Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Act Coordinator

The closing date is 15 March 2026

Job summary

The post holder will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to undertake the administration of the Mental Health Act 1983 including ensuring the accuracy of MHA administration data, both in electronic and paper format- accepting and scrutinising documentation relating to a patient's detention and taking the necessary action. To include cover for other Mental Health Act team colleagues in the West Sussex to ensure continuity of administration of the Act.

Please note if successful you will be invited to a recruitment day

Main duties of the job

The postholder will be expected to undertake tasks independently in line with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust policies and procedures and the Standards for Mental Health Act Administration.

The postholder will be required to respond to queries appropriate to their job role, referring more complex queries to the Mental Health Act Services Officer as appropriate.

To attend regular supervisions, Mental Health Act Team meetings and others as necessary.

Answer staff queries regarding the administration of the Act, associated legislation and the relevant processes in place to support these.

Ensure maintenance and upkeep of legal file storage management system.

Undertake necessary personal development to ensure up-to-date and continuing knowledge and understanding of legal requirements of MHA and associated legislation, case law and government guidance to help protect the Trust from possible litigation due to non-compliance with legal requirements and statutory guidance relevant to their role and responsibilities

Use personal computer and other systems in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and Trust policies on Computer Security.

To carry out other duties appropriate to the banding as and when required.

Attend other training as necessary as specified by the Trust.

About us

The successful candidate must be enthusiastic, willing to learn administrative and legislative processes, to work as part of a team but be self-motivated and have ability to work without supervision. The job is busy and varied and requires an eye for detail and an enquiring mind.

We offer you an opportunity to work in a unique administrative role, in a vibrant team, with potential for structured learning and personal development.

Date posted

27 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

354-CO-21839

Job locations

Department of Psychiatry

Eastbourne District General Hospital

Kings Drive, Eastbourne

BN21 2UD

Job description

Job responsibilities

- To undertake Receipt & Scrutiny of Mental Health Act detention papers.

- To arrange and support patient hearings.

- To ensure patient clinical records are updated.

- To provide advice and guidance on the administration and application of the Mental Health Act.

Job description

Job responsibilities

- To undertake Receipt & Scrutiny of Mental Health Act detention papers.

- To arrange and support patient hearings.

- To ensure patient clinical records are updated.

- To provide advice and guidance on the administration and application of the Mental Health Act.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

A sound educational background with good analytical and communication skills (written and verbal)
Willingness and ability to learn quickly and gain a working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and associated legislation.

Desirable

Certificate in Mental Health Law (or similar qualification) or significant relevant experience

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

Experience in a working environment with regular contact with work colleagues/public.
Previous experience in a lead administrative role
Ability to learn to understand and interpret provisions of the Mental Health Act and associated legislation, seeking appropriate advice and guidance where necessary

Desirable

Previous NHS experience

Skills

Essential

Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy to all relevant professionals, patients, relatives and carers
Ability to understand and interpret statute law, statutory and non-statutory guidance.
High level of accuracy and an eye for detail required in all aspects of job role.
The ability to prioritise work to meet legal and local deadlines.
Use of computer based systems and programmes - Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point and email

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

A sound educational background with good analytical and communication skills (written and verbal)
Willingness and ability to learn quickly and gain a working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and associated legislation.

Desirable

Certificate in Mental Health Law (or similar qualification) or significant relevant experience

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

Experience in a working environment with regular contact with work colleagues/public.
Previous experience in a lead administrative role
Ability to learn to understand and interpret provisions of the Mental Health Act and associated legislation, seeking appropriate advice and guidance where necessary

Desirable

Previous NHS experience

Skills

Essential

Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy to all relevant professionals, patients, relatives and carers
Ability to understand and interpret statute law, statutory and non-statutory guidance.
High level of accuracy and an eye for detail required in all aspects of job role.
The ability to prioritise work to meet legal and local deadlines.
Use of computer based systems and programmes - Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point and email

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.