Learning Disability & Autism Programme & MH Practitioner (Clinical)

Job overview

Are you an experienced NHS professional with a strong understanding of commissioning, Section 117 aftercare and partnership working?

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Band 6 Practitioner to join our Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health team.

This is a key role supporting the effective delivery and governance of Section 117 aftercare arrangements, with a particular focus on the non-clinical commissioning, funding, financial and operational aspects of S117.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in developing a consistent, sustainable and robust approach to S117 commissioning across Surrey and Sussex.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team alongside clinical, commissioning, finance and operational colleagues, with opportunities to contribute to wider strategic development across mental health, learning disability and autism.

If you are passionate about improving the way S117 services are commissioned and funded, and want to make a difference to the experience and outcomes of people receiving aftercare, we would welcome your application.

Main duties of the job

About you

You will have:

Significant experience within NHS commissioning, mental health, learning disability, autism or related services.

A strong understanding of Section 117 aftercare and the LDA programme, and the interface between health and social care.

Experience of managing complex commissioning, funding or financial issues.

The ability to interpret and apply legislation, guidance and local commissioning arrangements.

Experience of working across organisational boundaries and resolving complex issues with multiple stakeholders.

Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills.

The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.

Experience of providing advice and guidance to colleagues and senior stakeholders.

You will be confident working with complex information and able to translate legislation, policy and commissioning requirements into practical solutions.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

About the role

You will work within health and social care frameworks, ensuring a consistent approach and supporting effective, coordinated and legally compliant S117 arrangements. You will work closely with clinical colleagues, local authorities, providers and other partners to ensure that S117 responsibilities are clearly understood and appropriately managed.

Key responsibilities will include:

Providing specialist advice on S117 funding, commissioning responsibilities and financial arrangements for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities and Autism.

Reviewing complex cases where there are questions or disputes regarding funding responsibility, eligibility or commissioning arrangements

Supporting the identification and resolution of Responsible Commissioner and funding disputes.

Working with Local Authorities and NHS providers to develop effective and sustainable S117 arrangements.

Support the oversight and operational management of LDA function, ensuring accurate and timely submission of data, and appropriate escalation of risks and service gaps.

Providing oversight of S117 expenditure, financial risks, high-cost packages and funding commitments.

Contributing to the development and implementation of S117 / LDA policies, procedures, pathways and operating models.

Supporting effective information management, reporting and performance monitoring.

Working collaboratively with clinical teams while maintaining a clear focus on the commissioning and non-clinical responsibilities of S117 / LDA.

Supporting the development of consistent approaches across Surrey and Sussex.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.