Approved Mental Health Practitioner

Job Description

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP)

Job Purpose

To undertake the statutory duties of an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), ensuring that assessments and interventions are lawful, person-centred, rights-based and proportionate.

The post holder will work collaboratively with individuals, families, carers, health professionals, and partner agencies to assess risk, safeguard vulnerable adults, and make informed decisions regarding Mental Health Act interventions. The role requires sound professional judgement, strong knowledge of relevant legislation, and a commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Key Responsibilities

Mental Health Act Duties

• Undertake Mental Health Act assessments in accordance with statutory duties, legislation, codes of practice and local policies.
  
• Coordinate and lead Mental Health Act assessments, ensuring legal compliance and professional accountability.
  
• Make independent decisions regarding applications for admission to hospital under the Mental Health Act where required.
  
• Ensure the least restrictive options are considered and applied wherever possible.
  
• Complete high-quality assessment reports and legal documentation within required timescales.
  

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Identify, assess and manage risks to individuals, carers, professionals and the wider public.
  
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are recognised and appropriately addressed through multi-agency procedures.
  
• Make informed decisions in complex and high-risk situations, balancing individual rights with public protection responsibilities.
  

Partnership Working

• Work closely with Mental Health Services, medical practitioners, social care teams, emergency services, advocacy services, carers and voluntary sector partners.
  
• Promote effective communication between agencies to facilitate positive outcomes for people experiencing mental health crises.
  
• Develop constructive relationships with service users, families and carers, ensuring their views are considered throughout the assessment process.
  

Human Rights and Person-Centred Practice

• Promote recovery-focused, strengths-based and person-centred approaches.
  
• Uphold and protect the human rights of individuals in accordance with relevant legislation and professional standards.
  
• Ensure that diversity, equality and inclusion are embedded in all aspects of practice.
  
• Advocate for individuals and support access to independent advocacy where appropriate.
  

Professional Practice

• Maintain professional registration and AMHP approval status.
  
• Attend supervision, team meetings, reflective practice sessions and training events.
  
• Participate in service development initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement.
  
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous case records in line with organisational standards.
  
• Support and contribute to a positive, collaborative and supportive team culture.
  

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of one year’s experience practising as an Approved Mental Health Professional.
  
• Experience of undertaking Mental Health Act assessments across a range of client groups.
  
• Experience of managing complex, high-risk cases and making autonomous decisions.
  
• Experience working within multidisciplinary and multi-agency environments.
  
• Experience of preparing comprehensive reports and maintaining accurate records.
  

Desirable

• Experience of working within community mental health services.
  
• Experience of mentoring, coaching or supporting colleagues.
  
• Experience of contributing to service improvement initiatives.
  
• Experience of participating in Out of Hours AMHP services.
  

Qualifications

Essential

• Professional qualification in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health Nursing or Psychology.
  
• Current registration with the relevant professional body (Social Work England, NMC, HCPC or equivalent).
  
• Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification and current AMHP approval.
  
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
  

Desirable

• Additional training in Mental Capacity Act, Best Interests Assessments or Safeguarding.
  
• Leadership or management development training.
  

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Excellent knowledge of:
  
• Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)
  
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
  
• Care Act 2014
  
• Human Rights Act 1998
  
• Safeguarding legislation and guidance
  
• Strong assessment, analytical and decision-making skills.
  
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective team collaboration.
  
• Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
  
• Ability to manage emotionally demanding situations with resilience and professionalism.
  
• Competent IT and report-writing skills.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Plough Lane, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR4 0LE, United Kingdom
  
• Contract Type: Limited Company/Umbrella
  
• Pay Rate: £33.33 per hour
  
• Hours: 37 hours per week
  
• Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  
• Flexible Working: Opportunities for home working on designated triage and administrative days.
  
• Out of Hours Work: No requirement to participate in the Out of Hours AMHP rota; however, there is an opportunity to join the rota on a voluntary basis with additional remuneration.
  
• Benefits: Regular supervision, reflective practice sessions, excellent training opportunities, strong peer support, commitment to employee wellbeing, and opportunities for career progression and leadership development within the service.
  
• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
  

· Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged

Requirements
• Undertake Mental Health Act assessments in accordance with statutory duties, legislation, codes of practice and local policies. • Coordinate and lead Mental Health Act assessments, ensuring legal compliance and professional accountability. • Make independent decisions regarding applications for admission to hospital under the Mental Health Act where required. • Ensure the least restrictive options are considered and applied wherever possible.