Practitioner - AMHP

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.