Senior Social Worker - Adults Emergency Duty/Approved Mental Health Professional

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A London-based council is seeking a Senior Social Worker / AMHP to provide emergency statutory services across multiple boroughs. The role includes assessments, responding to safeguarding and mental health needs, and working flexibly within a rota system. Candidates must hold a recognized social work qualification and current AMHP approval. Competitive benefits include 40 days annual leave and flexible working options.

Benefits

40 days annual leave including Bank Holidays

Flexible working

Generous pension plan

Qualifications

• Must hold a full driving licence and have access to a car.
• Substantial post-qualifying experience as an AMHP in adult or mental health services.
• Experience managing risk and safeguarding adults.

Responsibilities

• Provide emergency assessments and arrange services to mitigate risk.
• Undertake AMHP duties under the Mental Health Act 1983/2007.
• Respond to emergency housing needs and arrange temporary accommodation.

Skills

Strong assessment skills

Excellent communication skills

IT proficiency

Ability to manage risk

Proven ability to work independently

Education

Recognised social work qualification

Current AMHP approval

Job description

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About Us

Senior Social Worker / Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

Salary: PO4 + £3,000 AMHP allowance + 10% out-of-hours allowance. £3,000 recruitment and retention payment paid every 2 years

Permanent, 36 Hours Full Time

Other essential information: Rota pattern of 3 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Must hold a full driving licence and have access to a car. Home-based with travel across Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton

Objective of the Role

You will play a vital role in delivering emergency statutory social work services outside of normal office hours across four London boroughs: Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton. As a Senior Social Worker and AMHP, you will respond to urgent adult safeguarding, mental health, and homelessness referrals, ensuring timely and effective interventions that protect and support vulnerable adults.

About the Role

You will be joining a permanent team of 6 (including the manager), supported by 5 sessional Senior Social Worker/AMHPs. The role will involve working remotely with access to Richmond's IT systems and support.

You will be required to:

• Provide emergency assessments and arrange services to mitigate risk.
• Undertake AMHP duties under the Mental Health Act 1983/2007.
• Respond to emergency housing needs and arrange temporary accommodation.
• Work independently and confidently in high-pressure situations.
• Participate in a rota covering evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Current AMHP approval
• Substantial post-qualifying experience as an AMHP in adult or mental health services.
• Strong assessment skills and robust knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, and housing legislation.
• Experience managing risk and safeguarding adults.
• Proven ability to work independently and make sound professional judgements.
• Excellent communication skills and IT proficiency.
• Willingness to work unsocial hours and flexibly within a rota system.

Key Dates:

Closing Date: 26th October 2025

Shortlisting Date: 27th October 2025

Interview Date: W/C 3rd November 2025 (Virtual)

We are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.