Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)
Reading Borough Council has a Stand Alone dedicated daytime AMHP Service. This role links in with Forensic Mental Health Adult Social Care Services.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
The applicant needs to be a qualified Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), preferably currently approved to practice as an AMHP, in accordance with the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007) and AMHP Regulations 2008 and have significant experience of working with the Mental Health Act.
The individual should be registered with Social Work England or if you have other relevant professional qualification to have a current registration with your professional regulator.
The post is full time, Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week, (consideration will be given to part-time working and can be discussed at interview).
We are a small, enthusiastic, friendly, and well-led team comprised of supportive and experienced AMHPs, Forensic Social Workers and a Psychologist, who carry out the statutory requirements of the AMHPs and Social Supervision role under the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007).
Key to our practice is a commitment to the promotion and upholding individuals’ human rights, dignity, respect and implementing various legal frameworks, considering social models of mental health and the multiple social and racial disparities that can be involved in a person’s situation when in mental health crisis.
Our team provides ongoing support and advice, to internal and external partners to ensure a more robust response to those individuals who are at risk of being detained or restricted under the Mental Health Act.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
About The Role
You will be part of the AMHP & Forensic Mental Health Social Care Team, with the main role focusing on carrying out the statutory requirements of the AMHPs as indicated on the Mental Health Act 1983(2007), the AMHPs carry no caseloads.
Ensure that the requirements of the MHA 1983 (as amended 2007) are met, it’s Code of Practice followed and that service users’ rights under the ECHR (Human Rights Act 1998) are upheld.
To consider all requests made for Mental Health Act Assessments and make independent judgements considering a wide range of external factors and influences.
To undertake and manage the process of the Mental Health Act Assessments and the management of the environment throughout potentially highly distressing, volatile and emotionally unpredictable situations.
To ensure the Application of the least restrictive options, social perspectives and values as set out on Schedule 2 of the MHA 1983 (as amended 2007), are always considered.
To decide whether to make an application for a compulsory admission to hospital under Part 3 or for treatment under Part 2 of the Act(S13) and arrange for the individuals admission to hospital.
To ensure and take responsibility for full compliance with Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children procedures, including making referrals in response to concerns identified at Mental Health Act Assessments and complete Mental Capacity and/or Best Interests Assessment as agreed.
Ensure full compliance with statutory regulations, policies, procedures, best practice and professional standards within the Directorate including those of relevant partner agencies such as Health, Voluntary Sector or Private Providers.
Maintain high standards of service user care, ensuring individuality and dignity is always maintained, whilst promoting independence and the possibility of recovery.
Ensure the timely and accurate recording of relevant data relating to adults/young people and carers on appropriate systems, such as the electronic case management system and document management system, in line with the processes, standards and protocols of the Council.
To operate within statutory requirements, national, local and Reading Borough Council’s policies and procedures to promote and deliver of a safe and excellent service.
To maintain and develop professional practice consistent with registration by the Social Work England as a social care practitioner.
To assist in the development of community services by flexible and imaginative practice when considering how to meet identified needs and support others offering advice where required.
Additional duties if you are a Best Interest Assessor (BIA) could be to fulfil Best Interest Assessments (BIA) when not completing Statutory AMHP duties or other partnership work with communities and our partners.
You need experience of working with service users, carers and families within a crisis intervention model of care and will be expected to provide a response to requests for consultation, advice and assessment to Reading residents in mental health crisis.
You must be able to work autonomously and be a good team player and have the ability to undertake complex assessments, ongoing risk assessment whilst considering safeguarding issues is a significant part of the role as well as excellent knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, European Convention of Human Rights and other relevant legislation is expected.
All AMHPs receive regular individual, peer group supervision and appraisal.
Our Offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that, working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
- A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- 25 days holiday plus public holidays (rising to 33 after 10 year service)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
- A range of local discounts
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For an informal discussion please contact Valbona Demiri - AMHP & Forensic Mental Health Social Care Team Manager on 0118 937 3747 or Valbona.Demiri@reading.gov.uk
Closing date: Sunday 17th December 2023
Interview date: To be confirmed
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.