South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Mental Health Act Administrative Support Officer

The closing date is 13 August 2025

Job summary

1 x 37.5 hours per week

This role sits within a friendly, busy MHA Team providing a service across the Trust footprint. You will join the Team at a time-of-service enhancement with opportunities for development within the team.

The successful candidate will work with a supportive management team who provide regular and responsive supervision and appraisal. The team works closely with internal and external providers, such as the Tribunal Service, Ministry of Justice, Legal Representatives, Advocates, family, friends and carers, plus many more.

The post holder will be expected to exercise initiative, have the ability to prioritise conflicting work demands and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Exercising tact and diplomacy, ensuring confidential and sensitive information is kept secure are essential skills to ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with the Trust's policies and procedures.

At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, we are unable to sponsor anyone for a skilled worker visa for this role.

We are happy to accept applications from candidates who can prove their right to work in the UK or via alternative visa routes. Such applications will be considered alongside all other applications.

Main duties of the job

We are committed to delivering a high quality, supportive and responsive service for the Trust and patients, focused on legal processes that impact on the delivery of all clinical services.

This role will support the Mental Health Act Admin Manager in Trust wide actions scrutinising and administering the MHA. You will have responsibility for co-ordinating a comprehensive and responsive service across the Trust in support of the administration of the MHA as well as patient appeals and reviews. You will work to strict deadlines set by both the MHA and the courts.

As a MHA Administrative Support Officer you will be part of a Trust wide team and will be required to provide cover in the absence of your colleagues working from other offices and collaboratively ensure appropriate cover for the admin support officer role is met.

The postholder will support the team to ensure that standards are maintained and appropriate, auditable and measurable. The successful applicant will assist in the day to day administration of the Act whilst working within the Code of Practice guidelines and processes and policy set out in the MHA Office.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

30 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-QA01378

Job locations

The Calderdale Royal Hospital

Huddersfield Road

Halifax

West Yorkshire

HX3 0PW


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

Service user contact referred to in this Job description will only apply when working within a clinical area.

The post-holder will:

under the supervision/direction of the Line Manager/Administrative Supervisor, within a delegated framework for agreed tasks and seeking support as and when necessary, provide a comprehensive, confidential, Secretarial/administrative service to clinical/support services, in an efficient and confidential manner.

provide services within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, whilst acting within the required sphere of competences for the role at all times.

demonstrate sound knowledge of the service to enable the post holder to contribute and inform decision making within the service.

may work within clinical environments where conflict resolution may be required.

act as principal point of contact for users of the service eg,individuals from within/outside the Trust, service users and members of the public etc.

work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.

develop and maintain good working relationships by being, flexible, adaptable, polite, positive and empathetic, communicating effectively and informatively.

work with sensitivity and have a good understanding of the service provision and issues experienced by its users.

prioritise own tasks, exercising a degree of independence, initiative and judgement. Assess situations, identify and resolve potential problems within own skill set. Refer and seek guidance on issues outside of postholders level of competency or authority to the Line Manager.

work within well-established departmental/Trust policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established service delivery plans at all times.

use effective verbal/written communication at all times, incorporating tact, empathy, consideration, courtesy and confidentiality. Adapt style of communication to respond to others user communication difficulties.

ensure the service experienced is positive and service user confidentiality is maintained at all times. Treat users of the service, colleagues etc, with respect, dignity, courtesy and in accordance with the Trusts Values.

For full detals of the role please see the supporting documents attached.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

Service user contact referred to in this Job description will only apply when working within a clinical area.

The post-holder will:

under the supervision/direction of the Line Manager/Administrative Supervisor, within a delegated framework for agreed tasks and seeking support as and when necessary, provide a comprehensive, confidential, Secretarial/administrative service to clinical/support services, in an efficient and confidential manner.

provide services within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, whilst acting within the required sphere of competences for the role at all times.

demonstrate sound knowledge of the service to enable the post holder to contribute and inform decision making within the service.

may work within clinical environments where conflict resolution may be required.

act as principal point of contact for users of the service eg,individuals from within/outside the Trust, service users and members of the public etc.

work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.

develop and maintain good working relationships by being, flexible, adaptable, polite, positive and empathetic, communicating effectively and informatively.

work with sensitivity and have a good understanding of the service provision and issues experienced by its users.

prioritise own tasks, exercising a degree of independence, initiative and judgement. Assess situations, identify and resolve potential problems within own skill set. Refer and seek guidance on issues outside of postholders level of competency or authority to the Line Manager.

work within well-established departmental/Trust policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established service delivery plans at all times.

use effective verbal/written communication at all times, incorporating tact, empathy, consideration, courtesy and confidentiality. Adapt style of communication to respond to others user communication difficulties.

ensure the service experienced is positive and service user confidentiality is maintained at all times. Treat users of the service, colleagues etc, with respect, dignity, courtesy and in accordance with the Trusts Values.

