Mental Health Act Administrator

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. To carry out all statutory duties delegated to the Mental Health Act Administrator by the Hospital Managers through formal resolution at a full Health Board meeting.

2. To supervise and provide provision of advice on legislation / administrative issues relating to the Mental Health Act 1983. This involves frequent communication of highly complex, sensitive or contentious information in writing, electronically, by phone and in person, with Hospital Mangers, Clinical Staff, Social Services, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, Mental Health Revi9ew Tribunal, Legal Representatives and Advocacy Services. The Administrator will be required to use a sensitive approach where there may be significant barriers to communication.

3. To oversee the appropriate scrutiny of statutory documentation to ensure compliance with the Mental Health Act 1983 and current legislation and any errors are amended within the given time limits as set in legislation.

4. To assist the Senior Mental Health Act Manager in the management and supervision of newly appointed non-executive/associate managers. Ensure that the same are familiar with and comply with legislation, BCU policies and procedures. To assist in the assessment of training requirements for the same in light of new legislation, Department of Health Guidance/Welsh Assembly Government etc.

5. To ensure that all patients detained under the Mental Health Act are fully aware of their rights under the legislation, and to also ensure completion of associated paperwork.

6. To lead the co-ordination of Mental Health Review Tribunal Hearings, in the event of an appeal, to ensure that all hospital statements and reports are prepared and despatched within the statutory time-sensitive deadlines and Mental Health Review Tribunal Rules.

7. To lead the co-ordination and occasional clerking of Hospital Managers Discharge Panel Hearings in the event of an appeal, ensuring that all reports are prepared and despatched in accordance with BCUHB Policy. Communicate to patients the outcome of the hearing.

8. To manage flagging systems ensuring that the appropriate personnel are aware of time-sensitive deadlines.

9. On notification of a death of a detained patient, ensure that all appropriate Senior managers are informed and all administrative work in accordance with the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and Health Board procedures are completed. Post holder to liaise with the Coroner when necessary.

10. To inform all appropriate personnel and Senior Managers of BCU when minors are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 in accordance with guidelines.

11. Contribute to the Mental Health Act Managers meetings, taking an active part in promoting good practice, and development of BCU policy in relation to Mental Health Law.

12. To ensure knowledge base is kept up to date in respect of the Mental Health Act 1983, case law, procedures, current good practice and changes in legislation and when necessary, advise those responsible for administering the Act in order to assist in the Health Boards compliance with the Act and best practice.

13. Attend team Briefings, staff meetings and other training, updating programmes as requested.

14. Carry out administrative duties with regard to the upkeep of the databases. This will require advanced keyboard skills, using a number of applications such as word, excel.

15. Maintain and update s117 register (patients subject to aftercare).

16. Liaise with Mental Health Measure Leads.

17. Supervise the departments audits and participate in satisfaction surveys undertaken. Undertake case note audit (including audit of MHA documentation as per Health Inspectorate Wales guidelines).

18. Ensure IT systems are used correctly and efficiently as required by the information department.

19. Use a range of IT application to create formal reports for internal and external stakeholders.

20. Ensure that all information for contracting is collected monthly for collection of quarterly Welsh Assembly Core Indicator and KPI reports in an accurate and timely manner.

21. Continually review the need for information collected and procedures for collection.

22. Ensure each inpatient episode is coded as per ICD10 (international Code of Diseases coding manual).

23. To ensure the timely completion of ad hoc information as and when any is required.

24. Take reasonable care of the health and safety of the post holder and of other people who may be affected by actions and omissions at work.

25. Co-operate with the employer in ensuring that all statutory and other requirements are complied with.

26. Have knowledge of and comply with Health Board Policies and Procedures.

27. Ensure knowledge base is kept up-to-date in respect of the Mental Health Act 1983 and appropriate case-law.

28. To ensure that the post holder is familiar with the terms and conditions of the post.

29. To participate in service development activities when required.

30. To deliver Mental Health Act training to staff members.

31. Ensure all persons acting as interpreters receive the appropriate fee and any other expenses necessary.

32. Ensure all payments to S12.2 doctors are processed through the correct financial channels.

The post holder will either hold, or be expected to acquire, the nationally recognised Institute of Mental Health Act Practitioners (IMHAP) Course Certificate. S/he will also be expected to attend update training on Mental Health Law on a regular basis (i.e a minimum of three sessions annually).

This post will primarily support Children's Services across the Health Board, and provide cover/support to the wider MHA Team. As such the post will primarily be based at the CAMHS Service at Abergele Hospital, with a requirement to also spend time with other MHA Offices (mainly the central office at Glan Clwyd Hospital) and with a requirement for travel to Children's Service locations across North Wales.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Educated to Degree Level or equivalent qualification
• Institute of Mental Health Act Practitioners (IMHAP) Certificate or equivalent experience of work in a mental health setting

Desirable

• Management qualification
• CPD relating to Mental Health Law (minimum of 3 sessions annually) or equivalent experience / relevant training showing continuing professional development

Experience

Essential

• Good general understanding of the NHS
• Understanding of current and future Mental Health Law

Desirable

• Previous experience of gathering and presenting information, statistical analysis both qualitative and quantitative
• Experience of meeting deadlines and working in a pressured 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Address

Abergele Hospital

Abergele

LL22 8DP

Employer's website

https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/train-work-live/ (Opens in a new tab)