Social Care Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

Our Adult Social Care Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Service

Adult Social Care AMHP’s carry out a broad range of tasks and assessments within the scope of the Mental Health Act; including consideration under s13, the making of applications to detain people, the use of Guardianship and Community Treatment Orders to support well-being in the community and Social Supervision work under Part 4 of the MHA.

The application and knowledge of the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act and the Human Rights Act is integral to the work of an AMHP.

The Adult Social Care AMHP Service, in particular, provides County wide support to Local Authority Adult Social Care Teams whereby we are available for advice and support with complex practice issues where mental disorder is a significant component and where there may be a need to consider legal frameworks in ensuring appropriate care and safe practice.

The team contribute to MDT working, safeguarding meetings and can undertake joint visits with Social Care staff; we also work closely with our health colleagues in Devon Partnership Trust.

The Mental Health Act does not have any age limitations, it can involve work with both adults and children; AMHPs may find themselves working across many different areas and can include close working with Learning Disability & Autism services, Older Adults teams and CAMHS teams. The Adult Social Care AMHP Service works closely with the Assigned Daytime AMHP service; providing 50% of our time to core AMHP duties / supporting the AMHP rota.

We are constantly seeking ways to improve our service, including how best to capture and utilise the voices of those that have experience of being assessed under the Mental Health Act and to further improve practice for the benefit of those who have contact with our service.

We are also committed to improving the service we offer, seeking to address the types of racial disparity in Mental Health Services that were highlighted during 2018’s Review of the Mental Health Act and the subsequent White Paper on reforming the Mental Health Act (2021).

We are also committed to supporting the recommendations of Devon County Council’s Race Equality Audit.

Professional support and on-going training

All AMHPs receive regular individual and peer group supervision and appraisal. The team is supported to have regular team days. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to both their own learning and that of others.

As a service we are keen to support colleagues to find creative and interesting ways to share specialist AMHP knowledge and support the learning of those outside our team.

About you:

You will be a be a registered Social Worker, Occupational Therapist or Mental Health Nurse with a proven commitment to professional development and experience of working with people in mental health crises.

In particular, we are interested in those who are seeking to develop and improve themselves and AMHP services and are open to working flexibly and creatively wherever possible.

You should hold current AMHP approval and be prepared to submit a portfolio to be re-approved in-line with Devon County Council’s policies.

You must be able to demonstrate an excellent appreciation and understanding of the European Convention of Human Rights, be committed to the principles of mental health legislation, with a strong focus on recovery principles and awareness of the impact mental disorder can have on an individual, their family, carers and supporters.

What we can offer you

• We are committed to your continuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career. You will receive excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers.
• We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years’ service.
• Flexible working opportunities are available, these include part-time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (this is subject to the needs of the role – please discuss at further at interview)
• Offer an opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• As a place to live and work, Devon is hard to beat with top-performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, pretty villages and some of the most scenic coast and countryside in the UK. Living and working in Devon as an Approved Mental Health Professional has never been more attractive.
• If you are currently living, working or studying in the UK and are looking to relocate to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, relocation support of up to £10,000, may be available. Visa sponsorship may also be offered as part of the relocation support package, terms and conditions apply. Please note: At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.

Interviews are due to be held on 14th January 2025.

For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact:

• Louise Wheavil on 07773 534488

Does the job role include personal care?: No

Working Patterns:

TBC

Essential details:

Please click here to view the Job Description

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages. 
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.  
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. 
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. 
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. 
• This role requires a DBS disclosure