Consultant Psychiatrist – Adult Community Service(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The Opportunity

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist in Adult Community Mental Health to join the Bridgwater Community Mental Health Service, based centrally at Glanville House. This role has arisen following service expansion and the relocation of a previous post-holder, offering an excellent opportunity to contribute to the continued development of community psychiatry in the area.

This is a substantive, full-time post, though applications from candidates seeking less than full-time working will be welcomed and considered. Some remote working can also be accommodated by agreement.

Your Role and Clinical Focus

You will provide senior psychiatric leadership to community mental health teams serving three GP practices across the Bridgwater and Burnham area. All patients will be managed within the Bridgwater Adult Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

This is a community-based post, with no routine inpatient responsibility. Inpatient care for the locality is provided by dedicated inpatient consultants based at Rydon Ward 2, Taunton, with PICU services delivered at Holford Ward. Close collaboration with inpatient colleagues will ensure safe admission pathways and effective discharge planning, in line with national NHS mental health standards

Key Responsibilities

As a Consultant Psychiatrist, you will:

• Deliver expert assessment, diagnosis, and treatment through outpatient clinics and domiciliary visits
• Act as Responsible Clinician for patients on Community Treatment Orders and, where agreed, for patients on extended Section 17 leave
• Undertake Mental Health Act assessments as a Section 12–approved doctor, including assessments in police custody settings
• Prepare reports and attend Mental Health Act Tribunals as required
• Provide clear clinical leadership and consultation to multidisciplinary teams
• Support collaborative care planning, safeguarding, and risk management
• Contribute to service development aligned with national best practice and quality frameworks
• Participate in audit, appraisal, CPD, and peer supervision activities
• Your work will be undertaken in accordance with statutory duties under the Mental Health Act 1983:

On-Call Commitment

The role includes participation in a 1:10 senior out-of-hours on-call rota, providing Responsible Clinician cover across adult, older adult, CAMHS, rehabilitation, and PICU inpatient services.

• Weekdays: 5pm – 9am
• Weekends: Saturday 9am – Monday 9am

The rota attracts:

• 1.25 PA payment for Section 12 duties
• 3% salary enhancement for RC and senior medical cover
• Additional Section fees for Mental Health Act assessments (excluding current Trust inpatients)
• Flexibility around on-call participation can be discussed at interview.

About Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust delivers integrated mental health, community, and physical healthcare services across the county. We are committed to compassionate, high-quality care and to supporting our medical workforce through flexible working, strong clinical leadership, and meaningful professional development.

Our staff benefit from:

• NHS Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Structured CPD support (up to 30 days study leave every three years)

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers an exceptional quality of life, combining beautiful countryside and coastline with easy access to Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and London. The area is well known for its affordable housing, excellent schools, and strong sense of community—making it an ideal place to build both a career and a home.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• Mental Health Act Approved Clinician / Section 12 approval (or plan to obtain promptly)
• Substantial experience in adult community psychiatry
• Ability to provide expert clinical leadership and complex risk management
• Desirable attributes include MRCPsych, experience supervising junior doctors, and involvement in postgraduate education.

Pre-Employment Checks

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Visa Sponsorship

Applications are welcomed from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship,