Learning Disability & Autism Programme & MH Practitioner (Clinical)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Worthing; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey and Sussex ICB is seeking a Band 6 practitioner within the Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health team. The post focuses on the non-clinical side of Section 117 aftercare, including commissioning, funding, financial risk and dispute resolution.

You will work with local authorities and NHS providers to build consistent S117 and LDA arrangements and oversee data submission, financial risk and high-cost packages.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in a specialist area is required.
• Significant NHS commissioning and mental health experience is needed.
• Knowledge of S117 aftercare and LDA programmes is essential.

Responsibilities

• Give specialist advice on S117 funding and financial arrangements for MH, LD and autism.
• Review complex funding, eligibility or commissioning disputes.
• Identify and resolve responsible commissioner and funding issues.
• Collaborate with local authorities and NHS providers on S117/LDA arrangements.
• Support LDA function oversight, data submission and risk escalation.
• Oversee S117 expenditure and high-cost packages.
• Help develop S117 and LDA policies and operating models.
• Support information management, reporting and performance monitoring.
• Work with clinical teams focusing on non-clinical S117/LDA aspects.
• Promote consistent approaches across Surrey and Sussex.

Skills

S117 aftercare

LDA programme

Legislation interpretation

Data analysis

Report writing

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Job description

Band 6 practitioner post in the Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health team at Surrey and Sussex ICB, sitting in a multidisciplinary team with clinical, finance and operational colleagues. The core of the work is the non-clinical side of Section 117 aftercare: commissioning, funding, financial risk and resolving responsibility disputes. It is distinct for building a consistent S117 approach across Surrey and Sussex, working with local authorities and NHS providers. Significant NHS commissioning or mental health experience, plus knowledge of S117 and the LDA programme, is needed.

What the job involves

• Give specialist advice on S117 funding, commissioning responsibilities and financial arrangements for mental health, learning disability and autism
• Review complex cases where funding responsibility, eligibility or commissioning is questioned or disputed
• Support the identification and resolution of responsible commissioner and funding disputes
• Work with local authorities and NHS providers to build effective, sustainable S117 arrangements
• Support oversight and operational management of the LDA function, including accurate, timely data submission and escalation of risks and service gaps
• Oversee S117 expenditure, financial risks, high-cost packages and funding commitments
• Contribute to developing and implementing S117 and LDA policies, procedures, pathways and operating models
• Support information management, reporting and performance monitoring
• Work with clinical teams while keeping focus on the commissioning and non-clinical side of S117 and LDA
• Support consistent approaches across Surrey and Sussex

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience at a similar level in a specialist area

Experience

• Significant experience in NHS commissioning, mental health, learning disability, autism or related services
• Experience of case management
• Experience of assessing health and social care needs, care planning, coordination and discharge planning
• Experience of commissioning and reviewing safe and appropriate care and support
• Experience of managing complex commissioning, funding or financial issues

Skills & knowledge

• Strong understanding of S117 aftercare, the LDA programme and the health and social care interface
• Knowledge of the MHA, S117, NHS Funded Continuing Health Care criteria and Care and Treatment review guidance
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, guidance and local commissioning arrangements
• Ability to analyse complex, conflicting information and make recommendations
• Excellent written, report-writing and presentation skills
• Persuasion, influence and negotiation skills for complex and difficult matters

Checks & eligibility

• Full driving licence

Other

• Commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
• Ability to demonstrate NHS and ICs values and behaviours