senior management as required. Assist in the production and updating of Trust policies in relation to the MHA and associated legislation. Develop MHA champions at ward level. Work flexibly by using available resources and travelling to other sites as required. Participate in the Trust appraisal process, attending training courses as required for the post. Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required of this post. Always maintain a professional and confidential approach to work and be able to adhere to confidentiality when dealing with sensitive issues To be familiar with and comply with relevant Trust Operational, Personnel and Health and Safety procedures To be aware of their own limits to their own knowledge and seek guidance accordingly. Job description Job responsibilities Please review the Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account. maintain a robust administrative process for monitoring and recording the use of the MHA 1983 and continually review the systems in place to ensure they meet legal and Trust requirements. To develop and deliver training to UHDB/DCHFT colleagues to ensure they understand and consistently apply the complexities of the MHA 1983. Manage any problems or issues that may arise, dealing with conflicting views and interpretations of law and good practice in an assertive and sensitive manner. Maintain and continually update an extensive knowledge of the MHA 1983 and associated legislation. Keep up to date with ever changing case law and guidance issued by statutory/legal bodies and government directions, disseminating new information to relevant professionals. Offer expert advice to all professionals. service users, nearest relatives, Associate Hospital Managers and outside agencies on all issues relating to the MHA. Report back to the UHDB Safeguarding Manager and DHCFT MHA Manager any concerns regarding the application of the MHA and respond with appropriate actions as agreed. To provide support to teams and individuals when dealing with difficult or complex issues regarding the application of the MHA. To receive and scrutinise legal documents/statutory forms, checking for accuracy and compliance with the MHA, ensuring the lawful detention of the service user. To take responsibility for arranging any required amendments of statutory documentation, taking appropriate action where these are insufficient to warrant detention. Ensure patients are aware of their rights under section 132 of the MHA, including their right to access an IMHA. Monitor and record changes in legal status under the MHA. Monitor a system for issuing reminders to consultants, nurses and care co-ordinators to remind them of the legal deadlines for section expiry, consent to treatment etc. Ensure requests for Second Opinion Appointed Doctors are submitted to the Care Quality Commission. Ensure Mental Health Tribunals and Associated Hospital Manager are arranged in line with the MHA and associated Trust policies and timescales. Act on behalf of the Hospital Managers to ensure all delegated duties as defined in the MHA 1983 and Code of Practice are undertaken. Collate, manipulate and compile statistical data as required for statutory purposes, reporting any issues to the DoLS Co-ordinator Review and prioritise the workload to meet constantly changing demands Audit the MHA 1983, taking appropriate action or escalating to senior management as required. Assist in the production and updating of Trust policies in relation to the MHA and associated legislation. Develop MHA champions at ward level. Work flexibly by using available resources and travelling to other sites as required. Participate in the Trust appraisal process, attending training courses as required for the post. Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required of this post. Always maintain a professional and confidential approach to work and be able to adhere to confidentiality when dealing with sensitive issues To be familiar with and comply with relevant Trust Operational, Personnel and Health and Safety procedures To be aware of their own limits to their own knowledge and seek guidance accordingly. Person Specification Attainment and qualifications Essential Educated to GCSE level or equivalent Certificate in Mental Health Law or equivalent Knowledge of legal terminology ECDL or equivalent Desirable Legal qualification Diploma in Mental Health law Skills Essential Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, verbally and written Good organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines Good problem solving skills Ability to work on you own initiaive High level of diplomacy and tact Understand the concept and importance of confidentiality Have a positive attitude to working as a team member, working with colleagues on projects and work plans to promote Mental Health Legislation Able to develop effective working relationships with colleagues from a variety of agencies and disciplines Good IT skills, working with different packages Ability to produce and deliver training Flexible, calm, methodical and organised Ability to work under pressure Able to work on own initiative, make decisions, and take responsibility Ability to read, understand, interpret and apply relevant legislation and current case law relating to the Act Ability to challenge and direct colleagues on the use of the MHA Desirable Awareness of the HRA 1998 Awareness of the Care Act 2014 Knowledge of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Experience of working in a legal environment Experience and knowledge Essential Understand the essential principles and components of the MHA Work to deadlines to achieve the required results Ability to work with a wide range of agencies Ability to work on own initiative without direct supervision Communicate and deliver information effectively and concisely Ability to work to tight timescales, to prioritise work, have good organisational skills and have a flexible approach to working Awareness of level of own knowledge and when to escalate Experience of working in mental health act administration for 3 years Desirable Knowledge of issues concerning people with mental health problems Experience of working within the NHS or similar environment Proven knowledge and understanding of the MCA and associated legislation Experience of working in a legal environment Person Specification Attainment and qualifications Essential Educated to GCSE level or equivalent Certificate in Mental Health Law or equivalent Knowledge of legal terminology ECDL or equivalent Desirable Legal qualification Diploma in Mental Health law Skills Essential Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, verbally and written Good organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines Good problem solving skills Ability to work on you own initiaive High level of diplomacy and tact Understand the concept and importance of confidentiality Have a positive attitude to working as a team member, working with colleagues on projects and work plans to promote Mental Health Legislation Able to develop effective working relationships with colleagues from a variety of agencies and disciplines Good IT skills, working with different packages Ability to produce and deliver training Flexible, calm, methodical and organised Ability to work under pressure Able to work on own initiative, make decisions, and take responsibility Ability to read, understand, interpret and apply relevant legislation and current case law relating to the Act Ability to challenge and direct colleagues on the use of the MHA Desirable Awareness of the HRA 1998 Awareness of the Care Act 2014 Knowledge of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Experience of working in a legal environment Experience and knowledge Essential Understand the essential principles and components of the MHA Work to deadlines to achieve the required results Ability to work with a wide range of agencies Ability to work on own initiative without direct supervision Communicate and deliver information effectively and concisely Ability to work to tight timescales, to prioritise work, have good organisational skills and have a flexible approach to working Awareness of level of own knowledge and when to escalate Experience of working in mental health act administration for 3 years Desirable Knowledge of issues concerning people with mental health problems Experience of working within the NHS or similar environment Proven knowledge and understanding of the MCA and associated legislation Experience of working in a legal environment 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. Employer details Employer name Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Address Royal Derby Hospital Uttoxeter Road Derby DE22 3NE Employer's website http://www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)