AMHP Social Worker in Crewe

The Mental Health South Social Care Team are inviting applications for an experienced and self-motivated Grade 10 Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Social Worker to join the Mental Health South Social Work team based at Delamere Resource Centre. We are currently hybrid working from the office and at home. The successful applicant will report to and be supported by the Practice Manager Candice Holt.

AMHP role

To undertake the assessment of service users as defined by the 1983 Mental Health Act; to collect all relevant background information including medical opinion, to make an application for the detention of service users in hospital or to provide alternative arrangements for a service user’s care in accordance with professional practice.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consult with doctors, specialists and other professionals to establish service users' current circumstances and previous history.
• Collect additional relevant background information from a variety of sources, for example medical records, case notes, etc.
• Interview the service user in an appropriate manner as defined by legislation, to undertake a full risk assessment which will inform the decision-making process for an application for detention.
• Co-ordinate the service user's assessment process which necessitates liaison with other professional bodies – e.g. the police (occasionally armed), ambulance services, or courts - to obtain warrants for entering premises.
• Determine the appropriateness of an application for detention in hospital, completing the Approved Mental Health Professional report and circulate to all relevant parties.
• Produce reports for hospital managers and in preparation for attendance at Mental Health Tribunals.
• Arrange the safe transport of the service user and legal documentation to the hospital and check the documents for accuracy which could be the subject of legal challenge.
• Identify and consult with the nearest relative of the service user, as defined by legislation.
• Advise the service user of his/her legal right of appeal, and the right of the nearest relative to request the discharge of the service user.
• Make alternative arrangements for the service user’s care where an application is not made under the Act (or is refused) and to inform all relevant agencies, including the nearest relative, of these arrangements.
• Maintain appropriate records of work undertaken and carry out required administrative procedures.
• Prepare for and attend supervision sessions and staff meetings and make use of all available training and developmental opportunities.
• Contribute to the evaluation and development of services and new ideas by sharing knowledge about theory, skills and practice with other Social Services staff, professional groups and interested bodies.
• The job holder may be required at any time to undertake any work up to and/or at a level consistent with existing responsibilities. These tasks may be at any location in Cheshire East, to ensure the effective deployment of labour, materials, transport and equipment to meet daily service requirements.

We are seeking an individual who can demonstrate an ability to promote the rights, dignity and self-determination of individuals with a wide range of mental health issues and vulnerabilities and with a passion to develop further skills in mental health. This is an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker which will require the use of all core skills and social work values, including good communication, decision making skills and the ability to work under pressure. The successful applicant will need to be able to adapt a flexible approach to their work and be a good team player.

If you have any queries or require additional information about this post, please feel free to contact Candice Holt on 07794 429 282 or Candice.Holt@cheshireeast.gov.uk.