Trainee AMHPs

Join one of our Dynamic and Inclusive Team as a Trainee Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Locations: Exeter, North Devon, South Devon, East & Mid Devon In both the day time AMHP team and Social Care AMHP Team. The Mental Health Act does not have any age limitations, it can involve work with both adults and children; AMHPs may find themselves working across many different areas and can include close working with Learning Disability & Autism services, Older Adults teams and CAMHS teams. AMHP's carry out a broad range of tasks and assessments within the scope of the Mental Health Act; including consideration under s13, the making of applications to detain people, the use of Guardianship and Community Treatment Orders to support well-being in the community and Social Supervision work under Part 3 of the MHA. The application and knowledge of the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act and the Human Rights Act is integral to the work of an AMHP. In addition to the above the Adult Social Care AMHP Service, provides County wide support to Local Authority Adult Social Care Teams whereby we are available for advice and support with complex practice issues where mental disorder is a significant component and where there may be a need to consider legal frameworks in ensuring appropriate care and safe practice. The team contribute to MDT working, safeguarding meetings and can undertake joint visits with Social Care staff; we also work closely with our health colleagues in Devon Partnership Trust. 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. The Training The trainee post will begin in-house, September 2026 and will give you a really good insight as to what we do and the way we do it. You will have plenty of shadowing opportunities in the AMHP team, so you'll have the chance to take in the team culture and environment. The Post Graduate Certificate Approved Mental Health Professional academic course is set at accredited master's level and will be delivered by University of Lancashire in September 2026 Mental Health Practice PGCert - AMHP Course through a mix of remote learning and practice placement. The course and travel will be financially supported by Devon County Council, and we will offer support throughout your learning and development both from the Social Care AMHP service, the daytime AMHP service and the Workforce Development Team. We will be offering full support through your AMHP pathway and the academic course, however, there will be an expectation that once qualified you remain within the AMHP role to practise as an AMHP for a minimum of two years. As a Trainee Approved Mental Health Professional within the team, you will experience all aspects of the role and the service we deliver. You will participate in screening referrals, support the planning of and attend Mental Health Act assessments and working closely with partners across the system. Permanent appointment to the Approved Mental Health Professional role will be dependent on the successful completion of the Post Graduate Certificate and approval with Devon County Council.

• Are a registered social worker, mental health nurse, occupational therapist, or psychologist.
• Have successfully completed an ASYE program or Preceptorship and relevant post qualifying experience .
• Have spent time or are willing to spend time prior to interview with the Devon County Council AMHP services to understand the role of the AMHP.
• Completed reflective accounts within the application from time spent exploring the AMHP service and role.
• Are motivated to use your social care skills to engage with people and their families in creative ways.
• Have strong social care values, flexibility and a 'can do' attitude.
• Have a good understanding of the Mental Health Act and its interface with the Mental Capacity Act, as well as a good understanding of the Care Act.
• Have access to / use of a vehicle. This essential due to Devon being a rural area.
Our service users also expect high standards and the ability to work in a holistic way. 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.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working -The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.
• This role requires Social Work England Registration (SWE) or;
• This role requires Nursing and Midwifery Council Registration (NMC). or;
• This role requires Health and Care Professions Council Registration (HCPC).