P107848 - AMHP / Development Officer

We're looking for an AMHP Development officer, Interested?

Do you want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of your AMHP self, whilst influencing those around you? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge in Mental Health Adult Social Care? If so, please keep reading as you're exactly what we're looking for.

We currently have a thriving fully staffed Approved Mental Health Professional offer within Gateshead, we have this vacancy due to internal development and promotion of current postholder. Our AMHP colleagues are based mainly within our working age adults' team, but we also have AMHP colleagues who practice within our ageing well, learning disability and young people transitions service. We continue to manage close links with children's services colleagues.

Gateshead currently operate a core hours model of AMHP provision (8.30am - 6.30pm) to support the work life balance of all our AMHP colleagues. Your knowledge and experience will support that offer, although you will be office hours based in the civic centre, with flexibility within the councils offer of smart working.

About the role

You will assist management colleagues enabling, supporting and appropriately guiding the delivery of statutory Mental Health Act activities within the borough of Gateshead. You will have some recent direct AMHP experience, an extensive knowledge of current practice and an understanding of the needs of MHA / its proposed reform and how this may impact the delivery of related AMHP activities. Your responsibilities will include assisting with supervision and guidance of AMHP team members as well as contributing to the overall environment in which they practice. This will include operational issues such as rota development, procedure maintenance as well as facilitating forum opportunities and attending meetings with partners and regional colleagues where necessary.

This role includes planning and recording ongoing training and development of self and AMHP' colleagues to ensure the highest levels of performance across adult social care, as well as supporting existing AMHP colleagues this role involves working to develop colleagues wishing to be AMHPS in the future from within the authority.

You will possess a relevant professional qualification in Social Work, Nursing etc (RMN, MA, BA in Social Work, Dip SW or equivalent), post-qualifying award in Social Work, Registration with relevant professional body and a current UK driving license or means of mobility support.

As well as knowledge around the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and other key legislation you will have and understanding of theories, conceptual frameworks, practice models, and research findings that underpin current issues and debates within Mental Health Act application within local authorities. A fuller list of responsibilities and criteria can be found in the role profile.

People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative. Please click on the following link to see what life as an adult care social worker is like www.gateshead.gov.uk/ASCsocialworkers

A bit about Gateshead Council...

Adult Social Care is on the frontline of tackling the inequalities in poverty and health that our community face. Our Thrive Agenda aims to effectively address these issues and enable the members of our community to live thriving lives.

Working in Adult Social Care is not an easy job, however; there aren't many that are more fulfilling when you can see the impact that you are having on the lives of the members of our community who need support.

We're truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a high-quality service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

What's in it for you?

• You'll be paid a competitive salary which includes a 10% Recruitment and Retention payment.
• You can save for your future by enrolling in our generous pension scheme
• You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership to GO Gateshead Leisure Services and ability to use our cycle to work scheme.
• We'll give you access to a Co Wheels vehicle for work use, saving your petrol costs and wear to your vehicle.
• You'll get a generous annual leave package starting at 26 days annual leave (+ 2 statutory days) for new employees, rising to 30 days (+ 2 statutory days) after 5 years continuous local government service.
• You will have the chance to purchase up to 10 additional holiday days per year.
• We'll give you the chance to take advantage of various offers and discounts on shopping and household spend via VIVup.
• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme offering various discounts
• Access to generous flexi time system with the opportunity to take two flexi days per four-week flexi period, depending on the needs of the service.
• We offer hybrid working, allowing colleagues to work remotely where appropriate if they wish to do so
• A robust Workforce Development offer with ample opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas. Specific development opportunities can be discussed.
• Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council offers the chance to progress in a variety of roles across the service. Our colleagues had this to say:

"Gateshead Council are very, very good at encouraging staff to progress in their careers, and to believe in the staff and believe in themselves" - David

"I think there is a real ethos of growing your own and making sure that staff are rewarded for their efforts and feel that they can do jobs." - Angela

It's time to apply!

We're delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please review the full job profile to ensure that you meet the essential criteria for the post, as only applicants that meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile will be shortlisted.

To apply, please email your CV to Kathleen Singh: [email protected]

If successful, you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.

For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact John Foreman via [email protected] on 0191 4332314.