Learning Disability and Autism Programme & MH S117 Practitioner

NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB; Worthing; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB is seeking a Band 6 Practitioner to lead non-clinical S117 commissioning and funding governance within Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health services.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team across clinical, commissioning, finance and operations to ensure compliant S117 arrangements and robust funding solutions for aftercare. This role focuses on improving outcomes and coordinating across Surrey and Sussex.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in NHS commissioning, mental health, learning disability or autism.
• Strong understanding of Section 117 aftercare, LDA programme, and health–social care interfaces.
• Experience managing complex commissioning, funding or financial matters.
• Ability to interpret legislation, guidance and local commissioning arrangements.
• Experience working across organisations and resolving stakeholder issues.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on S117 funding, commissioning, and financial arrangements for MH and learning disabilities.
• Review complex cases regarding funding responsibility and eligibility.
• Identify and resolve Responsible Commissioner and funding disputes.
• Collaborate with Local Authorities and NHS providers on S117 arrangements.
• Oversee LDA function data submission and risk escalation.
• Support development and implementation of S117/LDA policies and pathways.
• Monitor information management, reporting and performance.

Skills

NHS commissioning

Section 117 aftercare

LDA programme

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Independent working

Education

Degree level education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Main area Learning Disability and Autism Programme & Mental Health Grade NHS AfC: Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 256-SH-7944287-4-A

Employer NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB Employer type NHS Site Duke Street Town Worthing Salary £39,959 - £48,117 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 02/10/2026 23:59

Learning Disability and Autism Programme & MH S117 Practitioner

NHS AfC: Band 6

Job overview

Are you an experienced NHS professional with a strong understanding of commissioning, Section 117 aftercare and partnership working?

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Band 6 Practitioner to join our Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health team.

This is a key role supporting the effective delivery and governance of Section 117 aftercare arrangements, with a particular focus on the non-clinical commissioning, funding, financial and operational aspects of S117.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in developing a consistent, sustainable and robust approach to S117 commissioning across Surrey and Sussex.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team alongside clinical, commissioning, finance and operational colleagues, with opportunities to contribute to wider strategic development across mental health, learning disability and autism.

If you are passionate about improving the way S117 services are commissioned and funded, and want to make a difference to the experience and outcomes of people receiving aftercare, we would welcome your application.

Main duties of the job

About you

You will have:

Significant experience within NHS commissioning, mental health, learning disability, autism or related services.

A strong understanding of Section 117 aftercare and the LDA programme, and the interface between health and social care.

Experience of managing complex commissioning, funding or financial issues.

The ability to interpret and apply legislation, guidance and local commissioning arrangements.

Experience of working across organisational boundaries and resolving complex issues with multiple stakeholders.

Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills.

The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.

Experience of providing advice and guidance to colleagues and senior stakeholders.

You will be confident working with complex information and able to translate legislation, policy and commissioning requirements into practical solutions.

Working for our organisation

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) has the responsibility to decide what health services are needed in Surrey and Sussex and set out how they'll be provided, making sure hospitals, primary care, and other services work together, rather than in silos, for the benefit of everyone in the community. NHS Surrey Heartlands and Sussex ICB achieve this by working in partnership with local health and care organisations, staff, patients, carers, families and the public, to support three million people across Surrey and Sussex to live healthier lives.

Together, we have an ambitious vision for improving health and care services across Surrey and Sussex. We are working to:

• Improve health and care outcomes for everyone, with a focus on preventing ill health and proactive care.
• Tackle inequalities to reduce unfair gaps in access, experience, and outcomes.
• Get better value from our services by enhancing productivity and value for money.
• Support local communities to grow and thrive through social and economic development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

About the role

You will work within health and social care frameworks, ensuring a consistent approach and supporting effective, coordinated and legally compliant S117 arrangements. You will work closely with clinical colleagues, local authorities, providers and other partners to ensure that S117 responsibilities are clearly understood and appropriately managed.

Key responsibilities will include:

Providing specialist advice on S117 funding, commissioning responsibilities and financial arrangements for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities and Autism.

Reviewing complex cases where there are questions or disputes regarding funding responsibility, eligibility or commissioning arrangements

Supporting the identification and resolution of Responsible Commissioner and funding disputes.

Working with Local Authorities and NHS providers to develop effective and sustainable S117 arrangements.

Support the oversight and operational management of LDA function, ensuring accurate and timely submission of data, and appropriate escalation of risks and service gaps.

Providing oversight of S117 expenditure, financial risks, high-cost packages and funding commitments.

Contributing to the development and implementation of S117 / LDA policies, procedures, pathways and operating models.

Supporting effective information management, reporting and performance monitoring.

Working collaboratively with clinical teams while maintaining a clear focus on the commissioning and non‑clinical responsibilities of S117 / LDA.

Supporting the development of consistent approaches across Surrey and Sussex.

Person specification

Knowledge, Training and Experience

• Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area
• Experience of assessment of health and social care needs – care planning and coordination including knowledge of discharge planning
• Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions in a rapidly changing environment
• Demonstrable experience of case management
• Knowledge of and experience of MHA, S117, NHS Funded Continuing Health Care criteria, Care and Treatment reviews – Legal Framework guidance and policies
• Experience of commissioning and reviewing safe and appropriate care and support
• A good understanding of the health and social care environment and roles and responsibilities within it

Analytical

• Ability to analyse & evaluate complex issues where information may be conflicting, using experience to make recommendations and escalate where appropriate
• Demonstrated capability to act upon incomplete information, using experience to support decision making
• Demonstrate problem solving skills with an ability to respond to sudden & unexpected demands

Communication & Relationship Skills

• Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
• Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence
• Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks

Planning Skills

• Ability to work flexibly with a level of autonomy and as part of a team
• Able to organise own time and work unsupervised
• Ability to (re)prioritise work according to changing demands

Physical Skills

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills

Management Skills

• Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support

Equality and Diversity

• Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Autonomy

• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload without supervision working to tight and often changing demands

Other

• An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
• Used to working in a busy environment
• Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Professional calm and efficient manner
• Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
• Ability to demonstrate the NHS and ICs values and behaviours in all aspects of work and interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, patients and service users
• Full driving Licence

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better patient outcomes. We welcome all applications, especially those from underrepresented communities, including people with a disability, and those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

As part of the organisation’s commitment to achieving equality of opportunity for all staff, NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB will consider all requests for flexible working on hiring. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, compressed hours, part-time hours and/or job-sharing, and homeworking.

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways. Please talk to us at interview about any flexible working arrangements you would prefer or require. While we may not be able to fully accommodate all requests, such requests will not be referenced during the interview scoring process, and we will fully consider and try to accommodate them for successful applicants.

In accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB will not discriminate against or dismiss the applications of candidates with spent convictions for posts which are not exempt from this legislation.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.