Learning Disability and Autism Programme & MH S117 Practitioner
At a glance
- Band
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 18/09/2026
- Closes
- 02/10/2026
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Role summary
This role is for an experienced Band 6 Practitioner to join the Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health team. The post focuses on the non-clinical commissioning, funding, financial, and operational aspects of Section 117 aftercare arrangements. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team to develop a consistent and robust approach to S117 commissioning across Surrey and Sussex. It involves providing specialist advice, reviewing complex cases, and supporting the resolution of funding disputes. The aim is to improve the commissioning and funding of S117 services for better patient outcomes.
Key responsibilities
- Provide specialist advice on S117 funding, commissioning responsibilities, and financial arrangements for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities and Autism.
- Review complex cases regarding funding responsibility, eligibility, or commissioning arrangements.
- Support the identification and resolution of Responsible Commissioner and funding disputes.
- Work with Local Authorities and NHS providers to develop effective and sustainable S117 arrangements.
- Provide oversight of S117 expenditure, financial risks, high-cost packages, and funding commitments.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of S117 / LDA policies, procedures, pathways, and operating models.
Essential criteria
- Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area
- Experience of assessment of health and social care needs - care planning and coordination including knowledge of discharge planning
- Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions in a rapidly changing environment
- Demonstrable experience of case management
- Knowledge of and experience of MHA, S117, NHS Funded Continuing Health Care criteria, Care and Treatment reviews - Legal Framework guidance and policies
- Experience of commissioning and reviewing safe and appropriate care and support
- A good understanding of the health and social care environment and roles and responsibilities within it
- Ability to analyse & evaluate complex issues where information may be conflicting, using experience to make recommendations and escalate where appropriate
- Demonstrated capability to act upon incomplete information, using experience to support decision making
- Demonstrate problem solving skills with an ability to respond to sudden & unexpected demands
- Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence
- Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks
- Ability to work flexibly with a level of autonomy and as part of a team
- Able to organise own time and work unsupervised
- Ability to (re)prioritise work according to changing demands
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills
- Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support
- Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
- Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload without supervision working to tight and often changing demands
- An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
- Used to working in a busy environment
- Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
- Commitment to continuing professional development
- Professional calm and efficient manner
- Effective organiser
- Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
- Ability to demonstrate the NHS and ICS values and behaviours in all aspects of work and interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, patients and service users
- Full driving Licence
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 6 at £37,338 – £44,962 a year, across England.
This advert: £39,959 – £48,117 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 14d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Surrey and Sussex ICB
Learning Disability and Autism Programme & MH S117 Practitioner
The closing date is 02 October 2026
Job summary
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
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