Consultant in Community Older Persons Mental Health (OPMH) Psychiatry

Overview

In this role you will provide expert psychiatric care for older adults in the community, linking with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment. You will act as a clinical leader, shaping care pathways and ensuring safe transitions between community and inpatient settings. The post offers a mix of clinical responsibility and opportunities to contribute to service development, teaching and peer supervision. This role supports work–life balance through flexible patterns and a focus on consultant wellbeing within a supportive Trust culture.

Pay / Benefits

• Flexible working options
• NHS pension scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Strong focus on career development
• Blue Light Card discounts
• NHS-specific perks

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose and treat mental health needs of community patients in their area
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, attend meetings, provide case discussions and advice
• Act as Responsible Clinician for CTOs under the Mental Health Act
• Undertake MHA assessments as Section 12 doctor for patients in care (including those detained under S136)
• Provide Mental Capacity Act s49 reports
• Provide clinical leadership to the mental health service locally and across the Trust
• Work with inpatient staff to ensure smooth transitions for admitted and discharged patients
• Develop services in collaboration with management and staff to improve patient care
• Participate in peer supervision and case-based discussion with consultants
• Provide mutual cross-cover for planned leave
• Fulfil duties as per job plan, comply with Trust policies, and work within financial constraints

Key requirements

• Mental Health Act Approved Clinician / Section 12 approval or eligible and willing to apply
• Full GMC registration with licence to practice
• Entry on GMC Specialist Register or eligible within 6 months via CCT or CESR
• Desirable: MRCPsych; training of higher trainees / junior doctors; Masters degrees
• 3 years supervised training in ST4-6 or equivalent, or experience in Older People’s mental health teams (CESR)
• Significant experience in assessment and management of Older People’s community psychiatry
• Understanding of mental health and mental capacity legislation in community care

• leadership
• team collaboration
• clear communication
• Mental Health Act approvals (Section 12)
• MHA assessments
• Mental Capacity Act s49 reporting

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