Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) - Forensic Social Work Team

Integrated Care System; Dawlish; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A health services organization is looking for an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to support individuals with complex mental health needs at Langdon Hospital, Dawlish. The role involves risk assessment, advocacy, and promoting rights-based practice within a secure setting. Ideal candidates will have an AMHP qualification and experience in social work. Competitive salary, professional development, and relocation support available.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Flexible working options

Local Government Pension Scheme

Relocation support up to £10,000

Qualifications

• Qualified AMHP with experience in mental health settings.
• Degree in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, or Psychology.
• Current UK professional registration required.

Responsibilities

• Assess and manage risk collaboratively with partner agencies.
• Promote the voice and rights of individuals in care.
• Facilitate communication with external agencies for coordinated care.

Skills

Risk assessment

Advocacy

Multi-agency collaboration

Communication

Legal understanding

Education

Recognised AMHP qualification

Degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) - Forensic Social Work Team

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to join our team based within Devon Partnership NHS Trust's Secure Services, Low and Medium Secure Units for male service users at Langdon Hospital, Dawlish.

As an AMHP, you will maintain warrant and authorisation by Devon County Council and contribute to the Devon Daytime AMHP Service Duty rota.

About the Role

Working as part of a specialist Forensic Social Work Team, you will support individuals detained under the Mental Health Act with complex mental health needs and a history of significant risk and/or offending.

Your role is vital in promoting social work and social care within a secure inpatient setting, ensuring care is lawful, ethical, therapeutic, and person-centred, while contributing to public protection and community safety.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of forensic care, supporting individuals, families, and public safety. You will receive regular supervision and support for CPD and professional development aligned with national strategies, including the Forensic Mental Health Social Work Capabilities Framework. If you seek complex, meaningful work in a supportive, specialist environment, we would love to hear from you.

Main Duties of the Job

Key Responsibilities:

• Public Protection: Assessing and managing risk collaboratively with partner agencies such as MAPPA, police, probation, and courts, ensuring community safety in discharge planning and ongoing care.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled AMHP to join our team at Devon Partnership NHS Trust's Secure Services, Low and Medium Secure Units for male service users at Langdon Hospital, Dawlish.

You will maintain warrant and authorisation by Devon County Council and contribute to the Devon Daytime AMHP Service Duty rota.

About the RoleWorking as part of a specialist Forensic Social Work Team, you will support individuals detained under the Mental Health Act with complex mental health needs and significant risk or offending history.

Your role will promote social work and social care in a secure inpatient setting, ensuring lawful, ethical, therapeutic, and person-centred care, while supporting public protection and community safety.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to work at the core of forensic care, supporting individuals, families, and public safety. You will receive supervision and CPD support aligned with national strategies, including the Forensic Mental Health Social Work Capabilities Framework. We welcome candidates seeking meaningful, complex work in a supportive environment.

Main Duties of the Job

Key Responsibilities:

• Public Protection: Collaborate with agencies like MAPPA, police, probation, and courts to assess and manage risks, ensuring community safety in discharge and care planning.

Advocacy & Rights-Based Practice: Promote the voice and rights of individuals, ensuring fair and ethical treatment throughout care.

Family & Carer Support: Engage with families and carers, supporting the Trust's Triangle of Care strategy to strengthen relationships and improve recovery outcomes.

Legal Frameworks: Support MDT colleagues in practicing within legal frameworks such as the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, and criminal justice processes to safeguard rights and aid care planning.

Property & Finances: Assist service users with managing property and finances, liaising with local authorities, DWP, and other agencies.

Multi-Agency Collaboration: Facilitate communication with external agencies to ensure holistic, coordinated care pathways.

Safeguarding: Support adult and child safeguarding, ensuring timely action, information sharing, and multi-agency coordination.

About Us

What We Offer You:

• Commitment to your professional development, with support and supervision, and opportunities for reflection.
• 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 31 days after 5 years of service.

• Recognition of NHS continuous service for leave, sick pay, and maternity/paternity benefits (within DCC terms).

• Flexible working options, including part-time, flexitime, compressed hours, and homeworking (subject to role needs).
• Opportunity to join a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Devon offers top schools, vibrant cities, scenic coastlines, and countryside—an attractive place to live and work.
• Relocation support up to £10,000 and visa sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates relocating to Devon. Please note, we are currently unable to consider overseas applications.

Job Description & Person Specification

For detailed responsibilities and criteria, please refer to the attached documents.

Qualifications

• Essential: Recognised AMHP qualification; Degree in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing (mental health or learning disability), or Psychology.
• Desirable: Refer to the attached documents for further criteria.

Other Requirements

This role requires a DBS check and current UK professional registration. For details, see NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Employer: Devon County Council

Address: Langdon Hospital, Exeter Road, Dawlish, EX7 0NR

Website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/