Trainee Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) - Adult Social CareNHS

Job summary

Who we are?

AMHPs carry out statutory duties under the Mental Health Act 1983 which includes a broad range of tasks including section 13 consideration, making informed, independent decisions about the need for compulsory admission to hospital, the use of Guardianship and Community Treatment Orders to support well-being in the community. As well as undertaking the role of Social Supervision under Part 3 of the MHA.

Alongside these statutory functions, we are committed to providing advice, consultation, support and training to our partner agencies and professional colleagues. As there are no age restrictions on the individuals we assess, AMHPs work across a wide range of services and settings. This creates opportunities for close collaborative working with Community Mental Health Teams, Learning Disability and Autism Services, CAMHS, acute hospitals and other partner organisations.

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 Councils Race Equality Audit and actively working to deliver more equitable and culturally informed support and practice.

Main duties of the job

The AMHP Training

The Post Graduate Certificate Approved Mental Health Professional academic course is set at accredited masters level and will be delivered by University of Lancashire in September 2027 Mental Health Practice PGCert - AMHP Course through a mix of remote learning and practice placement. The course 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 in Devon for a minimum of two years.

On successful completion of the programme, practitioners will be considered for approval by Devon County Council as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP). Approval is granted by a Local Social Services Authority (LSSA), and practitioners can only undertake AMHP duties once formally approved.

For further information about the academic programme, please contact Jill Hemmington at [email protected]

Job description

For all relevant information please refer to the job description and person specification documents attached.

About us

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will need to demonstrate that you are:-

• Are a registered Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Chartered Psychologist.
• Have completed an appropriate period of suitable mental health work experience (normally 2 years post-registration with a minimum of one year in a community setting where individual responsibility for cases has been held).
• Have spent time shadowing with the Devon County Council AMHP services to understand the role of the AMHP prior to interview.
• Completed reflective accounts within the application from time spent exploring the AMHP service and role.
• Have access to / use of a vehicle. This essential due to Devon being a rural area.

Briefing Session

To find out more please register for our briefing session on Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 between 2:00pm 3:30pm -see Devon Jobs for the link.

• 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..
• Please note: At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.