Job Description Job Title: Approved Mental Health Act Practitioner Job ID/ Post ref: COM137 Directorate: Social Services & Housing Role Profile: PC6A Service Area: Adult Services Grade: 9 Reporting to: Service Manager Date of Issue: September 2019 Job Purpose: AMHPs exercise functions under the Mental Health Act 1983. Those functions relate to decisions made about individuals with mental disorders, including the decision to apply for compulsory admission to hospital for assessment and/or treatment as required. The primary purpose of this role is to undertake the statutory role of Approved Mental Health Act Practitioner within Adult Social Services across Pembrokeshire to all service users, their families or other individuals or groups requiring such services. Ancillary to this the post holder will also be expected to support the department to meet its obligations under the Mental Health Measure and the Social services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act. With the aim of maximising the independence of individuals in need of the service and safeguard those who are may appear to be vulnerable. As an AMHP you must be able to exercise the appropriate use of autonomy, and independence required by the statutory nature of the role, you must be aware of the authority placed in you in this role by the legislation, and be fully aware of its appropriate use. You will be working with people during times of acute illness so you must be able to manage anxieties of; the individual, families, public, professionals and yourself, at this time. You will need to understand and assess any risks posed, potential areas of conflict and any implications on your AMHP practice, and to undertake appropriate decision making in line with the Mental Health Act and other relevant legislation, this may include applying the relevant section of the Act to require a person’s compulsory admission to a hospital setting for assessment or treatment. To be able to hold and maintain an AMPH warrant in line expectations of P.C.C. warranting process. Principal duties and responsibilities: 1. To autonomously & to independently assess and take appropriate action in relation to assessment and care planning in line with the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Social Services & Wellbeing (Wales) Act’s. 2. To plan, negotiate and manage compulsory admission to hospital or arrangements for supervised community treatment and make appropriate decisions that are sensitive to the needs of the service user, recognising, assessing and effectively managing the risks related to the AMHP role. 3. To initiate the deployment of appropriate resources to meet assessed needs in emergencies or as required by the Mental Health Act and to be able to assess the feasibility of, and contribute effectively to, planning and implementing options for care of the service user. 4. To be able to manage and co-ordinate effectively the relevant legal and practical processes, including the involvement of other professionals, as well as service users, relatives and carers and be able to complete statutory documentation, including an application for admission, sectioning documentation, tribunal records and written records in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines. 5. As an integral part of the Community Mental Health Service provision in Pembrokeshire you will represent the local authority, working with health board colleagues to ensure assessments care plans and care coordinator roles are undertaken for people who have Care & treatment plans, care and treatment orders and that suitable arrangements are in place for those people subject to ministry of justice arrangements 6. To provide appropriate social work services to vulnerable client groups and situations, which involve the liberty and/or safety of service users and the public, 7. To make decisions in relation the application of the Mental Health Act, acting with the delegated authority of the Director of Social Services. 8. To be able to draw on and critically evaluate relevant research, local and national policy to ensure your AMHP practice is evidence-based and be able to gather, analyse and share information appropriately 9. To communicate advice, instruction, information and professional opinion, including providing verbal and written reports. Reports must be in line with the professional expectations of the AMPH role and must be fit for purpose including but not limited to; assessment and care planning, admission to hospital, detention, treatment, applications to court, reports to ministry of justice, and tribunal hearings. 10. To justify your decision making & present your reports and recommendations at a relevant legal /court hearings. 11. To balance and manage the competing requirements of confidentiality and effective information sharing to the benefit of the service user and other persons concerned with the service user’s care 12. To work in collaboration with the person, families, other statutory organisations including primary and secondary care, police, WAST, and the third sector. You will need to clearly articulate and deliver on the role of the AMHP and work with these partners to ensure the person is at the centre of decision making. 13. To represent the Authority promoting and participating in joint working with other statutory, voluntary and independent sector organisations. 14. To work closely with other front-line agencies including Health, Police and other relevant agencies to ensure that vulnerable client groups are safeguarded and procedures are followed in line with the Mental Health Act & Social Services and Well Being Act. 15. To assist in the ongoing development of the team and take a lead on relevant issues, as delegated by the manager. To attend team meetings, supervision sessions and training events as required by the service manager. 