Locations : Exeter, North Devon, South Devon, East & Mid Devon
Join Our Dynamic and Inclusive Team as a Trainee Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Locations: Exeter, North Devon, South Devon, East & Mid Devon
These posts are assigned to Devon Partnership NHS Trust and are open to registered social workers, occupational therapists, mental health nurses, or chartered psychologists who are looking for an exciting opportunity to further develop their career and undergo training to become an Approved Mental Health Professional.
Candidates must have the appropriate professional registration for their discipline and provide a registration number with their application.
Trainee AMHPs are paid at G grade £39,862 - £44,075 (rising to H grade on successful completion of the course, which is currently £45,091 - £49,282).
In order to apply for a Trainee post, you must be able to demonstrate an ability to study at Masters’ Level or have the willingness to complete this prior to the course start date in February. This could include completion or submission of the Bournemouth University Graduate Certificate in Specialist Practice in Mental Health or equivalent DSP (Developing Specialist Practice at Masters Level).
About the role
Once in post, the Trainee will support the daytime service in undertaking it responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983 under the supervision of their AMHP Team Manager. The aim is for the Trainee to have the opportunity to experience the role and its complexity in full prior to the course.
This role comprises of a period of induction to the team and the services we work alongside, undertaking appropriate tasks under the supervision of an AMHP including writing reports, engage in follow up work with individuals, their families and other professionals.
The Trainee will then be supported to submit an application to Bournemouth University (estimated to be December 2025) and, if successful, join the AMHP training course (estimated to start in February 2026).
The course is approximately six months long and full time. It is essential that candidates can commit to the whole timetable, including over the summer holiday period.
The Daytime AMHP Service will reserve the right to delay access to the course if further professional development of the candidate is felt to be required. It is important for prospective candidates to understand that every effort is made to support Trainees through this process, but that it may be necessary to delay or even cease the individual’s progress at any point in the process.
As course dates are subject to change, consideration may need to be given to a temporary redeployment to another mental health team. Preference will be given to a role that will support the Trainee’s identified development needs.
It is advised that prospective candidates undertake the following e-learning module about the AMHP role prior to submitting an application.
For free unregistered access: Bottom of the home page - “How to access” – select “View” – then click “The Role of the Approved Mental Health Professional” – then “Play” – then “continue”.
A Service with a National Reputation for Excellence
The Devon AMHP Service is proud to be acknowledged as an example of best practice at a national level, having contributed to the development of the AMHP National Service Standards and other key sector initiatives.
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.
In Devon, we are passionate about fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We warmly welcome applications from individuals from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
We recognise the value that diverse perspectives bring to our service and are actively committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.
Professional support and on-going training
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.
About you
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 importance 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.
What we can offer you
1. We are committed to your continuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career. You will receive excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers.
2. We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years’ service.
3. Recognition of NHS continuous service for contractual annual leave purposes, sick pay entitlement and Maternity/Adoption & Paternity pay entitlement (within DCC Terms & Conditions)
4. Flexible working opportunities are available, these include part-time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (this is subject to the needs of the role – please discuss at further at interview)
5. Offer an opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
6. 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 Trainee AMHP has never been more attractive.
7. If you are currently living, working or studying in the UK and are looking to relocate to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions and in exceptional circumstances, relocation support of up to £10,000, may be available. Visa sponsorship may also be offered as part of the relocation support package, terms and conditions apply.
8. Please note: At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.
Please indicate on you application form:
9. Your area of preference
10. If the interview dates are not suitable