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Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) – Reading Borough Council

Reading Borough Council is recruiting an experienced Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to join its supportive Adult Social Care team. This is an opportunity to help adults experiencing mental health crises while carrying out statutory duties under the Mental Health Act.

The successful candidate will join a specialised daytime, standalone AMHP service, providing assessments, professional advice and crisis intervention for residents across Reading.

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)
  • Employer: Reading Borough Council
  • Salary: £45,529–£51,928 per year, plus a £5,000 market supplement
  • Total Salary: £50,529–£56,928 per year, including the market supplement
  • Location: Reading, Berkshire, England
  • Contract Type: Permanent
  • Working Pattern: Full-time
  • Working Hours: 37 hours per week
  • Job Reference: DAC0885
  • Job Category: Adult Services, Mental Health, Social Work and Social Care
  • Date Posted: 19 October 2026
  • Closing Date: 1 November 2026
  • Interview Date: To be confirmed
  • Interview Location: Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU
  • Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert. Applicants who require sponsorship should confirm eligibility directly with Reading Borough Council before applying.

About the Role

Reading Borough Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced Approved Mental Health Professional to work within its specialised daytime AMHP service.

You will work alongside a small, supportive and well-led team responsible for fulfilling the council’s statutory duties under the Mental Health Act 1983, as amended in 2007.

The role involves providing timely consultation, professional advice and mental health assessments to Reading residents experiencing crises. You will work with service users, carers and families, using a crisis intervention approach while protecting individual rights, dignity and wellbeing.

See also (ICT)

Key Responsibilities

Mental Health Act Assessments

  • Evaluate requests for Mental Health Act assessments.
  • Make independent professional judgements while considering relevant circumstances and external factors.
  • Provide timely assessments and advice to people experiencing mental health crises.

Compulsory Admissions and Guardianship

  • Consider applications for compulsory hospital admission under Part 2 or Part 3 of the Mental Health Act.
  • Make decisions relating to guardianship applications under Section 7 of the Act, in accordance with statutory responsibilities.

Assessment and Crisis Management

  • Manage the Mental Health Act assessment process from initial requests through to the appropriate outcome.
  • Handle potentially distressing, challenging and volatile situations professionally.
  • Apply sound assessment and risk-management skills when working with individuals in crisis.

Safeguarding and Mental Capacity

  • Follow adult and child safeguarding procedures.
  • Make safeguarding referrals where necessary.
  • Complete Mental Capacity and Best Interests assessments when required.

Record-Keeping and Legal Compliance

  • Maintain accurate records of assessments and interventions using electronic case-management systems.
  • Work in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory requirements and local and national policies.
  • Help ensure the delivery of a safe, effective and high-quality service.

Additional Responsibilities

Candidates who also hold Best Interest Assessor (BIA) qualifications may be required to undertake Best Interests Assessments when not carrying out statutory AMHP duties. Other partnership work with communities and partner organisations may also be required.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this position, applicants should have the following:

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  • Professional Qualification: Qualified Approved Mental Health Professional with current approval to practise under the Mental Health Act 1983 and the AMHP Regulations 2008.
  • Relevant Experience: Substantial experience working with the Mental Health Act and supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties.
  • Legislative Knowledge: A strong understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, the European Convention on Human Rights and other relevant legislation.
  • Assessment Skills: The ability to carry out professional assessments, exercise independent judgement and manage risk effectively.
  • Safeguarding Knowledge: Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the ability to make appropriate referrals and assessments.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary and supportive team.
  • Professional Values: Commitment to human rights, dignity, respect and the social models of mental health.

Applicants should review the official job description for the full role requirements.

Our Values and Working Environment

Reading Borough Council aims to create a successful and vibrant community where people can live in the place they call home, surrounded by the people and things they value.

The council’s shared purpose is to support the life that matters to each individual.

Employees are expected to demonstrate the following values:

  • Work Together as One Team: Collaborate with colleagues, communities and partner organisations.
  • Drive Efficiency: Take initiative, adapt to change and suggest improvements to service delivery.
  • Be Ambitious: Maintain high professional standards, pursue development and contribute ideas constructively.
  • Make a Difference to Reading: Deliver excellent customer service and respond flexibly to the needs of the community.

Salary and Employee Benefits

Reading Borough Council offers a supportive working environment, opportunities for career development and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits listed in the advert include:

  • Competitive Salary: £50,529–£56,928 per year, including the £5,000 market supplement.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme: Access to the council’s pension scheme.
  • Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 33 days after 10 years of service.
  • On-Site Day Nursery: Access to Kennet Day Nursery, rated outstanding by Ofsted according to the advert.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme: An employee benefit to support cycling.
  • Season Ticket Loan: Assistance with the cost of rail or bus travel to and from work.
  • Local Discounts: Access to a range of local discounts.
  • Lease Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme: An opportunity to lease a new, greener car for three years, with insurance, servicing and road tax included in the monthly fee.

How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidates can apply online through the official Reading Borough Council recruitment website.

Before applying, review the complete job description, confirm that you meet the AMHP qualification and current approval requirements, and check any questions about visa sponsorship directly with the council.

Closing Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026.

Interview Information

The interview date has not yet been confirmed. Interviews are expected to take place in person at:

Civic Centre
Bridge Street
Reading, RG1 2LU

Contact for Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, contact:

See also Urgent Care

Valbona Demiri – AMHP Team Manager

Email: Valbona.Demiri@reading.gov.uk

You can also learn more about Reading’s Community and Adult Social Care Services at More to Reading.

Important: The advert does not confirm whether visa sponsorship is available. Contact Reading Borough Council to clarify this before submitting your application if you require sponsorship to work in the UK.

 

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