Permanent
Part Time, 24 Hours Per Week
We have one vacancy in the following team:
This post is not open to those seeking a Trainee AMHP position or access to the AMHP training course.
Our Service
The Devon AMHP Service is recognised as a national example of good practice and has been involved in the development of the AMHP National Service Standards and other initiatives related to the role.
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 practise for the benefit of those who come into contact with our service.
We are also committed to improving the service we offer in order to help 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.
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 construct of the Mental Health Act; including making Applications to detain people, the use of Guardianship and Community Treatment Orders, Social Supervision work and other aspects and roles within the Mental Health Act.
Adult Social Care AMHP’s work alongside other professionals to support individuals subject to Mental Health Act orders in the community; including those conditionally discharged and under Ministry of Justice supervision. The Mental Health Act includes adults and children, and AMHPs work across many different areas.
The application and knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act is also integral to the work of an AMHP’s.
The Adult Social Care AMHP Service works closely with the Assigned Daytime AMHP service in order to maintain the duty rota and support various functions of that team.
The Adult Social Care AMHP Service is available to provide support to Adult Social Care Teams across Devon; teams are able to contact the Adult Social Care AMHPs for advice and support around complex practice issues where mental health issues are a factor. In addition, the Social Care AMHP Team maintain a close contact with older people’s and learning disability inpatient services.
Professional support and on-going training
All AMHPs receive regular individual and peer group supervision and appraisal. Teams are supported to have regular team days. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to both their own learning and that of others.
Devon County Council also offers a programme of post-qualifying AMHP training in order to support your practice and on-going approval as an AMHP.
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 be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of co-production and a willingness to engage with experts by experience.
You should hold current AMHP approval or 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.
You should have demonstrable experience in statutory mental health services, with a specific focus on risk management and multi-agency working.
While AMHP practise often focusses on the independence of their decision-making, we also strongly value team working and support as peers to help each other achieve the high standards that we aspire to.
What we can offer you
Working for Devon County Council has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact:
Job Description
Please note Devon County Council is not currently offering VISA sponsorship for this role. We will only consider applicants with valid Right to Work in the UK