Specialist Doctor (SAS) in Psychiatry - Bedford CMHT | East London NHS Foundation Trust

East London NHS Foundation Trust; Bedford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health service provider in Bedford seeks an experienced specialist doctor with a minimum of 12 years of medical experience. The role entails working autonomously within a multidisciplinary team to manage mental health issues, conducting outpatient clinics, and ensuring compliance with the Mental Health Act. A commitment to quality patient care and teamwork is essential. This role offers a chance to pursue further career development within the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years’ medical work experience.
• Six years must be in a relevant specialty.
• Must achieve Section 12 approval within 6 months if not currently approved.

Responsibilities

• Work autonomously in a multidisciplinary team.
• Manage mental health issues on a routine and emergency basis.
• Conduct out-patient clinics and emergency consultations.

Skills

Autonomy

Team collaboration

Mental Health Act knowledge

Education

Primary medical qualification

Section 12 approval

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated specialist doctor to join our outstanding community Service.

This post is for a doctor who has completed a minimum of 12 years’ medical work (either continuous period or in aggregate) since obtaining a primary medical qualification.

A minimum of six years should have been in a relevant specialty in the Specialty Doctor and/or closed SAS grades. Equivalent years’ experience in a relevant specialty from other medical grades including from overseas will also be accepted. The doctor should be section 12(2) MHA 1983 approved (or achieve within 6 months of appointment), if not have Approved Clinician (AC) status/approval and be on the AC register.

A successful candidate would have the option of continuing ongoing work in a specialist doctor position, or be supported to pursue other routes for career. For example, support to gain a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR).

Job Responsibilities

• Work autonomously and be integral to a multidisciplinary team, accessing local CPD activities as appropriate.
• 10 PAs: The specialist doctor will work closely with other medical staff and multidisciplinary team, and will provide clinical support for the assessment and management of mental health issues on a routine and emergency basis.
• On average, 8 Programmed Activities per week will be devoted to Direct Clinical Care and 2 SPA (structured programmed activities).
• Assess new referrals and review existing patients: 6 out-patient clinics per week (as per the job plan) either at Charter House or Floball House.
• Additional clinics to see patients in emergency and/or virtual/telephone contact with patients and their carers to manage urgent issues.
• CPA reviews, Medical reviews, Professional meetings, Multi-disciplinary Team meetings, Case Conferences, and home visits as required.
• Liaise with team members and provide advice to support them.
• Triage referrals regularly with Team Manager, team members, and VSCE colleagues to provide a safe, prompt, and appropriate service to patients.
• Provide face-to-face and telephone liaison support to other secondary mental health teams, General Practitioners, and Primary care Link workers.
• Mental Health Act (daytime rota) every 4-6 weeks (if Section 12/2 approved).

Our Mission and Values

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Please note that this advert closes on Sunday, 19 Oct 2025.