Approved Mental Health Professional - AMHP Hub

Cornwall Council; Truro; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Truro is seeking experienced Approved Mental Health Professionals to join its AMHP Hub Service. The role involves conducting Mental Health Act assessments in diverse settings, collaborating with various agencies, and preparing legal reports. Applicants must hold a professional registration and have substantial mental health experience. Offers include a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and opportunities for flexible working and professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave starting at 26 days

High-quality supervision and CPD opportunities

Excellent pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification experience in mental health services, particularly with acute crises.
• Strong knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Capacity Act, and related practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct timely Mental Health Act assessments in various settings.
• Prepare evidence-based reports according to legal frameworks.
• Engage in multi-agency collaboration for mental health crises.

Skills

Communication skills

Mental health knowledge

Crisis intervention

Resilience

Teamwork

Education

Current registration as a Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Psychologist

Approved Mental Health Professional status

Tools

Mosaic

Job description

Responsibilities

• Undertake timely Mental Health Act assessments across a variety of settings, including individuals' homes, hospitals, places of safety, police stations, courts, prisons, and general hospitals.
• Act as a Shift Lead when required, prioritising referrals and ensuring assessments are appropriately triaged and allocated.
• Prepare robust, evidence-based reports in accordance with legal frameworks and organisational policies, including applications to the Magistrates' Court and reports for legal proceedings involving Nearest Relatives or safeguarding matters.
• Work in collaboration with the AMHP Team Manager to ensure effective oversight of statutory activity and the efficient functioning of the 24/7 duty system.
• Promote alternatives to detention, including identifying least restrictive options and signposting to community-based support where appropriate.
• Deliver practice that upholds human rights, protects individuals' liberty, and reflects principles of recovery, dignity, and inclusion.
• Use both paper-based and digital systems to record and monitor statutory interventions accurately and within set timeframes (experience with Mosaic preferred).
• Engage in multi‑agency liaison to facilitate safe, timely, and coordinated responses to mental health crises.
• Take personal responsibility for maintaining AMHP approval and professional registration, including undertaking training, CPD, and reflective supervision.

This post is considered by Cornwall Council to be a customer‑facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for experienced and motivated Approved Mental Health Professionals to join Cornwall Council's AMHP Hub Service, a county‑wide, 24/7 statutory service. We welcome applications from registered social workers, mental health nurses, occupational therapists, and psychologists who hold a current AMHP warrant.

Qualifications

• Current registration as a Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Psychologist with the relevant professional body.
• Approved Mental Health Professional status, with a valid AMHP warrant.
• Substantial post‑qualification experience in mental health services, including experience of working with individuals in acute crisis.
• Strong working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007), Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act, and associated Codes of Practice.
• A sound understanding of mental health conditions, treatment options, and strengths‑based, person‑centred social work approaches.
• Ability to demonstrate anti‑discriminatory and trauma‑informed practice that is sensitive to individuals' diverse experiences and backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and court presentation.
• A flexible and resilient approach, with the ability to work independently under pressure while contributing to a high‑functioning team.

Desirable Attributes

• Familiarity with Cornwall Council's IT systems, including Mosaic, or willingness to learn.
• An interest in service development and a commitment to shaping best practice within the AMHP service.
• Willingness to mentor or support trainee AMHPs and contribute to the learning culture of the team.

Working Hours and Flexibility

• The AMHP Hub operates a dedicated 24/7 rota, with team members working a variety of shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Shifts are allocated fairly, taking into account service need and individual preferences where possible.
• The service supports flexible working in line with Cornwall Council's policy, including opportunities for compressed hours and remote working, depending on the needs of the Service.
• You must be able to travel across the county to meet the demands of the role.

What We Offer

• Salary: £44,919 to £53,558 per annum, plus enhanced payments for out‑of‑hours work.
• Annual leave: Starting at 26 days (plus bank holidays), rising to 29 days after 5 years' continuous service.
• Supervision & Development: High‑quality individual and peer group supervision, annual appraisal, and access to regular CPD opportunities, including reapproval support and post‑qualifying AMHP training.
• Pension: Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option to access the Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme.
• Career Progression: Support to pursue advanced roles and contribute to the future development of mental health services in Cornwall.
• Staff Wellbeing: Access to wellbeing initiatives, mental health support, and flexible working to support work‑life balance.
• Renumeration: Payment of your Social Work England registration fees.