Approved Social Worker, Duty Team - CMHSA Band7
Are you a dedicated and resilient Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) looking for a impactful role at the heart of acute mental health care? Nobles Hospital is seeking a Band 7 ASW to join our dynamic Community Mental Health Service for Adults (CMHSA) Duty Team.
This is your opportunity to be essential. You will be the frontline expert, conducting urgent mental health assessments, making critical decisions under the Mental Health Act, and providing decisive interventions for individuals in crisis. Your expertise will safeguard some of the most vulnerable people in our community, working collaboratively within a dedicated multi-disciplinary team.
We offer a long-term contract with immediate start, providing stability and the chance to make a deep, lasting impact. If you are a confident professional with recent UK experience, ready to apply your skills in a challenging and rewarding environment, we want to hear from you. Join us and play a vital role in shaping positive outcomes for our service users.
Main duties of the job
You will be the lead professional for Mental Health Act assessments, undertaking statutory duties as the Approved Social Worker. Your core responsibilities include conducting urgent mental health and capacity assessments, formulating robust risk management plans, and coordinating with emergency services and health colleagues to ensure safe, effective care for individuals in crisis
About us
Join the dedicated Duty Team at Nobles Hospital's Community Mental Health Service for Adults (CMHSA) for a long-term locum assignment. We understand the unique position of being a locum, and we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, inclusive, and professionally stimulating atmosphere from day one. You will be fully integrated into our close-knit multi-disciplinary team, where collaboration and mutual support are at our core.
We value the fresh perspective and specialist skills that locum professionals bring. You will be respected as an essential part of the team, with your expertise crucial to our crisis response work. This long-term contract offers the perfect balance: the flexibility of locum work combined with the stability and deeper community impact of a permanent role. We ensure you have the clear guidance and peer support needed to thrive, allowing you to focus on what you do bestmaking critical decisions that safeguard the most vulnerable in our community.
Job responsibilities
To fulfil the statutory duties and responsibilities of an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) as defined by the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended). The post-holder will be a key member of the CMHSA Duty Team, providing a specialist social work service in the context of urgent mental health need and crisis. The role involves undertaking complex assessments, managing risk, and coordinating multi-agency responses to safeguard vulnerable adults.
2. Key Responsibilities
2.1. Statutory AMHP Practice
To act as the appointed AMHP in the assessment of individuals requiring admission or guardianship under the Mental Health Act, ensuring the principles of the Act and the Code of Practice are adhered to.
To coordinate the MHA assessment process, including arranging the necessary medical recommendations and facilitating arrangements for admission or alternative care.
To undertake the role of the Approved Social Worker in accordance with the Mental Health Act and associated local policies and procedures.
2.2. Assessment and Intervention
To undertake and document high-quality, person-centred assessments of individuals presenting in mental health crisis, including those presenting at A&E or in the community.
To conduct assessments of risk, including risk to self and others, and to formulate, implement, and review robust risk management plans.
To apply a thorough understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Care Act 2014 to all assessments and interventions.
To work collaboratively with service users, carers, and families to identify strengths and support networks.
2.3. Multi-Disciplinary and Multi-Agency Working
To work in close partnership with psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, and other health professionals within the CMHSA team.
To liaise effectively with a range of external agencies including GPs, police, ambulance services, housing providers, and voluntary sector organisations to ensure a coordinated care approach.
To participate actively in team meetings, case conferences, and professional meetings, providing a social perspective and expertise.
2.4. Professional Accountability
To maintain accurate, confidential, and timely records in line with professional and organisational standards.
To maintain current, valid professional registration with Social Work England (or equivalent UK body).
To maintain AMHP status and comply with all requirements for re-approval.
To practice in accordance with the Professional Standards for Social Work and the AMHP Code of Practice.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* A recognised social work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW) with current Professional Registration (Social Work England or equivalent).
* A current, approved AMHP qualification with a valid Approval from a Local Authority.
* Substantial post-qualification experience working within a statutory mental health setting in the UK.
* Demonstrable, recent experience of practising as an AMHP, including comprehensive knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended).
* In-depth working knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Safeguarding Adults procedures.
* Excellent assessment, risk management, and crisis intervention skills.
* The ability to work effectively under pressure, autonomously, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
* Strong communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£30 to £38 an hourHigh cost area Supplement
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