Calderdale Council r67S09pG
AMHPs will collaborate with diverse health and social care professionals to deliver an effective service while maintaining accurate case records and staying informed on evidence-based practices. Applicants must possess substantial experience in mental health law and have a valid driving license with access to a car. The role is not just a statutory function of the Local Authority but also emphasises the independence and authority of the AMHP in decision-making processes.
Calderdale Council is the ideal place for you to progress your career. We support our AMHPs to ensure they have the resources and environment they need to make a real difference in our community. We are keen to appoint enthusiastic and experienced AMHPs who share our vision in the development of the AMHP role.
Our newly-formed AMHP HUB provides a single point of referral for requests for Mental Health Act assessments, advice and associated work across the borough. It offers the opportunity to apply your professional skills, values and specialist knowledge in the context of working with complex ethical and legislative processes.
You will have the experience and confidence to work autonomously when considering the use of the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 20and to offer advice to families and professional referrers. As we work from an AMHP HUB base you will receive ongoing support and guidance from colleagues, and also offer the same. You will receive a structured induction, monthly supervision from our AMHP Lead, access to our AMHP Forum, regional YAMHP, opportunities to achieve 18 hours of AMHP training a year and to explore further interests or research. Due to the nature of our work it is important that you have a full driving licence and access to a car on a daily basis.
About us
Approved Mental Health Professionals work on behalf of local authorities to carry out a variety of functions under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 20.
The AMHP role is a complex one and requires the ability to exercise the appropriate use of independence, authority and autonomy. It is also unique in that the AMHP is acting as an autonomous professional rather than as an agent of the Local Authority. As such whilst they can be tasked to consider a Mental Health Act assessment, they are solely responsible for decision-making in the use of formal powers. They need significant experience in mental health law to undertake their duties, and lead, consider and co-ordinate Mental Health Act assessments in a variety of situations.
The role is governed by both Social Work National standards and the AMHP Regulations and is a statutory function of the Local Authority.1
1. Consider all referrals determined by the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983 and as amended 2007, lead and co-ordinate assessments in a timely manner. This includes requests for Mental Health Act assessments and associated work in a range of locations including amongst others, the community, a patients own home, hospital, s136 suites.
2. Contribute to an effective and responsive AMHP service. This may require the post holder to consider and lead more than one assessment request at a time, when it is safe to do so
3. Work within the guiding principles of the MHA, the Code of Practice, Mental Health Regulations, Tribunals Guidance, Social Supervision Guidance plus associated Case Law and as an autonomous decision-maker within the AMHP HUB, within the local authority procedures and with the support, supervision and guidance of the AMHP Lead. AMHPs are autonomously responsible for all decisions they make under the Mental Health Act.
4. Undertake risk assessment, including gathering information from a range of sources, utilising the support of other agencies in decision-making and exercise of assessments in situations where risk necessitates this. Make applications for a warrant to enter premises when necessary and arrange the timely execution.
5. Interview the patient in an appropriate manner as defined by legislation, ensuring they are fully aware of their rights.
6. Identify and consult with the patients nearest relative, ensuring they are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Act.
7. Arrange safe conveyance to hospital or make alternative arrangements necessary when an application is not made and to inform all relevant agencies, including the nearest relative, of these arrangements.
8. Make enquiries to establish a patients place of residence in order to determine s117 eligibility following current case law and lead on the preparation, review, amendment and/or revocation of s117 aftercare plans for eligible patients.
9. Prepare Social Circumstance Reports and give evidence and professional opinion to Managers Hearings/ Tribunals as required.
10. Provide social supervision to conditionally discharged forensic patients and prepare risk management reports for the Ministry of Justice. This includes the management of risk and the use of recall to hospital.
11. Establish and develop collaborative working with allied health and social care professionals within the professional remit of the AMHP role.
12. Maintain accurate and timely records including the AMHP Report and case recording.
13. Keep up-to-date with research, develop and disseminate greater understanding of evidence based practice, providing professional assistance and guidance to colleagues within the council and other agencies as appropriate.
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