Mental Health Act Administrator

at  Swansea Bay University Health Board

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Mental Health Act Team as part of a small but busy, forward thinking and dynamic area to work in, to ensure the Health Board continues to comply with the Mental Health Act and associated legislation.
The post holder must be able to work in a busy environment, be well organized, with the ability to use own initiative and prioritise own and others workload. The ability to meet strict deadlines whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy is essential. This role will involve a mix of office based work and working from home.
Must be able to problem solve quickly and apply lateral thinking.
The ability to travel between sites in a timely manner will potentially be essential going forward post pandemic.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
The Mental Health Act 1983 (the Act) prescribes a legal framework for the reception, care and treatment of persons with mental disorder. It provides the legislation by which people diagnosed with mental disorder can be detained in hospital for their disorder to be assessed or treated or be subject to community treatment. Mental Health Act Administrators have a lead role in maintaining processes and systems to support compliance with the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Code of Practice to the Act.
In the receiving and conferring of contentious information, the emphasis on this role will be on team working and sharing knowledge and experience, providing accurate and precise advice and information to an extensive range of healthcare professionals, local authorities, solicitors, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales staff, Mental Health Review Tribunal staff, Ministry of Justice staff and other outside agencies including the Courts, voluntary sector and members of the public, in relation to application of the Act and to ensure that medical and legal viewpoints comply with guidance given in the Mental Health Act Code of Practice for Wales.
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
The key duties and responsibilities of the Mental Health Administrator include:
To acquire and maintain up to date and in depth knowledge of the Act and its Code of Practice for Wales which will allow them to provide non-clinical advice, guidance and information to clinical and nursing staff, patients and their nearest relatives:
Support the Lead MHA Administrator in the co-ordination of the Health Board’s responsibilities across all sites within Swansea Bay thereby ensuring compliance in all aspects of the Mental Health Act 1983 in line with established procedures and systems;
High level planning and organisational skills required whilst co-ordinating arrangements for Mental Health Review Tribunals and Hospital Managers’ hearings;
Ensuring clear communication with patients, relatives, advocates, patients’ legal representatives, social workers, consultant psychiatrists, nurses, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, Ministry of Justice and other agencies whilst providing support, training and advice in relation to application of the Act as well as offering a clerical function to support the desired outcomes;
Support the Lead MHA Administrator to ensure full compliance by all parties to the Act whilst working within the remits of the legislation and its associated guidance by developing systems and seeking advice when necessary from the MHA Manager, or Deputy MHA Manager;
Knowledge of the Health Board’s clinical portal will also be required to update patient records;
Provide Clerk support for Hospital Managers’ hearings on Microsoft Teams, and at various UHB sites as and when required to do so;
To participate in any training or personal development as required;
A high level of both written and verbal communication skills are necessary in providing and receiving complex, sensitive and contentious information regarding patients detained under the Mental Health Act and in accepting and understanding case law relating to the same. Some exposure to distressing circumstances may arise when dealing in person with detained patients and their relatives.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac

Please refer the Job description for details