AMHP-Ready Social Worker — Out-of-Hours Emergency Service

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council's Emergency Duty Service seeks an experienced Social Worker to qualify as an AMHP and operate during out-of-hours across Essex and Southend. You will assess urgent cases, support families and safeguard vulnerable groups while coordinating with partner agencies.

Applicants should hold a Social Work Degree, be registered with Social Work England, and commit to the AMHP programme at the earliest opportunity—priority to Pre-AMHP trained candidates.

Qualifications

• Must hold Social Work Degree or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England.
• Commit to undertaking the full AMHP Programme at earliest opportunity.
• Priority for Pre-AMHP training completed within the last 2 years.
• Experience of direct work with Children and Families including child protection investigations.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours and across a 7‑day rota.
• Right to work in the UK with no visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Receive and evaluate referrals and determine appropriate professional response.
• Undertake AMHP assessments under the Mental Health Act.
• Carry out risk assessments for children and young people.
• Provide advice and guidance to service users as appropriate.
• Attend team and directorate meetings; may attend court hearings and tribunals.
• Use information systems to carry out duties.
• Manage a workload of complex emergency referrals involving vulnerable clients.
• Work flexibly within directorate policies and collaborate with partner agencies.

Skills

AMHP knowledge

Mental Health Act knowledge

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Multi-agency collaboration

Court proceedings experience

Teamwork

Flexible shift patterns

Education

Social Work Degree or equivalent

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

Essex County Council's Emergency Duty Service seeks an experienced Social Worker to qualify as an AMHP and operate during out-of-hours across Essex and Southend. You will assess urgent cases, support families and safeguard vulnerable groups while coordinating with partner agencies.

Applicants should hold a Social Work Degree, be registered with Social Work England, and commit to the AMHP programme at the earliest opportunity—priority to Pre-AMHP trained candidates.