Job vacancy: Senior Mental Health Act Services Officer, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, East or West Sussex

Job summary

Main area: Administration
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 354-CO-21832

Employer: Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: East or West Sussex To be confirmed
Town: East or West Sussex
Salary: £38,682 - £46,580 per annum
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 25/02/2026 23:59

Senior Mental Health Act Services Officer

NHS AfC: Band 6

Come and join us

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder is responsible for providing specialist guidance, advice and training to ensure Trust-wide statutory compliance with the Mental Health Act (MHA). This includes coordinating and delivering high-quality MHA training in collaboration with the Legal Education Advisor, responding to staff queries, and conducting effective, timely scrutiny of medical recommendations. The role requires maintaining up-to-date specialist knowledge of the MHA and associated legislation, supporting the implementation of legislative changes, and contributing to ongoing quality assurance, audit and project work. The post holder will work closely with Associate Hospital Managers, Medical Staff, Clinicians and colleagues across the Integrated Legal Team, providing clear communication on complex legal matters and producing accurate records, feedback and reports as required. They will also contribute to service improvement, maintain constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, support staff supervision processes, and ensure all information handling complies with data protection requirements. The role involves delivering both face-to-face and virtual training, travelling across Trust sites when required, and upholding the Trust’s values in promoting equality, diversity, safeguarding and high standards of professional behaviour.

Person specification

Knowledge/Experience

Essential criteria

A sound educational background with good analytical and communication skills (written and verbal)
An in-depth knowledge of the Mental Health Act, associated legislation and guidance and its application in practice
Ability to respond to verbal or written query from clinical teams. To use knowledge and experience to discuss and advise clinical teams as appropriate.
Experience of working in the health and social care sector, delivering MHA and MCA training and advice

Desirable criteria

City & Guilds Level 3 Education and Training qualification or willingness to complete. Specialist knowledge of key legislation: Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983 and how these interplay with each other and other relevant legislation
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 and willingness to complete Mental Health Law and Practice Certificate.

Skills

Essential criteria

Must be able to successfully receive and communicate complex, sensitive or contentious information on use of the Mental Capacity Act and other relevant legislation, explaining legal framework options to clinical teams and others (as appropriate)
Ability to prioritise own workload and that of others, dealing with conflicting demands
Ability to work accurately and with attention to detail
Excellent organisational and time management skills
Ability to understand and interpret statute law, statutory and non-statutory guidance

Statement

Essential criteria

Can demonstrate support for the values and beliefs of the Trust
Self- motivated, adaptable and flexible with a conscientious approach to work

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.

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.

If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. However, we’ll always do our best to keep you informed as we know how much time and care goes into applying for a role.

In the event of a high number of applications, we may close this vacancy early.