Permanent
Full Time, 37 Hours Per Week (consideration will be given to part-time working and should be discussed at interview)
This post is assigned to Devon Partnership NHS Trust within the daytime part of the AMHP Service. This role links in with adult and children’s mental health services and is open to registered social workers, occupational therapists, mental health nurses or chartered psychologists currently approved (or eligible for approval) to practise as an AMHP.The post is full time, Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week (consideration will be given to part-time working and should be discussed at interview)T grade (£46,549 – £50,603) pro rata. A generous relocation package is available for successful external candidates.This post is open to qualified AMHPs and those individuals who are eligible to be considered for approval, subject to completing the necessary re-approval portfolio process. Candidates must have the appropriate professional registration for their discipline and provide a registration number with their application. They must be able to provide evidence of their AMHP qualification and required post-qualifying AMHP refresher training as part of their application.These posts are not open to those seeking a Trainee AMHP position or access to the AMHP training course.
Our serviceThe 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 exploring how as a service we support the recommendations of Devon County Council’s Race Equality Audit, including opportunities to promote allyship and the development of safe spaces for our employees, and those we work with and alongside.
Approved Mental Health Professionals (assigned) – Team Manager and Practice LeadThe successful applicant will manage a small team of AMHPs in North Devon, as well as provide professional leadership locally and across the county. You will work as part of an establishment AMHP management team, as well as be contributing to the development of closer links with our new Out of Hours AMHP Team, who recently replaced the Emergency Duty Service AMHP provision.Our AMHP Team Managers contribute regularly to their local rotas, as well as hold a small case load of people on CTOs, Guardianship and Social Supervision, aimed at supporting Responsible Clinicians and Care Co-ordinators in their work with this group.
Professional support and on-going training
All AMHPs and Team Managers give and receive regular individual and peer group supervision and appraisal. As a Team Manager, you will receive regular support and supervision from the AMHP Service Manager. Teams are supported to have regular team days.
The successful candidate 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 youYou 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 where-ever 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.
Please see the attached job description for more information.
What we can offer you
For an informal discussion regarding the roles available, please contact either:Robert Lewis, AMHP Service Manager – 07973 526228 or via email robertlewis2@nhs.net
Job Description