Job summary
Following our new innovative in-house re-design, we are really excited to announce that we will be launching a new pioneering model for our out-of-hours services in Devon County Council.
The Devon County Council out-of-hours AMHP Service provides an essential response to urgent requests for assessments under the Mental Health Act. This involves triaging and prioritising workloads to make decisions on carrying out assessments in line with Devon County Councils statutory responsibilities.
This new specialist out-of-hours AMHP service will work alongside a separate Emergency Duty Service (EDS), which responds to Children and Adult referrals in an out-of-hours joint social care team.
This revised service was introduced in November 2022. It involves implementing specialist service models for our three core EDS services (Adults, Childrens and Mental Health), which will provide an improved, streamlined way of partnership working.
This initiative includes significant new investment and staffing levels to ensure improvements to the service we provide to those people living in Devon. The increase in the number of AMHPs, and the introduction of AMHP managers working out-of-hours, will provide a more supportive environment to work in, and a greater capacity to manage the increasing demand for this essential service.
Main duties of the job
If you would like to be part of developing a new, innovative service and meet the criteria below we would love to hear from you:
Essential
1. Registered qualified professional (Social Work, Nurse, OT, psychologist)
2. Currently authorised as an AMHP (Post-Grad Certificate in Mental Health)
3. Extensive knowledge of and be able to apply, a range of complex and specialist legislation the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Children Act and other relevant case law
4. Valid driving licence
5. Experience of working independently undertaking MHA assessments
6. Experience of working in multi-disciplinary settings.
Desirable
7. Experience as an AMHP with extensive knowledge of the Mental Health Act and mental health social work practice
8. Able to demonstrate a proven ability (or understanding of the skills and knowledge required) to work independently as a senior practitioner managing risks and safeguarding
About us
What we can offer you
9. We are committed to yourcontinuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career. You will receive excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers.
10. We offer26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years service.
11. Offer an opportunity to enter agenerous Local Government Pension Scheme.
12. As a place to live and work, Devon is hard to beat with top-performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, pretty villages and some of the most scenic coast and countryside in the UK. Living and working in Devon as an Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) has never been more attractive.
13. If you are currently living, working or studying in the UK and are looking to relocate to Devon,subject to qualifying conditions, relocation support of up to £10,000, may be available. Visa sponsorship may also be offered as part of the relocation support package, terms and conditions apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For all relevant information pleaserefer to the job description and person specification documents attached.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
14. Please refer to the job description and person specification document that is attached to the advert. Use this to address how your skills and experience meet the criteria outlined for this role.
Qualifications
Essential
15. Hold a recognised AMHP qualification
16. Hold a recognised qualification in: Social Work, Occupational Therapy, First Level Nursing (mental health or learning disability) or Psychology