Locum consultant Psychiatrist

Job Title:

Locum Consultant Psychiatrist – Old Age / CAMHS / Forensic Psychiatry

Contract Type: Locum – Full-time (10 PAs per week)

(Part-time or flexible working considered)

Reports To:

Clinical Director / Divisional Medical Director, Mental Health Services

Job Summary:

The Locum Consultant Psychiatrist will provide senior medical leadership and clinical expertise across the designated service area (Old Age Psychiatry, CAMHS, or Forensic Psychiatry). The post holder will ensure high-quality psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, act as Responsible Clinician (RC) under the Mental Health Act (MHA), and contribute to multidisciplinary care planning, teaching, and service development.

This post is suitable for a Consultant with Section 12(2) approval and Approved Clinician (AC) status.

Key Clinical Responsibilities:

General:

• Provide comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and management for service users.
• Act as Responsible Clinician for detained patients under the MHA.
• Undertake Section 12 MHA assessments and participate in Mental Health Act and Tribunal hearings.
• Provide clinical supervision and support to junior doctors (CT/ST, SAS grades).
• Work collaboratively with MDT colleagues to ensure holistic and person-centred care.
• Participate in clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with Trust policy.

Specialty-Specific Focus:

Old Age Psychiatry

• Lead the assessment and management of patients with dementia, late-onset psychosis, and affective disorders.
• Liaise with memory services, GPs, community nursing, and social care.
• Support families and carers, including capacity and best-interest decision-making.

CAMHS

• Provide specialist input for children and adolescents with complex mental health disorders.
• Support multidisciplinary risk assessment and care planning for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• Liaise with schools, social services, and paediatric teams.

Forensic Psychiatry

• Manage mentally disordered offenders within secure or community forensic settings.
• Undertake risk assessments, court reports, and contribute to MAPPA and CPA reviews.
• Work with probation and police in the management of forensic patients.

Teaching, Training & Development:

• Provide clinical supervision for junior doctors, trainees, and MDT colleagues.
• Participate in postgraduate medical education within the Trust.
• Engage in continuing professional development (CPD) as per GMC and RCPsych requirements.

Leadership & Management:

• Contribute to local service development and improvement projects.
• Participate in consultant meetings and represent the service in Trust-wide forums.
• Support implementation of NICE guidelines and Trust policies.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Essential:

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• Full GMC registration with licence to practise
• MRCPsych (or equivalent)
• GMC Specialist Registration (or within 6 months of CCT)
• Approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007)
• Approved Clinician (AC) status
• Demonstrable experience in the relevant subspecialty (Old Age, CAMHS, or Forensic Psychiatry)
• Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork skills

Desirable:

• Experience in service development and quality improvement
• Teaching and supervision experience
• Research or audit publications
• Familiarity with NHS IT systems (e.g., RiO, SystmOne, EMIS)

Professional Standards & Governance:

• Adhere to GMC Good Medical Practice.
• Comply with Trust and NHS policies (safeguarding, data protection, equality, infection control).
• Maintain revalidation requirements and participate in annual appraisal.

Additional Information:

• Appointment subject to Enhanced DBS, Occupational Health clearance, and satisfactory references.
• The post holder will be expected to contribute to the Consultant On-Call Rota (frequency dependent on service area).

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 12 months

Pay: £85.00-£125.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person