At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments and interventions under the Mental Health Act, ensuring lawful and person-centred care.
- Company: Local Authority dedicated to mental health support and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, regular supervision, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture with opportunities for career progression and leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during mental health crises while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must be an experienced Approved Mental Health Professional with relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 33.33 - 33.33 £ per hour.
3 months contract with a Local Authority.
Job Purpose
To undertake the statutory duties of an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), ensuring that assessments and interventions are lawful, person-centred, rights-based and proportionate. The post holder will work collaboratively with individuals, families, carers, health professionals, and partner agencies to assess risk, safeguard vulnerable adults, and make informed decisions regarding Mental Health Act interventions. The role requires sound professional judgement, strong knowledge of relevant legislation, and a commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Key Responsibilities
- Mental Health Act Duties
- Undertake Mental Health Act assessments in accordance with statutory duties, legislation, codes of practice and local policies.
- Coordinate and lead Mental Health Act assessments, ensuring legal compliance and professional accountability.
- Make independent decisions regarding applications for admission to hospital under the Mental Health Act where required.
- Ensure the least restrictive options are considered and applied wherever possible.
- Complete high-quality assessment reports and legal documentation within required timescales.
- Safeguarding and Risk Management
- Identify, assess and manage risks to individuals, carers, professionals and the wider public.
- Ensure safeguarding concerns are recognised and appropriately addressed through multi-agency procedures.
- Make informed decisions in complex and high-risk situations, balancing individual rights with public protection responsibilities.
- Partnership Working
- Work closely with Mental Health Services, medical practitioners, social care teams, emergency services, advocacy services, carers and voluntary sector partners.
- Promote effective communication between agencies to facilitate positive outcomes for people experiencing mental health crises.
- Develop constructive relationships with service users, families and carers, ensuring their views are considered throughout the assessment process.
- Human Rights and Person-Centred Practice
- Promote recovery-focused, strengths-based and person-centred approaches.
- Uphold and protect the human rights of individuals in accordance with relevant legislation and professional standards.
- Ensure that diversity, equality and inclusion are embedded in all aspects of practice.
- Advocate for individuals and support access to independent advocacy where appropriate.
- Professional Practice
- Maintain professional registration and AMHP approval status.
- Attend supervision, team meetings, reflective practice sessions and training events.
- Participate in service development initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement.
- Maintain accurate and contemporaneous case records in line with organisational standards.
- Support and contribute to a positive, collaborative and supportive team culture.
Experience
- Essential
- Minimum of one year’s experience practising as an Approved Mental Health Professional.
- Experience of undertaking Mental Health Act assessments across a range of client groups.
- Experience of managing complex, high-risk cases and making autonomous decisions.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary and multi-agency environments.
- Experience of preparing comprehensive reports and maintaining accurate records.
- Desirable
- Experience of working within community mental health services.
- Experience of mentoring, coaching or supporting colleagues.
- Experience of contributing to service improvement initiatives.
- Experience of participating in Out of Hours AMHP services.
Qualifications
- Essential
- Professional qualification in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health Nursing or Psychology.
- Current registration with the relevant professional body (Social Work England, NMC, HCPC or equivalent).
- Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification and current AMHP approval.
- Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Desirable
- Additional training in Mental Capacity Act, Best Interests Assessments or Safeguarding.
- Leadership or management development training.
Knowledge and Skills
- Essential
- Excellent knowledge of: Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), Mental Capacity Act 2005, Care Act 2014, Human Rights Act 1998, Safeguarding legislation and guidance.
- Strong assessment, analytical and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining effective team collaboration.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to manage emotionally demanding situations with resilience and professionalism.
- Competent IT and report-writing skills.
Additional Information
- Location: Plough Lane, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR4 0LE, United Kingdom
- Contract Type: Limited Company/Umbrella
- Pay Rate: £33.33 per hour
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Flexible Working: Opportunities for home working on designated triage and administrative days.
- Out of Hours Work: No requirement to participate in the Out of Hours AMHP rota; however, there is an opportunity to join the rota on a voluntary basis with additional remuneration.
- Benefits: Regular supervision, reflective practice sessions, excellent training opportunities, strong peer support, commitment to employee wellbeing, and opportunities for career progression and leadership development within the service.
- We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
- Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged.
Approved Mental Health Practitioner employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Approved Mental Health Practitioner
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Civic Recruitment Limited, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Approved Mental Health Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Civic Recruitment Limited. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Civic Recruitment Limited. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Approved Mental Health Practitioner role at Civic Recruitment Limited, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Civic Recruitment Limited that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
