Mental Capacity Act Officer

Mental Capacity Act Officer (Band 5)

Hours: 37.5 per week | Contract: Permanent

Base: 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.

Please note that this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, as it does not fall under a recognised occupation code. We therefore regret that we are unable to consider applicants who require sponsorship at this time.

• 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 th

at 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.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Jenny Winter Job title: Senior Mental Capacity Act Officer Email address: jenny.winter3@nhs.net Telephone number: 07738 758175

If Jenny is unavailable, please contact Jolene Pont, MCA Lead on 07748112673