Trainee Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) – Adult Social Care in Topsham

Join our dynamic and inclusive team as a Trainee Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) in the Daytime AMHP Service across Devon covering locations: Exeter, North Devon, South Devon, East & Mid Devon.

AMHPs carry out statutory duties under the Mental Health Act 1983 which includes a broad range of tasks including section 13 consideration, making informed, independent decisions about the need for compulsory admission to hospital, the use of Guardianship and Community Treatment Orders to support well-being in the community. Alongside these statutory functions, we are committed to providing advice, consultation, support and training to our partner agencies and professional colleagues.

Our team is committed to continuous improvement and places a strong emphasis on co-production, including how best to capture and utilise the voices of those that have experience of being assessed under the Mental Health Act and to further improve practice for the benefit of those who come into contact with our service. We are also deeply committed to addressing racial disparities in mental health care.

The role offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of mental health, social care and the law, supporting some of the most complex and challenging situations while promoting individuals’ rights, wellbeing and least restrictive options.

Pre-requisite training period

This is an exciting development opportunity for practitioners who are passionate about promoting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health. Successful Trainee AMHPs will commence a 6 month probationary period with the Daytime AMHP service to prepare for interview with Bournemouth University in January 2027.

During this period they will undertake the following in preparation for a Bournemouth Interview:

• Have observed a minimum of 4 Mental Health Act assessments
• Support by DCC to be confirmed following a period of observed practice in the daytime AMHP team.
• Demonstrate that they possess the level of competence, capacity and ability to undertake and complete AMHP training at the required professional and academic level.

The AMHP Training

Successful trainee AMHPs will commence the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Programme delivered by Bournemouth University on the 15th March 2027, while receiving comprehensive support, supervision, and protected learning time by Devon County Council to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence required for the role. This intensive, full-time programme runs over six months, combining academic study with supervised practice to prepare practitioners for the AMHP role under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended in 2007).

Learning methods include:

• Interactive workshops and taught sessions
• Facilitated group discussions
• Learning from people with lived experience and carers
• Guided and independent study
• Practice-based learning and supervision

On successful completion of the programme, practitioners may be considered for approval by Devon County Council as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP). Approval is granted by a Local Social Services Authority (LSSA), and practitioners can only undertake AMHP duties once formally approved.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will need to demonstrate that you are:

• A registered Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Chartered Psychologist.
• Have completed an appropriate period of suitable mental health work experience (normally 2 years post-registration with a minimum of one year in a community setting where individual responsibility for cases has been held).
• Have spent time or are willing to spend time prior to interview with the Devon County Council AMHP services to understand the role of the AMHP.
• Completed reflective accounts within the application from time spent exploring the AMHP service and role.
• Demonstrate holding complex cases and undertaking sound assessment, risk management, and decision-making skills.
• Have excellent communication and partnership-working skills.
• Have a good understanding of the Human Rights Act, Mental Health Act and its interface with the Mental Capacity Act, as well as a good understanding of the Care Act.
• Have access to / use of a vehicle.
• Trainees must provide evidence of previous study at Masters level 7.

Our service users also expect high standards and the ability to work in a holistic way. You must be able to demonstrate an excellent appreciation and understanding of the European Convention of Human Rights and a clear commitment to the principles underpinning mental health legislation. Your practice will be grounded in a recovery-oriented approach, with a deep awareness of the impact mental health conditions can have on individuals, their families, carers, and wider support networks.

You will value and actively promote co-production, showing a willingness to work collaboratively with people who have lived experience of mental health services. You bring significant experience from working within statutory mental health services, particularly in the areas of risk assessment, risk management, complex case holding and effective multi-agency collaboration.

While we recognise the autonomy of independent decision-making in AMHP practice, we place equal value on teamwork, mutual support, and shared learning. We are looking for someone who can contribute to a strong, reflective, and supportive team culture that strives for excellence in service delivery.

Interviews are due to be held on 25th September 2026.

Our offer to you

Our service is committed to your growth. All Trainee AMHPs receive regular supervision, peer support, and annual appraisal. We offer a comprehensive post-qualifying training programme and encourage innovative approaches to sharing AMHP expertise across wider teams.

You’ll be working in a supportive and inclusive environment where your contribution is valued and your development is prioritised.

We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years’ service. We offer an opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.

Please note: At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.

This role requires a DBS disclosure and Social Work England Registration (SWE), Nursing and Midwifery Council Registration (NMC) or Health and Care Professions Council Registration (HCPC).