Lead Clinical Pharmacist

Job Summary We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and committed Clinical Pharmacist to join the Kent and Medway Children and Young People's Mental Health Service (CYPMHS). This is an exciting opportunity for a pharmacist looking for an innovative clinical role at the forefront of patient‑centred care within the community, offering excellent opportunities for professional development and a good work‑life balance. In this role, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, supporting children and young people within community settings and, occasionally, in inpatient units across the Trust. This position offers significant scope for professional growth and advanced clinical practice. The successful candidate should hold (or be working towards) an independent prescribing qualification, have a postgraduate qualification in pharmacy, and possess experience in mental health. Ongoing training and clinical supervision will be provided by the Consultant Pharmacist and Consultant Psychiatrists. You will also be supported by a Pharmacy Technician and the wider Trust Pharmacy Team, including community lead pharmacists. Our pharmacists benefit from numerous professional development opportunities, including support for postgraduate mental health pharmacy qualifications and NHS leadership programmes. The base for this post is the Kent and Medway CYPMHS in Dartford, with periodic travel to other sites across Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. Main Duties of the Job The purpose of this role is to lead the medication‑related aspects of care within CYPMHS. This includes providing expert medicines information, delivering education and training, and offering both group and one‑to‑one support for children and young people. You will also contribute to the development of clinical guidelines and protocols, and work closely with Consultant Psychiatrists and Non‑Medical Prescribers to promote safe, effective, and cost‑efficient prescribing. Key Responsibilities Providing a high‑quality clinical pharmacy service within CYPMHS, optimising patient outcomes, enhancing patient experience, and supporting care pathways across Kent and Medway in partnership with wider healthcare providers. Contributing to improved health outcomes by taking a holistic approach to care and ensuring the safe, effective use of medicines within CYPMHS. Engaging directly with children, young people, and their families, ensuring that their views inform decisions about their care. The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010). Promoting improvements in the quality, safety, and cost‑effectiveness of medicines use, and supporting holistic management of clinical conditions across CYPMHS. Line‑managing Pharmacy Technicians within CYPMHS. Participating in the clinical pharmacist on‑call rota. High Cost Area Allowance As this post is based in Dartford, Gravesham or Swanley, the successful applicant will receive an additional payment each month – 5% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £1,258 and a maximum payment of £2,121. (The agreed annual amount will be divided into 12 equal amounts and paid monthly.) Person Specification Qualification – Essential Master's Degree in Pharmacy Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council, with at least 5 years post‑graduate experience Postgraduate qualification in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent specialist knowledge Non‑Medical Prescribing qualification or working towards this qualification Qualification – Desirable Member of the College of Mental Health Pharmacy Practice Supervisor Qualification Postgraduate qualification in Psychopharmacology Experience – Essential 2 years' experience of working in Mental Health services Knowledge of Mental Health therapeutics Awareness of NHS Plan, National Service Framework (NSF), and clinical governance priorities Evidence of education, training, performance management and development of staff Proven experience in managing change or developing and delivering pharmacy services Experience of leading and undertaking clinical audits Experience – Desirable Experience of budget setting and management of drug budgets Experience working in CYPMHS Knowledge & Skills – Essential Good written and verbal communication skills High level of analytical skills and problem‑solving ability, to provide advice on complex issues relating to medicine management and Trust policies. Knowledge and experience of Primary and Secondary Care working Confident and assertive when dealing with other professionals High level of interpersonal skills, to exchange highly complex and sensitive information with patients, relatives, prescribers and senior managers. IT skills – word‑processing, PowerPoint, Excel, statistical package and internet use. Up‑to‑date knowledge of prescribing issues in Mental Health Knowledge & Skills – Desirable Good project management skills Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Job Details Posting Date: 10 December 2025 Pay Scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 8a Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Full‑time Reference Number: 380‑SS0714 Job Location: Kent and Medway Children and Young People's Mental Health Service, Dartford – 1 Twisleton Court, Priory Hill, Dartford, DA1 2EN Employer Details Employer Name: Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust Address: Kent and Medway Children and Young People's Mental Health Service, Dartford – 1 Twisleton Court, Priory Hill, Dartford, DA1 2EN Website: https://www.kentmedwaymentalhealth.nhs.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr