About the Role:
The post holder will act as a full time Approved Mental Health Professional. They will be based in the AMHP Hub at Meadowbrook Unit within Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust located on the grounds of Salford Royal Hospital. The service is commissioned to carry out statutory assessments in accordance with the Mental Health Act (1983, as amended) on behalf of Salford City Council.
The post holder will triage, co-ordinate and undertake assessments as prescribed by the Mental Health Act and its Code of Practice as well as other relevant legislation such as the Mental Capacity Act (2005), the Care Act (2014), Human Rights Act (1998) and Children Act (1989).
The hours of work will generally be from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, however, there will sometimes be a need for the postholder to work flexibly and start / finish later depending on service demands. It will also be expected that the postholder sometimes works a later shift from 12pm to 8pm (on a rota basis) if and when a later shift is incorporated into a future model of service delivery.
The post holder will report to the Operational Lead for Social Care and AMHP who is responsible for the day to day management of the AMHP Hub. Line management and AMHP supervision will be provided by the Operational Lead for Social Care and AMHP.
 Key Responsibilities:
- Perform the role of an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) and act as an independent statutory decision maker on behalf of Salford City Council.
- Consider requests made for Mental Health Act Assessments, making independent judgements while taking into account a wide range of external factors and influences.
- Coordinate and undertake assessments as prescribed by the Mental Health Act and its Code of Practice, including hospital admissions (ss.2, 3, 4), guardianship (s.7), and community treatment orders (s.17A, s.17F, s.20A).
- Decide whether to make an application for admission to hospital or guardianship in accordance with legislation; coordinate and arrange conveyance to hospital under s.11 of the Mental Health Act and the Code of Practice.
- Make alternative arrangements for care when an application is not made under the Act.
- Perform the full range of statutory AMHP functions, including s.115, s.135, s.136 and s.29 applications to court regarding the Nearest Relative.
- Apply guiding principles from the Code of Practice: least restrictive option, empowerment and involvement, respect and dignity, purpose and effectiveness, and efficiency and equity.
- Provide a social perspective during mental health assessments, promoting rights, dignity, strengths, and self-determination of individuals.
- Promote equality and value diversity, identifying and challenging discrimination and inequality in AMHP practice.
- Understand implications of mental health issues for patients, their relatives, and carers.
- Maintain knowledge of current mental health trends, practices, research, and treatment approaches.
- Provide clear verbal and written reports to ensure accountable and independent AMHP decision making; complete statutory reports per the Code of Practice.
- Adhere to Care Act 2014 duties, including promoting well-being (s.1), preventing care/support needs (s.2), and referring for assessments (s.9 and s.10).
- Work in accordance with adult and child safeguarding policies and make timely referrals for safeguarding concerns.
- Maintain effective multi-disciplinary working links with agencies like Greater Manchester Police, NW Ambulance Service, and housing services.
- Develop and deliver training on the Mental Health Act and promote the AMHP role across Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and partners.
- Contribute to the evaluation and development of Salford’s AMHP service in collaboration with Operational and Professional Social Care Leads.
- Manage the Community Treatment Order rota in conjunction with the Operational Lead for Social Care and AMHP.
- Prepare for and attend supervision sessions and staff meetings.
- Support training and development of trainee and newly qualified AMHPs, including acting as Practice Educator.
- Adhere to AMHP approval conditions per the Mental Health (AMHP) Regulations 2008, including completion of 18 hours of relevant annual training.
- Attend AMHP Practice Issues meetings and related events/training for professional development.
- Act professionally at all times and follow the code of professional conduct for your discipline; ensure continued professional registration.
 Requirements:
- Qualified Social Worker
- Substantial experience working with individuals presenting with complex mental health needs within mental health service settings
- Registered with Social Work England
- Eligible to work in the UK
 Interested?
For more information on this role or to apply, get in touch with our vendor department who will arrange for a specialist consultant to get in contact with you:
 0203 906 8670