Childcare jobs in United Kingdom

Mental Capacity Act Officer (Band 5)Hours: 37.5 per week | Contract: PermanentBase: Location to be agreed with postholder | Coverage: Across Sussex

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.

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.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Jenny Winter on 07738 758175.

• 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.

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 Trusts 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 Trusts vision and values, promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.

• Mental Health Law and Practice Certificate (undergraduate Level 4) University of Northumbria or equivalent level of demonstrable knowledge and experience /training in Mental health law
• Specialist knowledge of key legislation: Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983 and how these interplay with each other and other relevant legislation.
• Experience of delivering training to staff at all levels in both face to face settings and using virtual training platforms
• Experience of working in the health and social care sector, delivering MHA and MCA training and advice.
• Up to date knowledge of the local and national agenda in relation to MCA and MHA issues.
• IT literate and competent in Microsoft applications
• Excellent verbal, written and presentational techniques
• Able to prioritise workload, including meeting deadlines under pressure
• City & Guilds Level 3 Education and Training qualification or willingness to complete

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.