Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

An excellent opportunity is available for an experienced Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist to join the Psychological and Mental Health Services team at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust.

The successful candidate will work within the Mildred Creak Unit (MCU), a specialist inpatient service for children aged 7–14 years with complex mental health needs. The consultant will provide clinical leadership and oversee treatment planning for young patients presenting with severe psychological and psychiatric conditions.

This role offers the chance to work in one of the world’s leading paediatric hospitals, collaborating with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team while contributing to specialist mental health care for children.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Provide overall clinical oversight for the Mildred Creak Unit, supporting up to 10 patients (8 inpatient beds and 2 day-patient placements).
• Lead the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for children with complex psychiatric conditions.
• Chair weekly ward rounds and coordinate multidisciplinary case reviews and care planning meetings.

Patient Care and Treatment

Deliver specialist care for children presenting with complex conditions including:

• Eating disorders
• Functional or psychosomatic disorders
• Mood and anxiety disorders
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Early-onset psychosis

Monitor treatment progress and adapt clinical strategies based on patient response and clinical evidence.

Referral and Service Management

• Manage referrals to the Mildred Creak Unit and review new cases regularly.
• Participate in weekly national referral discussions with NHS England.
• Chair regular internal referral meetings and support service coordination.

Training and Supervision

• Provide supervision and guidance for Core Trainee and Higher Trainee doctors.
• Support the professional development of multidisciplinary staff.
• Participate in teaching and knowledge-sharing activities within the hospital.

Working Environment

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is internationally recognised for excellence in paediatric care, research, and innovation.

The organisation actively promotes diversity and inclusion and welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds. Staff are encouraged to engage with employee networks that support equality and professional development across the workforce.

These networks include groups focused on cultural heritage, disability inclusion, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ support.

Person Specification

Professional Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Specialist registration with the General Medical Council with a valid licence to practise.
• Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) or equivalent.
• Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT/CCST) in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or eligibility within six months of interview.
• Section 12 approval under mental health legislation.

Desirable qualifications

• Higher academic qualification such as MD or PhD.
• Teaching or leadership training.

Experience and Knowledge

Essential experience includes:

• Specialist expertise in the assessment and management of autism and related psychiatric conditions.
• Experience delivering education to trainees and multidisciplinary teams.
• Participation in clinical audits and quality improvement programmes.
• Understanding of clinical governance and patient safety practices.

Desirable experience:

• Published research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Involvement in clinical trials or research studies.
• Experience in leadership roles or service development.

Skills and Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills for clinical, academic, and leadership settings.
• Ability to prioritise workload in a complex multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent presentation and teaching abilities.
• Evidence-based clinical decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining high standards of care.

UK Regulatory and Employment Guidance

International and domestic applicants may find the following official government resources useful:

• Skilled Worker Visa (for international doctors)
• Information about UK work visa eligibility is available through
  UK Visas and Immigration

Medical Registration Requirements

• Doctors practising in the UK must hold registration with
  General Medical Council

DBS Background Checks

Healthcare roles involving children require background checks through
Disclosure and Barring Service

• Employment Rights and Working Conditions
• Guidance for employees working in the UK is available
• Overseas Criminal Record Certificates
• International applicants may need to provide overseas criminal record checks

Additional Notes

• Applications requiring UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcomed and considered alongside other candidates.
• Candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet the required criteria to be shortlisted.
• Early application is recommended as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received.