Approved Mental Health Professional / Advanced Social Worker - Emergency Duty Service

This role will be in a management capacity which fits alongside the daytime Managers or Assistant Team Managers who undertake this role. Being the lead Child Protection Worker out of hours you will lead investigations within the framework of the Children Act, Multi-Agency Child Protection procedures and Guidance, to ensure the immediate safety and protection of children.

EDS will respond and act upon all referrals that come to them whilst on duty. Alongside from taking the lead in child protection work EDS workers will also take responsibility to assess and support Children in Need within the framework of the Children Act 1989, Children in Need Procedures and Guidance. Act to immediately promote the welfare of children and families including placing children in foster care.

The AMHP along with other professional agencies will also the responsibility to form an immediate support plan in the community, assessing the least restrictive alternative and ensuring the patient is not a risk to themselves or others. The role of the AMHP is an important role in making sure that all options are considered. It is expected that EDS workers in Swindon should be AMHP trained or be willing to undertake the training.

Record all referrals, actions, interventions and recommendations on the service users file to ensure records are effectively maintained and in order to provide up to date and accurate information to assist immediate decisions affecting service delivery.

Represent children and vulnerable adults under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act who require an appropriate adult out of office hours, to ensure their welfare and legal rights while held in custody.

Attend and contribute towards training opportunities, supervision and staff meetings, to gain competencies for working in emergency situations with children and vulnerable adults.

The EDS worker must be able to demonstrate a knowledge and skill base to make decisions whilst lone working.

Lone working can happen at any time as there will be periods whereby other EDS workers are out of the office. Managerial responsibility will fall on the lone worker in the office.

A social Work Qualification or equivalent.

Understanding of relevant legislation.

Registered or eligible for registration.

Approved Mental Health Professional Social Work Award (post qualifying award 1-5).