Job summary
We are recruiting for enthusiastic and capable practitioners to join our evolving MCA/LPS team based across both Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Yeovil District Hospital. As a team we cover office hours Monday Friday and this role would not include weekend working or shift working. The role is primarily onsite working based at either YDH or MPH with some visits to other Trust sites.
We are inviting applications from Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Nurses or those with a Social Work qualification. We are looking for experienced practitioners with a passion for all things related to Mental Capacity, and who are keen to be part of an evolving and creative team.
Main duties of the job
The focus of the role initially will be on supporting staff groups staff across the trust(s) to build their confidence and competence with applying the MCA in their practice. You will be a role model and direct source of support in relation to mental capacity assessment & DoLS issues.
It is the planned that the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) will replace the current DoLS scheme - the postholder will then be required to undertake work, including pre-authorisation reviews, in relation to the new framework.
You will be working closely with a range of healthcare professionals, providing education sessions, individual support, and devising other resources to improve staff knowledge and competence in this area. You will experience a high level of support from your team and be encouraged to be innovative and creative in your approach.
This role is likely to offer opportunities for progression depending on the final structure of the new service and we would welcome applications from people who are keen to expand their skills and knowledge
For further information and informal discussion about the role please contact Emma Lawton on 07552 932974
About us
As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.
The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.
There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To promote, develop and improve practice in the Trust(s) in relation to MCA, DoLS and LPS.
- Assist staff in undertaking their role in regards to the Mental Capacity Act with an emphasis on staff development rather than the creation of dependency.
- Provide tailored support and MCA education/development sessions to a variety of small staff groups to support and enhance their MCA practice.
- Support and assist staff to undertake mental capacity assessments, working in such a way that staff are empowered to undertake these assessments independently ongoing.
- Assist Trust staff in identifying when someone is being deprived of their liberty and what their responsibilities are in relation to that.
- Encourage a supportive and educational working environment that empowers staff at all levels to develop their skills and knowledge.
- Promote a culture of collaborative working with all health professionals across the Trust and with other providers/agencies.
- Ensure own continued personal and professional development, undertaking any training necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role.
- To be responsible as a Pre-authorisation Reviewer of LPS authorisations as part of the MCA/LPS Team within a Trust with responsible body status for LPS.
- To undertake other assessments as required to enable the Trust to meet its' responsibilities under the new Liberty Protections Safeguards framework
- Support the identification of priorities/challenges within MCA/LPS and identify training needs in respect of MCA/LPS across the trusts.
- Support the service to collate and record information to ensure that there is an accurate overview of all patients who are deprived of their liberty within the organisation, that applications are processed within timescales, and that all other legislative requirements are met.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To promote, develop and improve practice in the Trust(s) in relation to MCA, DoLS and LPS.
- Assist staff in undertaking their role in regards to the Mental Capacity Act with an emphasis on staff development rather than the creation of dependency.
- Provide tailored support and MCA education/development sessions to a variety of small staff groups to support and enhance their MCA practice.
- Support and assist staff to undertake mental capacity assessments, working in such a way that staff are empowered to undertake these assessments independently ongoing.
- Assist Trust staff in identifying when someone is being deprived of their liberty and what their responsibilities are in relation to that.
- Encourage a supportive and educational working environment that empowers staff at all levels to develop their skills and knowledge.
- Promote a culture of collaborative working with all health professionals across the Trust and with other providers/agencies.
- Ensure own continued personal and professional development, undertaking any training necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role.
- To be responsible as a Pre-authorisation Reviewer of LPS authorisations as part of the MCA/LPS Team within a Trust with responsible body status for LPS.
- To undertake other assessments as required to enable the Trust to meet its' responsibilities under the new Liberty Protections Safeguards framework
- Support the identification of priorities/challenges within MCA/LPS and identify training needs in respect of MCA/LPS across the trusts.
- Support the service to collate and record information to ensure that there is an accurate overview of all patients who are deprived of their liberty within the organisation, that applications are processed within timescales, and that all other legislative requirements are met.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Qualified Nurse, Social Worker, Psychologist, Speech & Language Therapist, or Occupational Therapist.
- 2 years post-qualifying experience
- Current registration with relevant professional regulatory body.
- Best Interest Assessor Qualification (or willingness to work towards)
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing post qualification professional development
- Experience of teaching in a group setting
Behaviours aligned with Trust values
Essential
- Outstanding care
- Listening and leading
- Working together
Knowledge
Essential
- Sound knowledge of MCA and DoLS legislation and case law.
- Understanding of assessing risk and harm within own area of practice
- Understanding of the challenges of MCA practice in healthcare settings
- Knowledge of the incoming Liberty Protection Safeguards and the changes this will bring to NHS Trusts
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of relevant experience in working with adults with Mental Capacity Act issues including completing mental capacity assessments
- Demonstrate experience in writing records and a knowledge of the importance of record keeping.
- Experience of inter-agency partnership working
Desirable
- Participation in the delivery of education/training and/or presentations
- Experience of providing advice to staff in relation to MCA and DoLS
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to articulate and explain and issues in relation to MCA and DoLS
- Ability to quickly form strong working relationships with staff (internal and external), patients, carers and families
- Comfortable to deliver educational sessions and learning to small groups of staff
- Confident in the use of systems, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
- Ability to work on own initiative, make autonomous decisions, referring to senior staff where needed
- Able to work proactively, constructively, and independently and within a multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to provide feedback to staff and directly empower staff to improve practice where needed.
Communication skills
Essential
- Evidence of a good standard of literacy and English language skills
Planning and Organising Skills
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and demonstrate good organisational skills.
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to travel independently across the county
- Use of IT equipment, MSTeams, and telephone
Other
Essential
- Enthusiastic, highly motivated and committed to being part of a high quality service
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Qualified Nurse, Social Worker, Psychologist, Speech & Language Therapist, or Occupational Therapist.
- 2 years post-qualifying experience
- Current registration with relevant professional regulatory body.
- Best Interest Assessor Qualification (or willingness to work towards)
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing post qualification professional development
- Experience of teaching in a group setting
Behaviours aligned with Trust values
Essential
- Outstanding care
- Listening and leading
- Working together
Knowledge
Essential
- Sound knowledge of MCA and DoLS legislation and case law.
- Understanding of assessing risk and harm within own area of practice
- Understanding of the challenges of MCA practice in healthcare settings
- Knowledge of the incoming Liberty Protection Safeguards and the changes this will bring to NHS Trusts
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of relevant experience in working with adults with Mental Capacity Act issues including completing mental capacity assessments
- Demonstrate experience in writing records and a knowledge of the importance of record keeping.
- Experience of inter-agency partnership working
Desirable
- Participation in the delivery of education/training and/or presentations
- Experience of providing advice to staff in relation to MCA and DoLS
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to articulate and explain and issues in relation to MCA and DoLS
- Ability to quickly form strong working relationships with staff (internal and external), patients, carers and families
- Comfortable to deliver educational sessions and learning to small groups of staff
- Confident in the use of systems, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
- Ability to work on own initiative, make autonomous decisions, referring to senior staff where needed
- Able to work proactively, constructively, and independently and within a multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to provide feedback to staff and directly empower staff to improve practice where needed.
Communication skills
Essential
- Evidence of a good standard of literacy and English language skills
Planning and Organising Skills
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and demonstrate good organisational skills.
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to travel independently across the county
- Use of IT equipment, MSTeams, and telephone
Other
Essential
- Enthusiastic, highly motivated and committed to being part of a high quality service
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
