Approved Mental Health Professional

Job description

Job responsibilities

Approved Mental Health Professionals work on behalf of local authorities to carry out a variety of functions under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 2007).

The AMHP role is a complex one and requires the ability to exercise the appropriate use of independence, authority and autonomy. It is also unique in that the AMHP is acting as an autonomous professional rather than as an agent of the Local Authority. As such whilst they can be tasked to consider a Mental Health Act assessment, they are solely responsible for decision-making in the use of formal powers. They need significant experience in mental health law to undertake their duties, and lead, consider and co-ordinate Mental Health Act assessments in a variety of situations.

The role is governed by both Social Work National standards and the AMHP Regulations and is a statutory function of the Local Authority.1

1. Consider all referrals determined by the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983 and as amended 2007, lead and co-ordinate assessments in a timely manner. This includes requests for Mental Health Act assessments and associated work in a range of locations including amongst others, the community, a patients own home, hospital, s136 suites.

2. Contribute to an effective and responsive AMHP service. This may require the post holder to consider and lead more than one assessment request at a time, when it is safe to do so

3. Work within the guiding principles of the MHA, the Code of Practice, Mental Health Regulations, Tribunals Guidance, Social Supervision Guidance plus associated Case Law and as an autonomous decision-maker within the AMHP HUB, within the local authority procedures and with the support, supervision and guidance of the AMHP Lead. AMHPs are autonomously responsible for all decisions they make under the Mental Health Act.

4. Undertake risk assessment, including gathering information from a range of sources, utilising the support of other agencies in decision-making and exercise of assessments in situations where risk necessitates this. Make applications for a warrant to enter premises when necessary and arrange the timely execution.

5. Interview the patient in an appropriate manner as defined by legislation, ensuring they are fully aware of their rights.

6. Identify and consult with the patients nearest relative, ensuring they are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Act.

7. Arrange safe conveyance to hospital or make alternative arrangements necessary when an application is not made and to inform all relevant agencies, including the nearest relative, of these arrangements.

8. Make enquiries to establish a patients place of residence in order to determine s117 eligibility following current case law and lead on the preparation, review, amendment and/or revocation of s117 aftercare plans for eligible patients.

9. Prepare Social Circumstance Reports and give evidence and professional opinion to Managers Hearings/ Tribunals as required.

10. Provide social supervision to conditionally discharged forensic patients and prepare risk management reports for the Ministry of Justice. This includes the management of risk and the use of recall to hospital.

11. Establish and develop collaborative working with allied health and social care professionals within the professional remit of the AMHP role.

12. Maintain accurate and timely records including the AMHP Report and case recording.

13. Keep up-to-date with research, develop and disseminate greater understanding of evidence based practice, providing professional assistance and guidance to colleagues within the council and other agencies as appropriate.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in social work or equivalent professional qualification (CSS, CQSW, DipSW)
• Post-qualifying AMHP award and evidence of ongoing training.
• Registered with Social Work England
• Hold a full UK driving licence;
• - and have access to a vehicle for work purpose

Desirable

• Practice Educators Award

Experience

Essential

• Significant knowledge of Adult Social Care legislation and policy guidance and have an understanding of the principles, practice and provisions of community care.
• A high-level working knowledge of the Mental Health Acts and Mental Capacity Act and the ability to demonstrate this in practice.
• Ability to assess the social care needs of individuals and their carers, in order to make professionals decisions based on assessed needs.
• Ability to use a range of IT applications.
• Knowledge of sources of oppression, disadvantage and discrimination and their impact at a structural and individual level in society
• Understand concepts of choice and control and enable users to self directed the assessment process and the support that they receive.
• In depth knowledge of social work theories including crisis interventions.
• Working within an adult social work setting
• Working within a multi-agency context

Desirable

• Ability to take responsibility for personal development and the development of others.
• Ability to handle complex and challenging situations and be able to identify and manage risks, including risks to vulnerable adults

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Calderdale Council

Address

Calderdale M B C

18 Princess Street

Halifax

West Yorkshire

HX1 1TS

Employer's website

https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2 (Opens in a new tab)