Important information about the role. The Government mandatory covid vaccination legislation effective from 11 November 2021 means that the successful candidate will be required to show evidence of having been fully vaccinated unless you have a medical exemption (certified in writing by a medical professional), due to the fact that they will be working in, or may be required to visit in a professional capacity, a site where mandatory vaccination is a requirement. Please note that you will be required to show evidence of your vaccination or exemption status as part of the pre-employment checks.
We are seeking to appoint a motivated and experienced, Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to provide assessment, care and support to the residents of Gateshead.
We have recently redesigned our model regarding how Gateshead’s AMHP service responds to referrals for MHA work and now operate an updated and dedicated core AMHP team model, subject to reviews. Gateshead are committed to ensuring this model operates well and seeks to include the AMHPS within this. This three-day working model offers an excellent work life balance opportunity with shift patterns that will exclude weekends, as well as being supplemented by a cohort of none-core AMHP’s employed at Gateshead who provide planned daily support to the rota. Gateshead also has a dedicated Emergency duty team that commences at 5pm. Therefore, the Core AMHP team are expected to respond and undertake referrals received up to this time. The core AMHP team is part of the overall Mental Health team and consists of dedicated core AMHP’s who, will receive support from the Team Manager, Senior Practitioner/AMHP Lead and Senior Practitioner. Core team AMHPs will undertake MHA assessments and will support with reviews and take part in the office duty system; however, AMHP assessments will take priority. In addition, provide support to less experienced staff.
It is essential as an AMHP you have excellent leadership, communication, and ICT skills. You must have the ability to work as part of a team but also use your own initiative and have experience of working with adults who have mental health needs and their carers.
A commitment to equal opportunities, anti-oppressive practice and interagency working are also essential. AMHP’s will be required to manage and organise their workload, whilst being able to prioritise tasks and manage competing demands.
It is essential that you have up to date knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007) and its interface with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Care Act 2014, Human Rights Act 1998 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards along with knowledge of case law and relevant Codes of Practice and as well as the ability to interpret this legislation and apply it to practice while adhering to the Local Authority's statutory responsibilities.
It is essential that you have experience of undertaking assessments and applying the relevant criteria, particularly it is important the applicant has a sound understanding and can identify the needs in relation to The Care Act and S117 Aftercare. The applicant will be able to analyse information, assess risk and identify appropriate services to meet those needs. You must have experience of managing risk and being involved in the safeguarding process.
We have excellent legal support in Gateshead council and provide AMHP refresher training and an opportunity to meet with regional AMHPs.
Gateshead also has a dedicated AMHP forum and individual supervision is provided. Gateshead is committed to ongoing training and development and quality improvement. Essential qualifications are Social Work qualification or equivalent i.e., MA or BA in Social Work, Dip SW CQSW or CSS with two years post-registration experience. Or be a qualified Nurse, Occupational Therapist or chartered Psychologist with the skills and experience specified in the regulations – this includes two years post-registration experience.
It is essential that you hold post graduate certificate as an Approved Mental Health Professional. We would expect you to be able to demonstrate a breadth of current practice experience in this specialist field of work and be approved by a local authority and be registered with Social Work England. You will also have a current driving licence and access to a car or mobility support. Gateshead does offer the opportunity to use Co-wheels (where available) as an alternative to using your own vehicle. A commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to undertake relevant training as required by the Local Authority and in keeping with MHA regulations regarding the maintaining of AMHP status.
If successful, you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.
Previous applicants need not apply.
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