For full detals of the role please see the supporting documents attached.

Person Specification

Training

Essential

  • Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements, and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
  • Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training and maintain skills.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary).

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to be flexible to meet the demands of the post.
  • Responsive attitude and approach.
  • Dress appropriately for the environment.
  • Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to role.

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

  • Good written communication skills, with the ability to deal with and prepare routine written correspondence.
  • Good verbal communication skills, with the ability to obtain information and pass on comprehensive and confidential messages.
  • In, decision-making and prioritisation.
  • Knowledge of Data Protection Act.
  • Customer care skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Diversity/Cultural understanding.
  • Resilience to pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing situations.
  • Non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
  • Able to use observation skills to identify potential risks and act appropriately.
  • Demonstrates Trust Values.
  • Able to fulfil the requirements of the Trusts value based induction.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of information governance.
  • Problem solving skills.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Must be appropriate to the role:
  • NVQ level 3 or RSA III or OCR III (or equivalent level of qualification in related subject eg business admin, typing/word processing, customer services);
  • Or, be able to demonstrate competency at level 3.

Desirable

  • Willingness to undertake further study/development.

Experience

Essential

  • Recent Secretarial/administrative experience.
  • Copy /audio typing if applicable to role.
  • Note/minute taking.
  • In using email, maintaining and updating paper and electronic diaries, arranging meetings.
  • In using Microsoft Word and other Microsoft applications, e.g. Excel, Outlook , PowerPoint etc.
  • In working as an effective team member with minimum supervision.
  • In working in a busy environment with competing demands.
  • Understanding of the need to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • In using a degree of initiative.
  • in organising and prioritising own tasks in order to meet deadlines.

Desirable

  • In working in a caring environment.
  • In dealing with the public
  • Of NHS software programme.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Customer Care skills.
  • Excellent IT skills.
Person Specification

Training

Essential

  • Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements, and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
  • Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training and maintain skills.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary).

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to be flexible to meet the demands of the post.
  • Responsive attitude and approach.
  • Dress appropriately for the environment.
  • Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to role.

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

  • Good written communication skills, with the ability to deal with and prepare routine written correspondence.
  • Good verbal communication skills, with the ability to obtain information and pass on comprehensive and confidential messages.
  • In, decision-making and prioritisation.
  • Knowledge of Data Protection Act.
  • Customer care skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Diversity/Cultural understanding.
  • Resilience to pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing situations.
  • Non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
  • Able to use observation skills to identify potential risks and act appropriately.
  • Demonstrates Trust Values.
  • Able to fulfil the requirements of the Trusts value based induction.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of information governance.
  • Problem solving skills.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Must be appropriate to the role:
  • NVQ level 3 or RSA III or OCR III (or equivalent level of qualification in related subject eg business admin, typing/word processing, customer services);
  • Or, be able to demonstrate competency at level 3.

Desirable

  • Willingness to undertake further study/development.

Experience

Essential

  • Recent Secretarial/administrative experience.
  • Copy /audio typing if applicable to role.
  • Note/minute taking.
  • In using email, maintaining and updating paper and electronic diaries, arranging meetings.
  • In using Microsoft Word and other Microsoft applications, e.g. Excel, Outlook , PowerPoint etc.
  • In working as an effective team member with minimum supervision.
  • In working in a busy environment with competing demands.
  • Understanding of the need to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • In using a degree of initiative.
  • in organising and prioritising own tasks in order to meet deadlines.

Desirable

  • In working in a caring environment.
  • In dealing with the public
  • Of NHS software programme.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Customer Care skills.
  • Excellent IT skills.

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

The Calderdale Royal Hospital

Huddersfield Road

Halifax

West Yorkshire

HX3 0PW


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

The Calderdale Royal Hospital

Huddersfield Road

Halifax

West Yorkshire

HX3 0PW


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Carly Thimm

Carly.Thimm@swyt.nhs.uk

07881003010

Details

Date posted

30 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-QA01378

Job locations

The Calderdale Royal Hospital

Huddersfield Road

Halifax

West Yorkshire

HX3 0PW


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)