Locum AMHP Senior Social Worker
Temporary, Full Time
£40 per hour Umbrella
Location: Countywide across Essex (offices based in Basildon and Colchester)
Working Style:
The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Essex County Council’s (ECC) fast paced, dynamic and supportive dedicated Approved Mental Health Service (AMHP) Service.
As a Senior Social Worker you will be passionate and experienced in demonstrating expert and effective practice in complex situations often in pressurized environments. You will be able to manage workloads and support colleagues with complex cases, with an ability to mitigate high levels of risk. You will work collaboratively with statutory and non-statutory/voluntary agencies ensuring a joined-up approach.
The Approved Mental Health Professional Service has a unique position in ensuring compliance with the statutory functions imposed upon the Local Authority by the Mental Health Act. The service will be responsible for delivering the AMHP rota. The service will undertake statutory assessments, triaging initial enquiries in line with statutory duties.
The Service takes referral 9-5 Monday to Friday and is supported by the Essex Emergency Duty Service outside of these times. The role will involve working a condensed week (37 hours per week across 4 weekdays) and will require countywide travel across Essex to complete MHA assessments in a variety of environments. The 2 AMHP Hub offices are based in Basildon and Colchester and there will be expectation for the postholder to commence their working day from one of these locations.
Why Join Us?
The AMHPs within Essex are fully committed to striving for the best outcome possible for those whom they assess but critically supportive of each other. When undertaking AMHP duties you will have access to the regular support of experienced AMHPs, Deputy Team Managers and Team Managers.
Here's what our AMHPs say:
“AMHP work gives one a chance to exercise humanism. It is a privilege to enter that person’s life experiences.”
“There is nothing more satisfying than going home knowing that we have successfully supported the individual and made a difference to them and their family.”
“Although the AMHP role is challenging and unpredictable as it can involve working unsociable hours, our team always creates time for team building and bonding.”
About You
To apply, you should be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration and an Approved Mental Health Professional Mental Health Act 1983 as recognised by ECC.
You’ll bring significant experience, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. We’re also looking for your ability to mentor both newly qualified and experienced team members. As, a subject matter expert in the mental health act, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance.
With experience of collaborative working, we’re looking for your ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for vulnerable people.
You’ll also bring:
1. Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
2. An in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
3. The ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
This role involves travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.
For more information visit our or contact
Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment .
Please note that Essex County Council has determined that the off-payroll working rules will apply to this assignment and where a worker elects to provide their services through an intermediary (such as a personal services company) then income tax and primary national insurance contributions will be deducted at source from any payments made to the intermediary.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.
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