Clinical Lead Liaison Psychiatry in Exeter

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 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.

Work Pattern: 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

Person Specification (Knowledge):

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Desirable Knowledge and Qualifications:

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

Experience:

• 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.

Desirable Experience:

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

Professional Registration: 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.

EEO Statement: 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.

Application Details:

• 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.