Job overview

The post holder will be responsible for, and ensure that, the provisions in relation to the Mental Health Act 1983 are implemented in accordance with the legislative requirements, the Code of Practice requirements and National and Government Guidance. 
They will be required to provide a range of advice and guidance based on in depth knowledge in relation to Mental Health Legislation to all disciplines.
They will be required to facilitate the smooth running of Mental Health Tribunals and Hospital Managers’ hearings; ensuring that the Trust meets all professional and legal requirements and responsibilities.

The post holder should have a Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health Law (or be prepared to work towards it); have an in-depth knowledge of the Mental Health Act; basic awareness of the Human Rights Act and basic awareness of the Mental Capacity Act.

They should be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and agencies; be able to co-ordinate several work streams which will be running simultaneously and be confident in handling completing demands for completion; and maintain a high level of accuracy for each of those tasks.

Main duties of the job

• Ensure that all aspects of the MHA are administered lawfully and effectively.

• Ensure confidentiality, and high standards in record keeping and storage of all records, so that they can be retrieved promptly and efficiently, and maintain a file transfer system.

• Scrutinise MHA documents ensuring they fulfil the legal requirement of the MHA and take the necessary steps to amend errors within legal timeframes.  When detentions are found to be unlawful, provide advice to staff on procedures to follow.

• Accurately maintain and update the electronic patient record [SystmOne] in relation to MHA specific data and ensure accurate and timely data entry on a daily basis. The ability to enter data onto this module of SystmOne is reserved to the MHA staff role.

• Monitor compliance of the Mental Health Act by ensuring that detentions are lawfully renewed and that correct forms of authority are issues to authorise treatment under the Act. 

• Oversee and monitor arrangements made for appeals to the Mental Health Tribunal, making sure that the legal obligation of the Trust complies with the Mental Health Tribunal Rules to ensure that patients are not unnecessarily deprived of their liberty.

The post holder will be required to work to deadlines and make most decisions without Supervision; use their own initiative, continually prioritise their own workload and adapt prioritisation if required to meet demand; and to seek advice and support from the MHA Manager whenever necessary.

Working for our organisation

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employ around 4000 talented colleagues who are very much appreciated, valued, and respected.

We have a wide portfolio which includes mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services.

We are dedicated to the development of our our people and hold a learning half day every month for our colleagues. 

We are passionate about enhancing the quality of our service and we work hard to attract and select the right colleagues for our organisation. Our goal is to employ those who share our passion for providing first class care while remaining committed to our vision and values. Please view our Strategy using the link below:

https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/documents/clinical-and-organisational-strategy-2023-to-2028/

To find out more about working for RDaSH and the fantastic benefits we offer visit our website:

https://workwithrdash.co.uk/ 

We are committed to inclusive cultures and really value people in our organisation, view our Allyship video on YouTube to find out more:

https://youtu.be/WMJSkLoTk4Q

The main terms and conditions of service can be found here:

https://www.nhsemployers.org/publications/tchandbook