Trainee AMHP - Adult Social Care

Job description

Job description

Permanent
Full Time, 37 Hours Per Week
(following successful completion of the Trainee AMHP course, Part Time hours considered)

Join Our Dynamic and Inclusive Team as a Trainee Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) in the Daytime AMHP Service across Devon covering locations: Exeter, North Devon, South Devon, East & Mid Devon whilst undertaking funded study to be an AMHP with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)

Who we are?

AMHP's carry out statutory duties under the Mental Health Act 1983 which includes a broad range of tasks including section 13 consideration, making informed, independent decisions about the need for compulsory admission to hospital, the use of Guardianship and Community Treatment Orders to support well-being in the community. As well as undertaking the role of Social Supervision under Part 3 of the MHA.

Alongside these statutory functions, we are committed to providing advice, consultation, support and training to our partner agencies and professional colleagues. As there are no age restrictions on the individuals we assess, AMHPs work across a wide range of services and settings. This creates opportunities for close collaborative working with Community Mental Health Teams, Police, Learning Disability and Autism Services, CAMHS, acute hospitals and other partner organisations.

Our team is committed to continuous improvement and places a strong emphasis on co-production, including how best to capture and utilise the voices of those that have experience of being assessed under the Mental Health Act and to further improve practise for the benefit of those who come into contact with our service.

We are also deeply committed to addressing racial disparities in mental health care. Our service is dedicated to implementing the recommendations of Devon County Council's Race Equality Audit and actively working to deliver more equitable and culturally informed support and practice.

The role offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of mental health, social care and the law, supporting some of the most complex and challenging situations while promoting individuals' rights, wellbeing and least restrictive options.

Pre-requisite training period

This is an exciting development opportunity for practitioners who are passionate about promoting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.

Successful Trainee AMHP's will commence in January 2027 for an 8-month preparation for practice period.

During this period they will undertake the following in preparation for commencing study with UCLAN in September 2027:

• Observation of Mental Health Act assessments
• Support by DCC to be confirmed following a period of observed practice in the daytime AMHP team during a 6 month probation period.
• Demonstrate that they possess the level of competence, capacity and ability to undertake and complete AMHP training at the required professional and academic level.
• Understand and explore different areas of AMHP practice (Emergency Duty Service, Forensic Service day time AMHPS and Social Care AMHP's) and have the opportunity to undertake areas of practice such as social supervision and Care Act Assessments with community mental health teams where appropriate.

The AMHP Training

The Post Graduate Certificate Approved Mental Health Professional academic course is set at accredited master's level and will be delivered by University of Lancashire in September 2027 Mental Health Practice PGCert - AMHP Course through a mix of remote learning and practice placement. The course will be financially supported by Devon County Council, and we will offer support throughout your learning and development both from the Social Care AMHP service, the daytime AMHP service and the Workforce Development Team. We will be offering full support through your AMHP pathway and the academic course, however, there will be an expectation that once qualified you remain within the AMHP role to practise as an AMHP in Devon for a minimum of two years.

On successful completion of the programme, practitioners will be considered for approval by Devon County Council as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP). Approval is granted by a Local Social Services Authority (LSSA), and practitioners can only undertake AMHP duties once formally approved.

For further information about the academic programme, please contact Jill Hemmington at [email protected]

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will need to demonstrate that you are:-

• Are a registered Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Chartered Psychologist.
• Have completed an appropriate period of suitable mental health work experience (normally 2 years post-registration with a minimum of one year in a community setting where individual responsibility for cases has been held).
• Have spent time shadowing with the Devon County Council AMHP services to understand the role of the AMHP prior to interview.
• Completed reflective accounts within the application from time spent exploring the AMHP service and role.
• Demonstrate holding complex cases and undertaking sound assessment, risk management, and decision-making skills.
• Have excellent communication and partnership-working skills
• Have a good understanding of the Human Rights Act, Mental Health Act and its interface with the Mental Capacity Act, as well as a good understanding of the Care Act.
• Have access to / use of a vehicle. This essential due to Devon being a rural area.

Our service users also expect high standards and the ability to work in a holistic way.

You must be able to demonstrate an excellent appreciation and understanding of the European Convention of Human Rights and a clear commitment to the principles underpinning mental health legislation. Your practice will be grounded in a recovery-oriented approach, with a deep awareness of the impact mental health conditions can have on individuals, their families, carers, and wider support networks.

You will value and actively promote co-production, showing a willingness to work collaboratively with people who have lived experience of mental health services. You bring significant experience from working within statutory mental health services, particularly in the areas of risk assessment, risk management, complex case holding and effective multi-agency collaboration.

While we recognise the autonomy of independent decision-making in AMHP practice, we place equal value on teamwork, mutual support, and shared learning. We are looking for someone who can contribute to a strong, reflective, and supportive team culture that strives for excellence in service delivery.

Briefing Session

To find out more please register for our briefing session on Tuesday, 22 nd September 2026 between 2:00pm - 3:30pm.

Please click here to register for the Briefing Session

For an informal discussion regarding the roles available, please contact either:

• Ama Dhami - AMHP Team Manager - 01392 674 952/ 07854368098 [email protected]
• Chris Melley- - AMHP Team Manager - 01392 674 952/ 07813397467 [email protected]
• Gayle Polaine- - AMHP Team Manager - 01392 674 952/ 07967214801 [email protected]

Our offer to you

• Our service is committed to your growth. All Trainee AMHPs receive regular supervision, peer support, and annual appraisal. We offer a comprehensive post-qualifying training programme and encourage innovative approaches to sharing AMHP expertise across wider teams.
• You'll be working in a supportive and inclusive environment where your contribution is valued and your development is prioritised.

• We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years' service.
• Offer an opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• As a place to live and work, Devon is hard to beat with top-performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, pretty villages and some of the most scenic coast and countryside in the UK. Living and working in Devon as a Social Worker has never been more attractive.
• Please note: At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.

Please click here to view the Job Description.

How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages .
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council's use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice .
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page .
• This role requires a DBS disclosure
• This role requires Social Work England Registration (SWE), Nursing and Midwifery Council Registration (NMC) or Health and Care Professions Council Registration (HCPC).