Specialty Doctor in General Adult Community Services (Centenary)

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in mental health services is seeking a Specialty Doctor to join their Adult Community Mental Health Service. This role involves providing clinical leadership, conducting diagnostic assessments, and managing treatment for patients with severe psychiatric conditions. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care. With a focus on professional development and collaboration, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of mental health services while engaging in academic programmes and furthering your career in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in General Adult Psychiatry.
• GMC registration with a license to practice is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical expertise and support to the multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in supervision and annual appraisal.

Skills

Clinical Leadership

Diagnostic Assessment

Communication Skills

Multidisciplinary Teamwork

Clinical Complexity Management

Education

MB BS or equivalent medical qualification

GMC registration with a license to practice

MRCPsych or equivalent (desirable)

Diploma in Psychiatry (desirable)

Job description

There is a vacant post for a Specialty Doctor in the Adult Community Mental Health Service based at Centenary House, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The post involves provision of clinical leadership, diagnostic assessment, and treatment to service users with severe, complex, and high-risk psychiatric conditions.

The ACMHS (Adult Community Mental Health Services) core team unites specialist medical, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, psychology, support workers, STAR workers, and administrative staff within the service reporting to a single management structure. ACMHS also has other specialist staff such as psychological therapists, arts therapists, and vocational support staff.

Two years' experience within psychiatry is an essential criterion for specialty doctor posts. If you do not hold this experience, you may be interviewed and considered for an alternative posting, which will differ in grade and pay.

Please note: We run a collated interview approach for all SAS vacancies across the Trust. This means you will be considered for the posting you applied for initially. If this posting is filled but you are deemed appointable, you may be offered an alternative posting, which may differ in department and location.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will provide medical expertise and support to the multidisciplinary team under the supervision of consultant psychiatrists, including diagnostic assessments and treatment for patients with severe, complex, and high-risk psychiatric conditions.
• Involvement in emergency assessments, including new referrals and managing difficulties with existing patients.
• Undertake administrative duties related to patient care and record clinical activity accurately and comprehensively.
• Provide a comprehensive range of services in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team for all patients managed in the team.
• Provide medical leadership to the team and assist in further developing the service.

About us

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) aims to be the leading provider of mental health and specialist learning disabilities services in the UK. With a workforce of around 3,500 and an annual income of approximately £330 million, the Trust offers integrated health and social care services across Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Norfolk. As a University NHS Foundation Trust, HPFT fosters strong links with the University of Hertfordshire, offering excellent learning, development, and research opportunities.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Specialty doctors play a key role in setting and monitoring standards, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based clinical care. They support colleagues, raise concerns, and contribute to the assessment and management of physical healthcare needs of patients.

The post holder will agree a job plan with the Medical Lead and Supervising Consultant, participate in supervision and annual appraisal, and engage in the Trust’s academic programmes, including lectures and seminars.

Maintain GMC registration, Section 12 approval, and abide by professional conduct codes. Participate in job plan reviews, collaborate with managers and colleagues to ensure efficient service delivery, and support the medical director in service planning.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.
• Section 12 approval (or eligibility).

Desirable

• MRCPsych or equivalent.
• Diploma in Psychiatry.

Eligibility

• GMC registration with a license to practice.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in General Adult Psychiatry, with at least 2 years in an approved training scheme.
• Experience working in community settings.

Clinical Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience working with service users with complex needs.
• Excellent clinical skills and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty.

Academic Skills and Lifelong Learning

• Ability to deliver undergraduate/postgraduate teaching.
• Participation in CPD, audit, research, and service evaluation.