16. To contribute to strategic planning, the development of the Team Business Plan and the management of the Teams’ performance. 17. To operate through the IT systems used in the department 18. To be available to attend court, tribunal proceedings, child/adult protection conferences as required. Person specification – Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience & Skills: Essential Desirable 1. Social Work Qualification (CQSW, DipSW, CSS) and Social Worker registration with Social Care Wales Or equivalent professional qualification and registration and a minimum of 2 years post qualifying experience. 2. Have and maintain Approved Mental Health Act practitioner status. Take responsibility for attending relevant training as required to maintain AMHP status. 3. Understand legislation, related codes of practice and national and local policy and guidance applicable to the role of an AMHP, and be able to apply this in practice. 4. Understand the legal position and accountability of AMHPs, employers and the authority the AMHP is acting for in relation to the Mental Health Act 1983. 5. Understand a range of models of mental disorder, the contribution and impact of social, physical and development factors on mental health, and be able to apply these in practice. 6. Understand the social perspective on mental disorders and mental health needs in working with service users, their relatives, carers and other professionals, and be able to apply this in practice. 7. Understand the implications of mental disorders for service users, their relatives, carers and other professionals, and be able to apply this in practice. 8. Understand the implications of a range of treatments and interventions for service users, their relatives and carers, and be able to apply this in practice. 9. Be able to work with service users, carers and others to evaluate the outcomes of interventions and identify any unmet needs. 10. Be able to build and sustain effective professional relationships with service users, relatives and carers when undertaking the AMHP role. 11. Be able to work as an AMHP in partnership with others, including inter-agency and inter-professional working. 12. Understand the roles and responsibilities of other professionals involved in statutory mental health work. 13. Be able to use networks and community groups to influence collaborative working with service users, agencies and advocates 14. Understand child and adult protection procedures in relation to AMHP practice. 15. Understand the needs of children and young people and their families and the impact those needs have on AMHP practice 16. Be prepared to undertake the appropriate training for Best Interest assessments. 17. Good organisation skills and the ability to work as part of a self-developing team, leading on updating resources for the team if there are any legislative or policy changes, liaising with day teams to ensure operational policies are aligned. 18. Experience of working within budget limits. 19. Evidence of innovative ability and service development. 20. Commitment to ongoing personal development. 21. Good communication skills and ability to negotiate with other agencies. 22. A valid driving licence and the use of a car for work purposes 23. Ability to use the Welsh language ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? General Responsibilities: Corporate: To actively support and ensure compliance with the organisations Safeguarding Policy, Health & Safety Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy and Data Protection Policy. You may be required to undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required of you, commensurate with your grade or general level of responsibility within the organisation. Author: Jason Bennett – Head of Adult Services and Housing Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced Mental Health Social Worker to work with our Adult Mental Health and AMHP Team. Bro Cerwyn CMHT serves as the hub for our dynamic team, committed to providing high-quality mental health services to the citizens of Pembrokeshire. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those experiencing mental health challenges. We are looking for an ambitious, enthusiastic, and dynamic individual who is person-centered in their approach and passionate about working in mental health. The successful candidate will possess excellent communication skills and will work effectively as both a team player and on their own initiative. Details: - Conduct Mental Health Act Assessments based on recent examples and references within the last five years. - Respond promptly to Mental Health Act Assessments in various settings. - Collaborate with team members to ensure the efficient delivery of mental health services. - Provide regular updates on activities and progress to the Service Manager and Team Manager. - Complete 117 reviews and other assigned duties as needed. - You will be expected to champion the Social Model within secondary mental health - This position requires Flexibility to work outside standard operating hours, particularly for assessments that extend past 17:00 - This a Pembrokeshire based appointment but we would encourage applicants who could travel into the county with travel costs reimbursed Qualifications and Experience: - Qualified and experienced Approved Mental Health Professional. - Holder of current AMHP warrant - Registration with Social Care Wales. - Demonstrate experience in conducting Mental Health Act Assessments within the last five years.