Learning Disability and Autism Programme/MH S117 Lead Practitioner

The Methodist Church in Britain; South Tyneside; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey and Sussex ICB seeks a lead practitioner to coordinate MHA s117 work, chair Care and Treatment Reviews, and support discharge planning for adults with learning disability or autism. The role involves community work, inpatient reviews, and emergency protocol triage, with a focus on improving pathways and data gathering.

You will work with local authorities, providers and service users, ensuring compliance with legislation and NHS protocols, while training partners and maintaining patient

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject or significant equivalent experience
• Evidence of continued professional development

Responsibilities

• Participate in, chair and lead Care and Treatment Reviews and inpatient reviews for adults with learning disability and/or autism in mental health inpatient beds
• Facilitate and chair Care and Treatment Reviews in the community and inpatient units, following NHSE protocol
• Triage, coordinate and chair Local Area Emergency Protocol Meetings
• Support discharges from mental health inpatient units
• Work with specialist commissioners and local authorities on transition issues and local needs
• Support the LDA/MHS117 Team Manager in coordinating, monitoring and gathering data on admission avoidance strategies
• Work with local authority social care, service users, carers, third sector and providers to identify gaps and priorities in learning disability and mental health provision
• Work with colleagues on full care pathways from primary and community care, including service specifications
• Support enquiries from the public, including complaints, subject access requests and Freedom of Information requests
• Keep up with effective treatment approaches, challenge accepted practice and propose alternatives
• Take part in training and development, and lead training, education and advice for internal and external partners
• Maintain databases and patient record systems including Assuring Transformation, and collate and analyse key data for projects, meetings and boards

Skills

Mental Capacity Act knowledge

Care and Treatment Reviews

Emergency protocol triage

Data collection and analysis

Communication with stakeholders

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Job description

The Learning Disability and Autism Programme team at Surrey and Sussex ICB has a lead practitioner post covering MHA section 117 work. The postholder chairs Care and Treatment Reviews for adults with learning disability or autism, in the community and on mental health inpatient units, and triages emergency protocol meetings. The role also supports discharges from inpatient units and works with the team manager on admission avoidance. A degree or significant equivalent experience, Mental Capacity Act knowledge and a full driving licence are needed.

What the job involves

• Participate in, chair and lead Care and Treatment Reviews and inpatient reviews for adults with learning disability and/or autism in mental health inpatient beds
• Facilitate and chair Care and Treatment Reviews in the community and inpatient units, following NHSE protocol
• Triage, coordinate and chair Local Area Emergency Protocol Meetings
• Support discharges from mental health inpatient units
• Work with specialist commissioners and local authorities on transition issues and local needs
• Support the LDA/MHS117 Team Manager in coordinating, monitoring and gathering data on admission avoidance strategies
• Work with local authority social care, service users, carers, third sector and providers to identify gaps and priorities in learning disability and mental health provision
• Work with colleagues on full care pathways from primary and community care, including service specifications
• Support enquiries from the public, including complaints, subject access requests and Freedom of Information requests
• Keep up with effective treatment approaches, challenge accepted practice and propose alternatives
• Take part in training and development, and lead training, education and advice for internal and external partners
• Maintain databases and patient record systems including Assuring Transformation, and collate and analyse key data for projects, meetings and boards

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent, or significant experience at a similar level in a specialist area
• Evidence of continued professional development

Experience

• Working with people with learning disability, autism, mental health and complex needs
• Demonstrated experience in a health or social care environment
• Managing risks, reporting, and setting up internal processes and procedures
• Managing and mentoring team members, including without direct line management

Skills & knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, best interests and least restrictive practice
• Knowledge of MHA s117, Care and Treatment Reviews and key legislation for people with learning disability and autism
• Understanding of NHS and social care structures, commissioning, planning and the public sector
• Ability to analyse complex or incomplete information, make recommendations, elevate and respond to sudden demands
• Ability to influence and present to varied audiences and build partnerships with stakeholders

Checks & eligibility

• Full driving licence

Other

• Ability to plan and prioritise short, medium and long-term work, direct others and work with autonomy
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills, and use of Microsoft Teams and AI where appropriate
• Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and cope with a busy, changing environment