Approved Mental Health Professional
Job description
Summary
The Wiltshire Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Service is evolving to meet present and future demands.
We have developed a robust and effective ‘Hub & Spoke’ model of service which includes highly skilled and competent AMHPs who maximise the independence of service users.
The Service has a clarity of process, a proactive and preventative approach and it works effectively with partner agencies.
We are looking for a full-time (37 hours) permanent Hub AMHP whose input will further strengthen the Service.
LIVE WORK SUPPORT
The function of the team is to provide the statutory AMHP function on behalf of the Council.
This includes ensuring there are adequate AMHPs available to undertake duties within the specified hours of operation and with the Adult Social Care Emergency Duty Service (EDS), ensuring there is a 24-hour AMHP provision.
The Team ensures referrals for Mental Health Act related work are managed appropriately. This includes undertaking assessments under the Act, dealing with Nearest Relative related work, and managing CTO and Guardianship related work.
We have introduced a core Team of Hub AMHPs who only undertake AMHP related duties, supported by spoke rota AMHPs based within the locality MH Social Work Teams.
There is an AMHP Manager to oversee the day to day running as well as the development of the Service. There is also a Mental Health Act Coordinator to support the Manager and the Service as a whole.
The Service is county wide with offices co-located on Hospital sites in Devizes and Salisbury.
About the role
As a Hub AMHP, you will support the other Hub and Spoke AMHPs to ensure the Service operates effectively.
You will:
need to work with your colleagues to ensure all enquiries and referrals are responded to appropriately.
need to undertake assessments under the Act when appropriate but also record clearly when referrals and/or assessments are not progressed.
be involved in CTO work, Guardianship work as well as mental health ‘Breathing Space’ work. Your role will include you undertaking the AMHP Triage role from time to time.
Working pattern
For Hub AMHPs it's three long days (12-hour shifts) a week. Hub AMHPs must take a minimum of a 30-minute lunch break per shift (but can take longer if wanted).
The EDS has responsibility for all referrals after 5pm but working a longer day enables Hub AMHPs to finish off assessments and reports during their working day. This means minimal to no TOIL is generally built up ensuring ongoing capacity within the Service.
The working pattern does mean that Hub AMHPs will owe the Service a small amount of time each week. This can be off set against any TOIL which is accumulated or to attend Training or key meetings.
All Wiltshire daytime AMHPs have the option to also hold a Casual Contract with EDS if they would like the option to occasionally pick up additional shifts.
About you
You will have a recognised and relevant professional qualification (i.e. Degree/Diploma in Social Work or equivalent) and be registered with your professional body.
You'll be a qualified and experienced AMHP and have expert knowledge of the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act, the Care Act and other relevant legislation.
You will have a significant understanding and awareness of mental health, AMHP practice and emerging developments in these fields.
Interview date will be confirmed after shortlisting.
