Social Worker/AMHP (3 Posts)

Borough of Lambeth; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London is seeking a skilled Social Worker/AMHP to join their Emergency Duty Team. In this full-time role, you'll be responsible for assessing and responding to social care emergencies, aiding vulnerable individuals after hours. Ideal candidates will have AMHP qualifications and experience in children's safeguarding, alongside strong decision-making and communication skills. The position offers competitive salaries and a supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance.

Benefits

20% enhanced salary for out-of-hours work

Welcome Payment: £1000

Market Supplement: £1000

AMHP Allowance: £3000

Flexible shift patterns

Up to 35 days annual leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working under pressure and making decisions in crisis situations.
• Familiarity with legislation like the Children Act 1989 and Mental Health Act.
• Ability to provide person-centred interventions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessments of situations.
• Establish safe solutions pending follow-up.
• Act as the point of contact for social services.

Skills

Strong decision-making skills

Excellent communication

Ability to work autonomously

IT skills

Education

AMHP qualification

Experience in children’s safeguarding

Job description

Social Worker/AMHP (EDT)

Full Time/Permanent

Grade: PO4

Salary: £51,228pa rising annually to £54,360pa plus:

• 20% enhanced salaryfor out-of-hours work
• Welcome Payment: £1000
• Market Supplement: £1000
• AMHP Allowance: £3000

Join Lambeth’s Emergency Duty Team – Where Professional Impact Meets Work-Life Balance

About Us

At Lambeth, we are committed to practice that builds strong relationships, supports positive change for families, and promotes the wellbeing and development of children and adults. We achieve this by working openly and collaboratively with families and partners.

Are you a passionate and resilient Social Worker or AMHP with experience in children’s social work? Are you looking for a role that offers flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a real difference during out-of-hours emergencies? We are currently recruiting Emergency Duty Team (EDT) Social Workers to join our dynamic and responsive out-of-hours service. This is a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment supporting children, families, and vulnerable adults during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays

If you have vision, creativity, and commitment, can work under pressure, and are looking for a new challenge that makes a positive difference, we would love to hear from you.

About the Team

The Out of Hours Social Work Team is responsible for responding to all social care emergencies and statutory duties outside normal office hours. The role involves:

• Conducting initial assessments of presenting situations
• Establishing safe and viable solutions pending follow-up by daytime services
• Undertaking Mental Health Act Assessments under the Mental Health Act

Applicants must be Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs).

This is an exciting opportunity to join Lambeth’s Emergency Duty Team (EDT), which provides a statutory out-of-hours emergency response to children, young people, and families where immediate intervention is required. The team plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and supporting our most vulnerable residents.

About the role

As an experienced and qualified Social Worker, you will:

• Have a broad and detailed knowledge of statutory functions of Social Care and Health Services (including legislation, policy, and procedures)
• Triage and prioritise incoming work, ensuring appropriate responses in line with policy and professional judgment
• Work with complex situations requiring robust risk assessments, crisis intervention, and decision‑making
• Act as the single point of contact for social care services for children, adults, young people, and mental health out of hours

Who We Are Looking For

• AMHP-qualified Social Workers with experience in children’s safeguarding
• Strong decision‑making skills and the ability to work independently
• Commitment to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred interventions
• Ability to provide a service to individuals and families in social crisis requiring immediate or urgent response (Service operates 5pm–9am weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends and bank holidays)
• Deliver effective and responsive services in emergency situations in line with statutory legislation and guidance, including: Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, London Safeguarding Procedures, Concordat on Children in Custody 2017
• Be conversant with the Mental Health Act, Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and other relevant legislation for adults
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, ability to work autonomously, and respond swiftly to emergencies
• Be confident working with a diverse range of agencies and teams
• Have strong IT skills

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification below:

JD and Person Specification

What We Offer

• Flexible shift patterns designed to support your work‑life balance
• Remote working, with access to office space when needed
• Supportive management and regular supervision
• A high‑impact role during critical hours
• Ongoing professional development and training

Contact Information

For more information about the role, please contact: Gabriella Anderson - [e-mail]

Why Lambeth

• Fantastic, modern working environment in the award‑winning Lambeth Town Hall and Civic Centre buildings
• Competitive Salaries
• Up to 35 days annual leave, dependent upon continuous service
• 5 Minutes from London Underground and excellent transport links into the centre of London
• Hybrid/Flexible working
• Cycle to Work Scheme (including City Bike Hire scheme)
• Attractive Local Government Pension Scheme

We are a Stonewall diversity champion; a Living Wage Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role. Please click here for a full list of our accreditations. Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information about the DBS can be found at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs. In addition, you will also be required to undertake a Cifas check from the Fraud Prevention organisation. Further information can be found here Cifas.

How to Apply

Interested? Click on the apply button and complete an online application and also upload your Supporting Statement clearly evidencing how you meet the criteria marked with an 'A' at shortlist stage on the job specification pages.

Closing date: 17th January 2026 at midnight