Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) in Gateshead

As an Approved Mental Health Professional with Gateshead Council, you'll join a supportive, well-resourced service where your expertise is genuinely valued. You'll be part of a strong and sustainable AMHP rota, enhanced by additional dedicated AMHPs who provide regular support, ensuring shared responsibility, resilience and continuity across the service. We recognise the urgent and community-based nature of AMHP work, and while there may be occasions when work extends beyond core hours, this is balanced by a culture of flexibility, teamwork and understanding. You'll be supported by working arrangements that prioritise wellbeing, alongside colleagues who understand the realities of the role.

Responsibilities

• Act as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), undertaking Mental Health Act assessments across community, hospital, police and Section 136 settings.
• Coordinate and lead Mental Health Act assessments, including screening referrals, consulting with individuals, relatives and professionals, and making independent, legally sound decisions.
• Make and complete applications for hospital admission (formal or informal), ensuring statutory documentation and consultation requirements are fully met.
• Promote least-restrictive, strengths-based alternatives to hospital admission, working closely with Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams and wider partners.
• Plan and contribute to discharge, aftercare and community support, including CTOs, Guardianship and Section 117 aftercare where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary and multi-agency partnerships, including health services, police, safeguarding teams and voluntary organisations.
• Complete high-quality reports and records, including tribunal, hospital managers and court documentation, in line with legal and organisational requirements.
• Provide professional advice, specialist AMHP expertise and mentoring, supporting colleagues, students and trainees where required.
• Maintain professional competence and re-approval, staying up to date with legislation, best practice and reflective AMHP practice.
• Participate in the AMHP rota, including occasional work beyond core hours, responding flexibly to urgent and community-based assessments.

Qualifications

• A recognised professional qualification (Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy or Chartered Psychology) with the required post-registration experience and current Social Work England registration where applicable.
• Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification with a commitment to continuous professional development.
• A full UK driving licence or access to mobility support.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act and associated Codes of Practice, with the ability to apply this confidently to practice.
• Experience of working with adults with mental health needs and their carers, including undertaking assessments and identifying appropriate support and interventions.
• Proven ability to assess risk, make balanced decisions and contribute to safeguarding processes in complex and pressured situations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, reasoned reports and work collaboratively with individuals, families and professionals.
• Ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise effectively and work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• A strong commitment to equality, partnership working and continuous professional development, with the flexibility to meet the demands of the role.

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary: £45,091 - £48,226 + 10% Recruitment & Retention Allowance.
• 4-day condensed working week (8:30am to 6:15pm) gives an extra day of personal time, family, and wellbeing.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: salary sacrifice car scheme via NHS Fleet Solutions after 12 months service.
• Co-wheels: access to pool cars including electric vehicles, with guaranteed parking.
• Learning and Development: wide range of training, development and progression opportunities.
• Health and Well-being Support: discounted gym memberships and mental health resources.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: local government pension with benefits information.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days (rising to 32 after 5 years, 2 of which can be fixed by the Council) and option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Exclusive Discounts and Salary Sacrifice via VIVUP employee benefits platform.