Job Description

Clinical and Professional Responsibilities The Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist will play a key leadership and clinical role within the multidisciplinary team. The post holder will be responsible for the assessment, treatment, and ongoing care of adolescents admitted to the inpatient unit, and will hold overall medical responsibility for patients under their care. Key responsibilities include: Clinical Care and Leadership Hold overall clinical/medical responsibility, reviewing patients in line with their clinical needs and risk profiles. Provide direct psychiatric care, including comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, formulation of evidence-based treatment plans, and review of treatment effectiveness.



Provide psychiatric leadership and guidance to the multidisciplinary team, working in collaboration with the team leader and clinical colleagues. Develop and implement treatment planning through outpatient contact or Care Programme Approach (CPA) that addresses the bio-psychosocial needs of each patient. Serve as a psychiatric liaison with external agencies to ensure continuity of care, particularly in complex cases requiring multi-agency collaboration. Involve families and carers in treatment planning, where appropriate and with patient consent.



Mental Health Act and Legal Responsibilities Act as the Responsible Clinician for patients detained under the Mental Health Act. Must be Section 12(2) approved and hold Approved Clinician status, with the ability to undertake assessments and apply the Mental Health Act as required. Ensure safe and effective practice within governance frameworks, particularly relating to the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, patient choice and control, and risk management for patients, carers, staff, and the public. On-Call Responsibilities Participate in the Consultant on-call rota, including evenings and weekends, covering out-of-hours responsibilities.



Teaching, Supervision, and Development Support, supervise, and appraise junior medical staff, including core and higher trainees, SAS doctors, and where applicable, Physician Associates. Ensure compliance with Working Time Directive and New Deal arrangements for junior doctors. Contribute to medical education, including participation in the Trusts internal CPD programme, academic lectures, and clinical seminars. Attend and engage in the Trusts academic activities and professional development programmes.



Governance, Planning, and Management Participate in annual job plan reviews to reflect service developments and modernisation. Work closely with clinical and operational managers to support the efficient delivery of high-quality services. Engage in service development and business planning for the Business Unit and broader Mental Health Services. Participate in annual appraisal in accordance with the Trusts revalidation and performance frameworks.



Ensure accurate and timely recording of clinical activity and outcomes with administrative support, including submission to the Information Department. Adhere to the Trusts policies, procedures, and financial instructions, and support the Mental Health Services senior management team in planning and service delivery. Additional Responsibilities Subject to availability of appropriate resources, there is scope for the post holder to develop a specialist clinical interest aligned with service priorities. Flexibility is expected to support evolving service needs and strategic developments across the Trust.