AMHP Lead And Emergency Duty Team Manager

Job Description

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

The AMHP Lead & Emergency Duty Team Manager will provide strategic, professional, and operational leadership to the Centralised Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Service and the Emergency Duty Team (EDT). The postholder will ensure high-quality statutory interventions are delivered in accordance with the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983 (as amended), the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, Care Act 2014, and all other relevant legislation and local safeguarding procedures.

The role is critical in maintaining an effective 24 / 7 emergency response, providing robust leadership, professional oversight, and ensuring safe, compliant, and person-centred practice across both teams.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure the delivery of an effective, legally compliant Centralised AMHP Service on behalf of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Maintain oversight of operational performance, resource allocation, and service quality to ensure timely and safe AMHP responses.

Lead on the development, implementation, and review of policies, procedures, and practice standards relating to AMHP functions and Mental Health Act duties.

Provide expert advice and decision-making support to AMHPs and partner agencies on complex and high-risk Mental Health Act matters.

Manage and provide high-quality monthly professional supervision to permanent AMHPs within the service.

Undertake annual appraisals and contribute to the assessment of AMHP practice for all rota AMHPs.

Monitor, evaluate, and improve the quality of AMHP work through regular audits, reflective discussions, and performance management processes.

Provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high professional standards.

Act as the Council’s professional lead for AMHP practice, offering authoritative guidance on Mental Health Act procedures, case law, and best practice.

Maintain an advanced understanding of relevant legislation and support AMHPs in applying legal frameworks accurately and confidently.

Represent the service at local and regional forums, contributing to the development of mental health pathways and inter-agency collaborations.

Provide specialist advice and support during complex Mental Health Act assessments, disputes, or emergency scenarios.

Ensure AMHPs receive appropriate training, professional development, and annual mandatory refresher courses in accordance with statutory requirements.

Work with learning and development teams to commission, design, and deliver AMHP-specific training.

Lead quality assurance activities, including case audits, thematic reviews, and service evaluations to maintain excellence in AMHP practice.

Support newly qualified or trainee AMHPs, ensuring robust induction and ongoing support.

Lead and manage the adult Emergency Duty Team, ensuring it provides a high-quality crisis response outside of core hours.

Provide regular monthly supervision and oversight to EDT staff, ensuring reflective practice, legal compliance, and safe decision-making.

Ensure effective resource management, rota planning, and operational accountability to maintain a resilient 24 / 7 emergency service.

Oversee safeguarding decision-making and ensure robust adherence to MCA, Care Act, and child and adult protection procedures during emergencies.

Requirements

Extensive post-qualification experience in mental health and statutory social care.

Proven experience as an AMHP, including complex Mental Health Act assessments.

Experience in managing staff, supervising practitioners, and leading multi-disciplinary practice.

Strong understanding of relevant legislation (MHA, MCA, Care Act) and associated Codes of Practice.

Experience working in emergency, crisis, or out-of-hours services is desirable.

Advanced decision-making and clinical / professional judgement.

Ability to lead, motivate, and develop highly skilled professional staff.

Excellent communication and partnership-working skills across agencies.

Strong organisational and service-planning abilities.

Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex risk.

Qualified Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist or other eligible AMHP qualifying profession.

Approved Mental Health Professional status (current and valid).

Management qualification or willingness to work towards one is desirable.