Social Worker - Approved Mental Health Professional (including Out of Hours)

Sunderland City Council; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunderland City Council is seeking an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to join a dedicated team delivering innovative AMHP services. The role involves managing cases, completing assessments, and working collaboratively with various teams to ensure effective mental health support. The position offers training, a hybrid work approach, and a commitment to work-life balance.

Benefits

Dedicated AMHP training

Monthly AMHP forums

Regular supervision

Qualifications

• Must be an Approved Mental Health Professional.
• Experience in managing cases under the Mental Health Act.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small caseload of Ministry of Justice cases.
• Complete statutory paperwork within required timescales.
• Work in a 24/7 shift pattern as part of the AMHP team.

Skills

Autonomy

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

AMHP qualification

Valid driving license

Job description

Job Title: Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

Location: Sunderland

Hours: 37 hours per week, shift work.

Salary: Grade 6-8 (SCP 26-35) £36,124 - £44,711, plus shift allowance, plus a market supplement of +2 SCP for AMHP status.

Are you an Approved Mental Health Professional looking to develop your practice?

The way we deliver AMHP services in Sunderland is changing, and we are looking to recruit an AMHP to join us on this innovative journey. As a Sunderland AMHP, you will be part of a small, dedicated, and flexible 24/7/365 team responding to requests under the Mental Health Act 1983.

You will be an autonomous professional, comfortable working independently, with a keen desire to balance individual rights, positive risk-taking, and justice against the admission criteria set out in the Mental Health Act. You will have the guidance and support of an experienced team manager and senior practitioner, as well as ongoing peer support.

During office hours, Mental Health Act assessments are arranged by the MHA coordinator based at Hopewood Park. We work closely with colleagues in the Crisis Team, bed management, and Street Triage to respond in a timely, proactive, and safe manner. All AMHPs are also expected to manage a small caseload of Part 3 Ministry of Justice cases supporting discharge planning and providing social supervision for restricted patients or conditionally discharged individuals.

Work Pattern and Responsibilities

• The core AMHP team work a 24/7/365 shift pattern, including out-of-hours and daytime shifts on a rota basis.
• You will complete statutory paperwork within required timescales and maintain electronic records to meet quality and performance standards.
• Demonstrate a flexible team player attitude, embodying the council’s values to enable, innovate, and respect in all interactions.

Training and Support

You will have access to five days per annum of dedicated AMHP training provided regionally by DAC Beachcroft, monthly AMHP forums, and regular supervision. We promote a balanced hybrid approach to work, including work from home, touchdown bases, and CNTW sites. We are committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Additional Requirements

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will be subject to a DBS check. A valid driving license and use of a vehicle with business insurance are required.

Contact and Application

For more information or an informal discussion, contact Team Manager Stewart Graham at 07917 271379 or AMHP Senior Lianne Douglas at 07801 214389.

Apply online at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. CVs are not accepted. All communication regarding your application will be sent to the email registered with North East Jobs. Please check your inbox and junk mail after the closing date.