This is a full time fixed term contract for 12 months

Job/Department Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated social worker to join Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) for a fixed term to support delivery of the Approved Mental Health Profession (AMHP) service across Essex. EPUT is a highly successful and ambitious organisation dedicated to providing mental health services, substance misuse services and other specialist award winning services that works in partnership with Essex County Council.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful social worker who will have the ability to respond positively and creatively to the needs of our service users.
You will work at the forefront of the provision of the Approved Mental Health Professional response across Essex joining the EPUT daytime rota. The post requires a person with a high degree of flexibility and creativity and a positive, forward-thinking attitude.

You must be an excellent communicator, dynamic and well versed and assertive in AMHP practice, multi-disciplinary working and developing and maintaining relationships with key partners.

In return we offer you support from our established Social Care Leadership Team, supervision, training and development opportunities.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work as an Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) Social Worker supporting the current service delivery as part of the EPUT daytime rota, Mon-Fri.

To act as an independent AMHP when making decisions during the assessment process.

To make applications for detention under the Mental Health Act and fully record and communicate reasons for decision making and outcomes to AMHP Service, admitting hospitals, community services, agencies, service users, carer, relatives etc.

To assess the need for admission and detention in Hospital, interviewing the service user appropriately, taking into account the total circumstances of the service user, consider the least restrictive outcome within the context of risk assessment and the recovery model.

Educated to degree level (i.e. Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS) or equivalent.

Evidence of continuing professional development and demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards eg professional capability framework, knowledge and skills statement. Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a registered social worker.

Knowledge of relevant legislation including~: Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007) and its interface with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Care Act 2014, Human Rights Act 1998 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Case law and relevant codes of practice. The ability to interpret this legislation and apply it to practice while adhering to the Local Authority's statutory responsibilities.

Significant experience of social work, demonstrating a comprehensive and up to date understanding of all relevant legislation, regulations and guidance with post qualifying experience of working as an AMHP.

Experience of mentoring both newly qualified and experienced staff and being a subject matter expert in professional practice.

Experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members and/or carers and other multi-agency professionals.

Developing strong relationships with partners for the effective delivery of the AMHP.

Proven track record of clear decision making in order to highlight and limit the potential risks associated with intervention, with an understanding of the financial implications of care packages commissioned.

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please contact the Resourcing Team on 0333 013 5888.