Senior Practitioner - AMHP - Ref: SS05826

Walsall Council’s Mental Health department is seeking a full‑time Senior Practitioner – Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to strengthen our AMHP Hub. You will work a rotating schedule that includes days, nights and weekends, receiving Mental Health Act referrals. This role offers a unique opportunity for a full-time Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to join our dedicated AMHP Hub.

The AMHP qualification is a requirement for this post, which was created to strengthen and support our existing team of full-time AMHPs. This post plays a vital role in ensuring we can meet our statutory responsibilities under the Mental Health Act. You will work as part of a rota covering days, evenings, nights, and weekends.

Some shifts will involve lone working, so confidence, professional judgement, and autonomy are essential. We receive referrals from a wide range of sources, and the primary focus of the role is fulfilling the duty under Section 13 of the Mental Health Act to carefully consider each referral. You will be given the time and support needed to gather relevant information, undertake thorough analysis, and make informed decisions about the most appropriate next steps.

We value & respect AMHP autonomy and support AMHPs to work independently, using their expertise to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people of Walsall. This means not every referral will result in a formal Mental Health Act assessment. Following careful consideration, you may decide that no further action is required, or choose to meet with the individual yourself as part of your consideration, or progress the referral to a formal assessment alongside medical practitioners.

We encourage an approach that starts from the principle of avoiding detention wherever possible, ensuring that all alternatives are explored and that the potential benefits and disadvantages of making an application under the Mental Health Act are thoughtfully balanced. We recognise that this approach takes time; however, it helps to prevent vulnerable individuals from being subjected to formal assessments that may not be necessary and promotes person-centred, least restrictive practice.

In addition to operational duties, you will be expected to contribute to the ongoing development of the service and play an active role in supporting the AMHP workforce. This includes supporting the AMHP Lead to improve the service. And mentoring AMHP trainees and providing guidance and support to newly qualified and experienced AMHP colleagues.

You will receive regular one-to-one supervision, alongside opportunities for peer reflection and professional development. You will be joining a team of six Senior Full-Time AMHPs who work across the rota, alongside colleagues who hold substantive posts elsewhere in the organisation and contribute to the AMHP rota during office hours.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a developing team that values reflective practice, professional curiosity, and a commitment to delivering the least restrictive and most person-centred outcomes. If you would like to discuss this post further please email the AMHP Lead: [email protected] Consider and conclude Section 13 Mental Health Act referrals, gathering information and applying professional analysis.

Use expertise knowledge of the law, its principles and Code of Practice to promote the rights of people. Work a rota covering days, nights and weekends, including periods of lone working. Proactively weighing up the benefits and burdens for detention under MHA. Conduct assessments personally or arrange assessments with doctors as needed.

Provide mentorship and support to AMHP candidates and qualified AMHPs. Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the AMHP team. Participate in one‑to‑one supervision and peer reflection sessions. Liaise with referral sources (e.g., police, social services, health services) to obtain necessary information.

Promote the independence of the AMHP. Ability to put the needs of the person first. Ability to identify and address discriminatory practice. Build positive working relationships across agencies. Ability to record decisions in a legally defensible manner. Maintain accurate, timely documentation of decisions and actions taken.

Adhere to statutory duties and council policies, including safeguarding and data protection. Must hold current Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification. Must be a mental health professional, such as social worker, nurse, O.T. Current registration with Social Work England, or equivalent. Significant experience in mental health practice.

Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and make independent decisions. Comprehensive knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and related legislation. Experience working night and weekend shifts, including lone working is desirable. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to challenge when appropriate.

Ability to adopt a person‑centred. Enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.