Consultant Psychiatrist, South Somerset CMHT Yeovil(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity is available for a full-time Consultant Psychiatrist to join a well-established community mental health service in South Somerset. You will work alongside two other consultants, covering Yeovil East, Yeovil West, and Chard, supported by an experienced Associate Specialist.

This role is primarily focused on the Yeovil West Community Mental Health Team (CMHT), serving a population of over 45,000 patients across five GP practices. The service operates within a community and inpatient split model, ensuring structured and efficient care delivery.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with participation in a 1:11 on-call rota.

Key Responsibilities

In this leadership role, you will:

• Provide expert psychiatric assessment and management for patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and complex needs
  Review referrals through a single point of access system, contributing to triage and clinical decision-making
  Manage a caseload that includes diagnostic evaluations, ADHD cases with comorbidities, and patients requiring medication monitoring
  Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated and patient-centred care
  Participate in out-of-hours cover, supporting inpatient services across multiple specialties when required
  Contribute to clinical governance, service improvement, and risk management
  Service Structure

The CMHT is part of a broader, highly collaborative mental health system, including:

Assertive Outreach Team (AOT): Supporting individuals with complex needs and engagement challenges
Connect 18 Service: Assisting young people transitioning from child to adult mental health services
Open Mental Health (OMH): A community-based initiative integrating NHS, primary care, and voluntary sector support
STEP (Early Psychosis Service) and Home Treatment Team

You will work closely with professionals across disciplines, including psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers, ensuring coordinated care—especially for high-risk or complex cases.

Working Environment

The post is based at Magnolia House, Summerlands Hospital, Yeovil. While there are no direct inpatient duties, on-call responsibilities include oversight of inpatient wards when required.

The service benefits from:

• Structured systems for managing caseloads and reducing DNAs
  Dedicated clinics for physical health monitoring, including clozapine and depot services
  Access to a wide range of psychological therapies such as CBT, EMDR, and DBT

About the Organisation

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a supportive and progressive working environment. Staff benefit from:

• Flexible working arrangements
  NHS pension scheme
  Generous annual leave
  Career development opportunities
  Access to the Blue Light Card for lifestyle discounts

Somerset offers an excellent quality of life, combining rural charm with proximity to cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter.

Person Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• MBBS or equivalent medical degree
  Full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC)
  MRCPsych qualification
  Specialist Register entry (or within 6 months of CCT/CESR)
  Section 12 approval and Approved Clinician status

Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ higher specialist training (ST4–ST6 or equivalent)
  Experience in adult community psychiatry
  Competence in managing ADHD and complex mental health conditions
  Previous consultant-level experience is desirable

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to work independently and lead clinical teams
  Strong analytical and decision-making skills
  Commitment to service development and quality improvement
  Understanding of NHS structures and clinical governance

Compliance and Eligibility

Applicants must meet UK regulatory and legal requirements. Key guidance includes:

• GMC Registration & Licensing
  Mental Health Act (Section 12 & Approved Clinician guidance)
  Skilled Worker Visa (UKVI)
  Criminal Record Checks for Overseas Applicants
  Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Additional Information

• This role includes participation in a 1:11 on-call rota
  Opportunities to join senior out-of-hours rotas are available
  Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is supported for eligible candidates
  Relocation support may be offered in line with Trust policies