WSCC has seconded the social care workforce into Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, to provide a fully integrated Mental Health Service. All staff within the Mental Health teams, for example, SWs, CPNs and O/T, undertakes the statutory responsibilities of the Local Authority in line with the Care Act, for example, assessments, Safeguarding, MHA compliance. Adult services provide social care staff to approx. 20 multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) that operate across the county.

All integrated mental health staff work with individuals and their carers in the community who are eligible for support from secondary mental health services, because they are at risk of deterioration to their mental health and/or at risk of admission to hospital. This involves a holistic assessment of their situation which frequently identifies difficulties that are borne of poor or inappropriate housing provision and the role of Housing Co-ordinator will support and direct some of the activity of the integrated teams in finding appropriate solutions to such difficulties.

You will engage with local housing providers to establish what provisions/support they can offer in this holistic assessment and the solutions found, educating Housing Options staff awareness and understanding of mental health services
Support allocated workers who have clients that are accommodated under the Care Act 2014 so that robust housing solutions are found quickly and relevant Housing Benefit claims are made

Liaise with partner agencies, specifically the Mental Health Commissioning Managers, Supported Housing, the Health Housing and Social Care Advisor (Coastal Area) and the Northern Proactive Care Housing Co-ordinator, to identify needs and plan services across county to meet local housing priorities

Attend psychiatric hospital discharge meetings and supporting colleagues in planning pathways, systems and solutions in learning how to swiftly resolve housing difficulties that may be hindering the person’s return to the community

£30,178 - £32,778
Permanent, Full-time
Based throughout West Sussex
37 hours per week
Interview date: 29th May 2015

This position is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly Criminal Records Bureau check)