Mental Capacity Act Officer

Sussex Partnership Nhs Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive healthcare organization in the UK is seeking a full-time Mental Capacity Act Officer to join their Integrated Legal Team. The successful candidate will manage the administration of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, oversee training, and provide guidance to clinical teams. This role requires excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of mental health legislation, and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. Opportunities for growth and professional development are offered in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of MCA, DoLS, and Mental Health Act in clinical settings.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Self-motivated individual with independent working capability.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day administration of DoLS referrals and Court of Protection requests.
• Design and deliver high-quality MCA and DoLS training sessions.
• Provide daily supervision to the MCA Administrator.

Skills

Understanding of Mental Capacity Act (MCA)

Understanding of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

Excellent communication skills

Presentation skills

Education

Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

We're looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high quality care for the patients, carers, families and communities we serve. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and we're proud to make a difference every day. At SPFT we put people first. We'll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. You'll have opportunities to learn, grow and gain new experiences to support your career, with access to lifelong learning and professional development. We actively promote flexible working and understand how important work life balance is, especially in healthcare. Whether it's part time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we'll explore what works for you and the role. We recognise that AI is becoming part of daily life and you may choose to use it to help prepare your application. We welcome innovation but ask that anything you submit reflects your own abilities, experience and voice. AI can support how you describe your skills and experience, but it should never replace your own words as we want to get to know you.

We're shaping a workplace where ideas are encouraged, technology supports you and everyone has a voice in how we improve. If that sounds like the kind of organisation you want to be part of, we'd love to hear from you., We are seeking to appoint a full-time, permanent Mental Capacity Act Officer to join our Integrated Legal Team. This is a key role in supporting compliance with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and cases relating to the Court of Protection.

The postholder will manage day-to-day administration of MCA and DoLS processes, oversee and provide cover for an administrative post, and take responsibility for scheduling and delivering MCA training across the Trust. You will also provide guidance to clinical teams on applying MCA in practice and contribute to service development projects and audits. + Administer DoLS referrals and Court of Protection cases, ensuring accurate records and continuity of service. + Provide clear, practical advice on MCA, DoLS, and related legislation to clinical teams. + Develop and deliver MCA training sessions for staff and partner organisations, adapting content for diverse services. + Supervise the MCA Administrator and promote effective team working. + Contribute to audits, improvement plans, and projects arising from legislative changes and regulatory inspections. + Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and communicate complex information in an accessible way. + Ensure compliance with data protection, confidentiality, safeguarding, and equality policies.

Working for our organisation Staff are required to support the Trust's visions and values and in particular the promotion of a positive approach to diversity and equality of opportunity, to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in service delivery and employment, and to manage, support or comply by adhering to the Trust's Equality and Diversity Policy.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust takes its responsibilities for the safeguarding and protection of children and young people and vulnerable adults very seriously and expects this of all its employees. The Trust works with adult and children's social care to ensure that the integrated service has systems in place to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to recognize abuse, and take action to safeguard and protect vulnerable adults and children and young people. It is expected that all staff familiarise themselves with the appropriate structures and policies and with the Sussex child protection and safeguarding procedures and the Sussex multi-agency policy and procedures for safeguarding vulnerable adults and undertake the relevant essential training and further training appropriate to their role.

The MCA Officer will play a key role in supporting the Trust's compliance with the Mental Capacity Act and associated legislation. Responsibilities include: Administration and Compliance

• Manage day-to-day administration of DoLS referrals and Court of Protection requests.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in line with statutory and Trust requirements.
• Provide cover for MCA administrative functions during leave periods.

Training and Education

• Design and deliver high-quality MCA and DoLS training sessions for staff and partner organisations.
• Adapt training content for different clinical settings, including CAMHS, dementia services, and acute care.
• Maintain training attendance and feedback records and update materials regularly.

Advice and Guidance

• Offer clear, practical advice to clinical teams on MCA, DoLS, Liberty Protection Safeguards, and related legislation.
• Support staff in embedding MCA and MHA compliance into everyday practice.

Staff Supervision

• Provide daily supervision to the MCA Administrator, ensuring adherence to HR policies and promoting team effectiveness.

Service Development and Projects

• Contribute to MCA improvement plans, audits, and projects linked to legislative changes and regulatory inspections.
• Participate in reporting and feedback activities as required.

Communication and Collaboration

• Build constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Present complex information in an accessible format in both face-to-face and virtual settings.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the MCA Lead/Senior MCA Officer when required.

Professional Standards

• Ensure compliance with data protection, confidentiality, safeguarding, and equality policies.
• Support the Trust's vision and values, promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.

SPFT is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from disabled candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented.

We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of MCA, DoLS, and the Mental Health Act in both inpatient and community settings. You will have excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly in both virtual and face-to-face training environments. This role requires a self-motivated individual who can work independently, manage competing priorities, and travel across Sussex as needed. Successful candidates are normally appointed to the bottom of the pay scale unless previous NHS experience in a similar role can be evidenced.

SPFT takes its responsibilities for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk very seriously. We expect all staff and bank workers to share this commitment and complete the relevant safeguarding training for their role.