Welcome from our Chief Executive - Samantha Allen

Our organisation is expanding and we're looking for people with the right values, skills and/or potential to join us. We need people with energy, expertise, enthusiasm to help us provide the very best possible specialist NHS mental health and learning disability care. This involves helping us achieve our strategy to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve through People, Prevention and Partnerships.

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.

If you like the sound of that, then come and join our team.

Samantha Allen

Chief Executive

Job overview

Successful applicant must have significant experience in a lead administrative role, the ability to maintain a professional approach under pressure and work successfully as a lone worker and a team player. An ability to travel to outlying sites is essential.

The new team member will work alongside administrative colleagues to ensure the Mental Health Act and associated legislation is implemented within statutory frameworks and that patient rights are upheld.

Main duties of the job

To undertake the day-to-day administration and implementation of the Mental Health Act 1983 and associated legislation. Covering all care groups and General Hospitals where appropriate. To provide cover for Mental Health Act team colleagues when necessary.

Working for our organisation

We are adynamic team that embraces challenges and change. We are a busy and motivated team that has a clear plan and focus on continuing to improve the way we deliver our service. We encourage and support personal development, continuous learning to increase and expand our knowledge and developing our skills to help and support others.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to undertake the administration of the Mental Health Act 1983 (the Act) 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 to ensure continuity of administration of the 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.

Desirable criteria

• 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

Desirable criteria

• Previous NHS experience

Communication/Relationship skills:
Essential criteria

• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy to all relevant professionals, patients, relatives and carers

Analytical & Judgement skills
Essential criteria

• 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

Planning & Organisational skills
Essential criteria

• Use of computer based systems and programmes - Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point and email.
• Willingness to learn to use the Patient Information System
• Computer literate, including ability to obtain information/guidance from legal databases and government websites, etc.

Physical skills:
Essential criteria

• Accurate data entry and high quality typing skills

Abilities
Essential criteria

• Must have the ability to travel to other sites within Sussex.

Mental Effort:
Essential criteria

• Ability to concentrate on specific activities when under pressure.
• Ability to deal with an unpredictable work pattern
• Ability to deal with multiple and conflicting deadlines and demands.

Emotional Effort
Essential criteria

• Must have the ability to deal with distressing or emotional circumstances.

Approach/Values:
Essential criteria

• Respect and understand the need for confidentiality.
• Self-motivated, adaptable and flexible with a conscientious approach to work.
• A level of empathy for people with mental health problems and appreciation of their rights
• Punctual and flexible across hours of work when required.
• Can demonstrate support for the values and beliefs of the Trust

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.