Learning Disability & Autism Programme & MH Practitioner Non-Clinical

The Methodist Church in Britain; Worthing; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey and Sussex ICB is advertising a Band 6 practitioner in its Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health team, focusing on the non-clinical side of S117 aftercare and funding arrangements. The role involves advising on S117 funding, reviewing disputes, and coordinating with local authorities and NHS providers across Surrey and Sussex to ensure consistent practices.

You will oversee expenditure, manage high-cost packages, and contribute to policy development while maintaining strong

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience in NHS settings.
• Significant NHS commissioning, mental health, learning disability or autism experience.
• Ability to interpret legislation, guidance and funding arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on S117 funding, commissioning responsibilities and financial arrangements.
• Review complex cases where funding responsibility or commissioning is questioned.
• Support identification and resolution of disputes between Responsible Commissioner and funding.
• Collaborate with local authorities and NHS providers to develop S117 arrangements.
• Oversee data submission, risks and service gaps within the LDA function.
• Manage S117 expenditure, financial risks and high-cost packages.
• Contribute to developing S117 and LDA policies, procedures and operating models.
• Support information management, reporting and performance monitoring.
• Work with clinical teams while focusing on non-clinical S117/LDA responsibilities.
• Ensure consistent approaches across Surrey and Sussex.

Skills

NHS commissioning knowledge

S117 aftercare knowledge

Data reporting and performance

Stakeholder communication

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This Band 6 practitioner post sits in the Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health team at the Surrey and Sussex ICB and focuses on the non-clinical side of Section 117 aftercare. The work covers specialist advice on S117 funding and commissioning, reviewing disputed or complex cases, and overseeing high-cost packages and expenditure. It is distinct for its cross-boundary remit, working with local authorities and NHS providers across Surrey and Sussex to build a consistent approach. Candidates need a strong grounding in MHA, S117 and NHS Continuing Healthcare criteria.

What the job involves

• Provide 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 arrangements are questioned or disputed
• Support the identification and resolution of Responsible Commissioner and funding disputes
• Work with local authorities and NHS providers to develop effective, sustainable S117 arrangements
• Support the 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 a clear focus on the non-clinical responsibilities of S117 and LDA
• Support consistent approaches across Surrey and Sussex

What’s required

Qualifications

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

Experience

• Significant NHS commissioning, mental health, learning disability, autism or related experience
• Managing complex commissioning, funding or financial issues
• Assessing health and social care needs, including care planning, coordination and discharge planning; demonstrable case management
• Commissioning and reviewing safe and appropriate care and support
• Resolving complex issues across organisational boundaries, advising colleagues and senior stakeholders, and maintaining key relationships

Skills & knowledge

• Strong understanding of S117 aftercare, the LDA programme and the health and social care interface
• Knowledge of MHA, S117, NHS Funded Continuing Health Care criteria, Care and Treatment reviews and legal framework guidance
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, guidance and local commissioning arrangements
• Ability to analyse conflicting information, act on incomplete information, recommend or elevate, and problem solve under sudden demands
• Excellent writing, report and presentation skills, with persuasion and influence on complex matters

Checks & eligibility

• Full driving licence

Other

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills
• Ability to organise own time, work unsupervised, as part of a team, and reprioritise under changing demands
• Ability to work under stressful conditions in a rapidly changing environment
• Understanding of equality of opportunity; demonstrates NHS and IC... values and behaviours