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Programme description

This programme is the postgraduate qualification for qualified social workers wishing to practice as mental health officers (MHOs). It has been designed and delivered in partnership with 13 local authorities in the East of Scotland and the University of Edinburgh.

The programme focuses upon the role of the MHO in relation to relevant Scottish legislation.

Under Section 32(2) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (the 2003 Act), local authorities have a statutory duty to appoint MHOs to undertake mandatory responsibilities, enshrined in legislation, currently:

the 2003 Act
the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
the Criminal Procedures (Scotland) Act 1995

The programme also prepares MHOs to integrate knowledge of other relevant legislation, including:

the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007

Its primary aim is to provide the Advanced Social Work Studies (Mental Health Officer Award) in partnership with the East of Scotland MHO Award Partnership.

Learning outcomes

In line with the Scottish Social Services Council鈥檚 standards for MHO Awards and in order to successfully complete the programme, you are required to demonstrate relevant extensive critical knowledge and understanding across the four learning areas of:

mental well-being and mental disorder
powers and duties
collaborative working in relation to roles and organisations
assessment and management of need, care and risk

You are also required to demonstrate competence in:

The appropriate skills to be consolidated and developed
The integrated ethical and professional approach required of a registered social worker
The specialist professional practice which must be competently demonstrated and assessed.

Career opportunities

The programme is unique in that you are employed by your sponsoring local authority, however the Advanced Social Work Studies (Mental Health Officer Award) confirms the ability to practice as an MHO and thus widens career opportunities with current employers and across the Scottish local authority sector.