CoP DoL Team Lead

Job responsibilities

To be responsible for initiating, managing and completing COP applications and advising and supporting patients and their representatives throughout

Act in accordance with professional standards, providing professional leadership, motivation, and support to colleagues and associates of all disciplines and ensuring compliance with statutory, mandatory local ICB policy and guidance requirements and professional standards. This will include supportingcapacity assessments and best-interest meetings.

Be required to undertake a high level of communication to work with clinical leaders, legal teams, Court professionals, andsenior external colleagues to support the progression of Court applications while also supporting patients and their representatives to improve their experience.

To be skilled in effectively communicating complex, sensitive information.

To be able to deal with frequent difficult situations arising from the complex nature of CoP applications and apply the least restrictive principles as per MCA 2005.

Providing some cover to the wider team in periods of unexpected colleague absence or service pressures.

To maintain professional confidentiality in all matters relating to patient care seeking advice, and maintain contemporaneous clinical records in line with professional responsibilities and Standards for Record Keeping.

Proactively manage a caseload with highly complex needs and challenging circumstances. A clear understanding of the various COP applications and theability to coordinate and manage a case from start to completion.

Attend court hearings where needed, represent the client, and follow the court process, including completing statements and reports.

Support clinical associates and staff in relation to complex MCA or CoP matters and preventively work on cases to reduce the need to apply to COP, where appropriate

Proactively manage potential COP cases, including leading best-interest meetings and supporting our clients with decision-making.

Develop and deliver training to colleagues on MCA, DOLS and COP in accordance with current case law and legislation and with bespoke needs for the clinical area.

Provide leadership to UB Healthcare colleagues in relation to MCA and COP matters.

Provide and receive highly complex or sensitive information at times when there may be significant barriers to acceptance, such as when presenting an opposing position to Court to that of the patient or their representative.

Provide clinical and professional supervision, case management, and specialist advice and guidance to team members.

To undertake Quality Audits of COP applications undertaken by UB Healthcare Associate Practitioners and provide both written and verbal feedback to individuals

Manage COPDoL applications and MCA matters with equity and consistency.

Ensure knowledge and practice are up to date with current case law and legislation changes to inform best practices and deliver up-to-date and relevant leadership and advice.

Respond to priority matters within short timescales whilst delivering the same quality and equitable service.

To maintain regular 1-1 meetings with theline manager and participate in development programmes.

Ensure compliance with professional code of conduct/code of practice and maintain professional registration and training.

Instil a culture of patient-centred approach and continuous improvement across UB Healthcare, ensuring all team members understand and deliver their roles effectively.

To maintain the reputational standard of our clients whilst representing them in legal matters, including attendance at Court hearings.

Work with other senior managers and professionals to gather quantitative and qualitative clinical information to inform the development of new or revised service-delivery models and establish quality benchmarks.

Experience

Essential

• Understanding of clinical commissioning, including experience in CHC or MH Services and complex packages of care.
• Experience in service delivery and performance management, working with patients, users, carers and others to help develop plans and improve strategies and the patient experience.
• Ability to keep up to date and identify changes in legislation, law and policy guidance.
• Ability to create and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including staff at all levels across health, social care and independent and voluntary sectors on behalf of clients.
• Provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information; negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues; and present complex and sensitive information.
• Experience of attending Court hearings and giving evidence.
• In-depth experience and knowledge of The Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
• Ability to identify changes in legislation and policy and apply that to day-to-day practice within the service.
• Extensive and confident skills in completing capacity assessments, best interest meetings and being the decision-maker.
• Understanding of the different types of COP applications and requirements needed to complete an acceptable application.
• Experience in developing and presenting training to colleagues and external professionals.
• Understand the sensitive and confidential nature of information discussed in Court and the expectations around the management of that information.
• Ability to introduce systems and processes which enable services to develop in line with policy requirements.
• Experience in researching best practices, interpreting their relevance and processes practices.
• Ability to research, prepare, read and analyse extensive amounts of information in preparation for Court applications, statements and hearings.
• Experience in writing statements and reports to be presented to the Court and in line with legal expectations.
• Experience in making Court of Protection applications.
• Experience of liaising with lawyers and barristers and understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Resilience skills.
• Ability to de-escalate and manage challenging situations in a positive way.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to respond to sudden, unexpected demands.
• Independent thinker with demonstrated sound judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Passion, enthusiasm and drive to improve services for patients and their representatives.
• Able to work professionally when under pressure in a calm and efficient manner.
• Used to working in a busy environment as an effective organiser and influencer.
• Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change.
• Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues in the desire to provide or support the most appropriate interventions.
• Excellent and adaptable communication skills.
• Manage time effectively with the ability to work out of normal office hours as required occasionally.
• Demonstrate leadership skills - ability to adapt and adjust style to meet the needs of a situation.
• The post requires occasional and unplanned travel across the footprint of our contracted areas.
• Focused, organised, self-driven, highly motivated and results-orientated.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Confident communicator at all levels, both verbal and written.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Can do attitude, including problem-solving capabilities.
• Client-focused with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Keen to develop and grow a career.

Qualifications

Essential

• First-level nurse registered with the NMC or registered Social Worker with Social Work England, Social Care Wales, Scottish Social Services Council or Northern Ireland Social Care Council or a registered Allied Health Professional
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Qualified Best Interest Assessor & COP DoL Assessor

Desirable

• Degree level or equivalent experience
• RMN, Mental Health Experience

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).