Approved Mental Health Practitioner

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Career development

Pension scheme

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to lead complex decision-making under the Mental Health Act. You will operate within a supportive team, with reflective practice and ongoing professional development opportunities.

The role includes coordinating assessments, ensuring safe admissions or alternatives, robust risk management, and mentoring trainees. Flexible shift patterns are required for a 24-hour service.

Qualifications

• AMHP qualification and registration with the relevant professional body.
• Strong knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Code of Practice.
• Commitment to person-centred, rights-based practice.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate assessment under the Mental Health Act from referral to completion.
• Ensure safe hospital admissions or alternative care with least restrictive practice.
• Carry out robust risk assessment and management to protect individuals and teams.
• Collaborate across disciplines, negotiating with individuals, families, carers and professionals.
• Undertake the Duty AMHP role, oversee workflow and allocate referrals.
• Mentor AMHP trainees and advise on legal aspects of AMHP work.

Skills

AMHP qualification

Social work degree

Mental health Act knowledge

Education

Social Work degree or equivalent

Job description

Joining us as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), you'll be an integral part of our team, leading on complex decision‑making processes regarding the legal and ethical aspects of detention under the Mental Health Act.

You'll thrive in a supportive team environment where sharing experiences and learning from each other is encouraged. You'll have opportunities to participate in group and individual reflective practice, allowing you to expand and develop your knowledge and expertise.

What you’ll be doing:

• Coordinating the assessment process under the Mental Health Act, from referral to completion.
• Ensuring safe hospital admissions or alternative care arrangements, with a focus on person-centred & least restrictive practice.
• Robust risk assessment & management, minimising potential risks to the individual, others and the assessing team.
• Collaborating in a multi‑disciplinary manner, effectively negotiating with individuals, their families, carers and other professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
• Undertaking the Duty AMHP role, overseeing the team’s workflow, screening and allocating referrals into the service.
• Mentoring AMHP trainees and providing advice to colleagues on the legal aspects of AMHP work.

What we’re looking for:

• Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification. Qualified Social Worker, Mental Health or Learning Disabilities Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Practitioner Psychologist, registered with the relevant professional body.
• Sound knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Code of Practice. Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Commitment to empathetic, person-centred practice and dedication to upholding the rights of the individuals you assess.
• Flexibility to work shift patterns, as we provide a 24‑hour service. Shifts will include working evenings/nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Why join us?

• Make a difference: Watch these short videos to find out more about the important work our AMHPs and Mental Health Teams do.
• Career growth: View our career pathways for more information about opportunities within our Adults Social Work service.
• Professional development: Continuous learning and supportive supervision.
• Work‑life balance: Enjoy a fulfilling career with a good balance between work and home life.
• Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Enhancements: Our AMHPs are paid a market supplement of up to £5,000 per annum dependent on experience, as well as a 14% alternating shift allowance, and Senior Social Workers are eligible for a further £3,000 market supplement upon completion of their Excellent Practice Validation portfolio.
• Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Other job titles you may be searching for: Social Worker, Community Psychiatric Nurse, Occupational Therapist, OT, AMHP, Mental Health Nurse, Senior Social Worker, Social Work Practitioner.