Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a panel of Associate Hospital Managers (AHM) who sit on hearingsto review patients continued detention under the MHA. Effective participation requires preparatory reading. There is a requirement to chair hearings.
The Trust pays AHMs £80 per session (up to 4 hours irrespective of numbers of cases within the session). A fee is also paid for attending training/meetings and for any mileage/travel costs.
You will not have employee status however will be classed as a 'worker' with the Trust.
Panels are held remotely via Microsoft Teams, or in person at Redwoods, Shrewsbury and St. George's Hospital, Stafford, between 9.00am and 5.00pm. Panel members are usually asked to sit on hearings in their local home county area, however, may be asked to cover a hearing in the wider Trust area. It is essential that candidates are IT literate, have their own IT equipment (i.e. computer/laptop/tablet), and are able to satisfy the travel requirements of the role.
Panels are often arranged with only a week's notice, so flexibility is required.
AHMs cannot be existing officers or employees of the Trust.
We are particularly keen to hear from younger individuals (18 years and over) and those from BME and LGBT backgrounds as these groups have been under-represented on panels in the past. Applications arewelcome applicants from these groups in order to better represent our local communities. Selection will be on the basis of merit.
Main duties of the job
To sit on MHA Hospital Managers Appeal and Review Hearings to consider evidence relating to patients' detentions under the MHA, establishing whether statutory criteria is met for continued detention and whether the patient should be discharged from detention.
About us
By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;
- Excellent NHS Pension scheme
- Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources
- Free car parking at all trust sites
We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Job description
Job responsibilities
Attend MHA Hospital Managers Appeal and Review Hearings. These may be held remotely via MS Teams or face to face on Trust premises.
Conduct reviews in accordance with the requirements of the MHA and accompanying Code of Practice, the Trusts Handbook for MHA Hospital Managers, and the MHA Hospital Managers Standard Operating Procedure.
Liaise with the Mental Health Legislation Department (MHLD) staff regarding attendance at hearings.
Ensure prompt arrival for all hearings, allowing time to read all necessary reports prior to the start of the hearing.
Ensure grounds for detaining a patient are valid and relevant.
Act independently, reaching sound judgements based solely upon the evidence and properly recording decisions as required.
At all times observe confidentiality of Trust and patient information.
This role isnot eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn
Job description
Job responsibilities
Attend MHA Hospital Managers Appeal and Review Hearings. These may be held remotely via MS Teams or face to face on Trust premises.
Conduct reviews in accordance with the requirements of the MHA and accompanying Code of Practice, the Trusts Handbook for MHA Hospital Managers, and the MHA Hospital Managers Standard Operating Procedure.
Liaise with the Mental Health Legislation Department (MHLD) staff regarding attendance at hearings.
Ensure prompt arrival for all hearings, allowing time to read all necessary reports prior to the start of the hearing.
Ensure grounds for detaining a patient are valid and relevant.
Act independently, reaching sound judgements based solely upon the evidence and properly recording decisions as required.
At all times observe confidentiality of Trust and patient information.
This role isnot eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Experience of decision making role
- Experience of dealing with highly sensitive and/or distressing issues
- Experience of dealing with a range of professionals and agencies
Desirable
- Previous AHM experience or experience of other tribunals or hearings
- Knowledge and understanding of the MHA and responsibilities of AHMs
Skills
Essential
- Able to reach independent sound judgements based solely upon the evidence ( which may be conflicting )
- Excellent organisational, communication and report writing skills
- Able to assimilate and interpret complex and detailed information
- Diplomatic and sensitive.
- Team worker
- Ability to access documents via electronic means and to participate in hearings via MS Teams
Desirable
Personal qualities
Essential
- Independent and of good character
- An interest in work for the public good
- Committed and reliable
- Confident mature approach
- Able to communicate effectively across all levels
- Able to demonstrate empathy and understanding
- Listening skills
- Flexible
- Able to work under own initiative
- Able to maintain confidentiality at all times
Other
Desirable
- Understanding of the services the Trust provides.
- Able to cover hearings at all Trust sites.
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Experience of decision making role
- Experience of dealing with highly sensitive and/or distressing issues
- Experience of dealing with a range of professionals and agencies
Desirable
- Previous AHM experience or experience of other tribunals or hearings
- Knowledge and understanding of the MHA and responsibilities of AHMs
Skills
Essential
- Able to reach independent sound judgements based solely upon the evidence ( which may be conflicting )
- Excellent organisational, communication and report writing skills
- Able to assimilate and interpret complex and detailed information
- Diplomatic and sensitive.
- Team worker
- Ability to access documents via electronic means and to participate in hearings via MS Teams
Desirable
Personal qualities
Essential
- Independent and of good character
- An interest in work for the public good
- Committed and reliable
- Confident mature approach
- Able to communicate effectively across all levels
- Able to demonstrate empathy and understanding
- Listening skills
- Flexible
- Able to work under own initiative
- Able to maintain confidentiality at all times
Other
Desirable
- Understanding of the services the Trust provides.
- Able to cover hearings at all Trust sites.
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.
