Clinical Lead Liaison Psychiatry

Job Summary

Devon Partnership NHS Trust is seeking an experienced and motivated Band 7 Clinical Lead to join the Liaison Psychiatry Service at the District General Hospital in Exeter. This Clinical Lead role (not a Practice Lead) will provide visible clinical leadership, lead on clinical excellence and role model best practice across Liaison Psychiatry pathways.

The service provides a 24/7 specialist mental health assessment, consultation and intervention service for adults aged 18 and over who present to, or are admitted within, the acute hospital. A significant proportion of referrals involve self‑harm, suicidal behaviours, complex mental health needs, medically unexplained symptoms and long‑term health conditions.

• Shift rotation including out‑of‑hours provision: twilight shifts (4 pm to midnight, Monday to Friday) and weekend working on an every‑other‑weekend pattern.
• Full‑time, permanent position.

• Provide clinical leadership within Liaison Psychiatry, ensuring high standards of assessment, formulation, intervention and decision‑making across assigned clinical pathways.
• Act as a visible role model for clinical excellence, autonomous practice and positive risk management in line with Trust policies and professional standards.
• Undertake specialist mental health assessments and interventions for adults presenting within the acute hospital, including complex presentations involving self‑harm and suicidal behaviours.
• Lead on quality improvement, audit activity and compliance with CQC and PLAN accreditation standards, ensuring learning from incidents, complaints and compliments informs practice.
• Support and develop practitioners through clinical supervision, education and day‑to‑day professional leadership, fostering a therapeutic and safe clinical environment.
• Provide specialist consultation, advice and liaison to acute hospital clinicians, contributing to complex decision‑making and integrated care pathways.
• Contribute to service development, training delivery and strengthening professional links across the acute and mental health systems.

• Knowledge of key areas of mental health practice / specialist knowledge of mental health disorders.
• Knowledge of risk assessment and management, particularly in relation to suicide; knowledge of the clinical and demographic risk factors associated with suicide and self‑harm.
• Knowledge of risk assessment and clinical management in relation to dementia, delirium and depression in older adults.
• Knowledge of complex health and social care systems and how these integrate to ensure the right treatment at the right time.
• Application of teaching theory into practice.
• Ability to undertake a lone comprehensive bio‑psycho‑social assessment and formulation leading to robust discharge goal‑based care packages.
• Knowledge sufficient to make autonomous decisions based on complex presenting problems and judgement about available options.

• Relevant professional qualification (RMN / SW / OT).
• Evidence of commitment to life‑long learning and continuing professional development.
• Educated to degree or Diploma level in relevant qualification.

• Liaison Psychiatry Core Competency Framework.
• Training in relevant interventions (e.g. Solution‑Focused Brief Therapy, CBT).

• Significant years in Band 6 equivalent clinical role or above.
• Significant experience completing biopsychological assessments and providing intervention with a range of mental health presentations.
• Ability to complete robust risk assessments and formulate safety plans.
• Evidence of working therapeutically with individuals.
• Ability to interpret research and apply to practice.

• Delivery of training through a range of means, including presentations.
• Experience of working within Liaison Psychiatry.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part‑time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

• Reference number: C9369‑25‑1028.
• Location:
  
  Wonford House, Dryden Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AF.
• Start date:
  
  To be agreed.
• Pay: £47,810 to £54,710 a year.
• Contract:
  
  Permanent.