Job Overview
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to join our dedicated team at Forest House Adolescent Unit. This is an exceptional opportunity for international medical professionals seeking relocation to the United Kingdom with certificate of sponsorship support. We welcome applications from qualified psychiatrists worldwide who are passionate about adolescent mental health care and ready to contribute to our specialist inpatient services.
About Forest House Adolescent Unit
Forest House is a state-of-the-art specialist psychiatric inpatient unit providing comprehensive care to children and young people aged 13 to 18 years. Recently refurbished and extended to 16 beds, our facility includes acute admissions capabilities and serves as the primary inpatient adolescent unit for the East of England NHS region. The unit admits patients through a carefully planned assessment process involving family consultation and close liaison with local CAMHS Tier 3 teams.
Specialist Eating Disorder Service
Our unit features dedicated provision for eating disorder admissions under the supervision of our specialized Eating Disorder Service team. This comprehensive approach ensures we can address the full spectrum of adolescent mental health needs within a supportive, therapeutic environment designed specifically for young people.
Multi-Disciplinary Team Environment
You will be joining a dynamic multi-disciplinary team including Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Mental Health Nurses, Child Psychotherapists, Systemic Therapists, and Social Workers. Our collaborative approach ensures holistic care for all patients, with referrals processed through our Single Point of Access (SPA) system from various sources including General Practitioners, Social Workers, Health Visitors, and Consultant Paediatricians.
Service Statistics and Scope
Our CAMHS teams currently receive approximately 250 referrals per month across Hertfordshire, operating on an outpatient model while maintaining strong connections with our inpatient services. This volume ensures diverse clinical experience and the opportunity to work with a wide range of mental health presentations.
Clinical Leadership Structure
CAMHS operates as part of the Specialist Services Strategic Business Unit within HPFT, managed by Clinical Director Dr. Shaheen Shora and supported by Senior Service Line Leader Gill Bienveniste, Professional Leads, and CAMHS Community Managers. This structured leadership ensures clear direction and professional support for all clinical staff.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work alongside one substantive consultant and a comprehensive medical team comprising Specialty Doctors, GP trainees, Psychiatry Specialty and Core Trainees. You will complement and support the Senior Leadership Team composed of fellow consultants, Therapy Lead, Modern Matron, Team Leaders, Consultant Social Worker, and Home Treatment Team Lead to achieve the highest standards of care delivery.
Clinical Governance and Management
You will participate in operational management and clinical governance, ensuring compliance with Trust policies and procedures. Responsibilities include managing, appraising, and providing professional supervision to junior medical staff in accordance with Trust personnel policies, which may include assessing competencies under the Modernising Medical Careers framework.
Administrative and Record-Keeping Duties
The role requires undertaking administrative duties associated with patient care and accurately recording clinical activity for prompt submission to the Information Department. You will also participate in service and business planning activities for both the locality and the broader mental health service.
Professional Development Requirements
You will maintain professional registration with the General Medical Council and Mental Health Act Section 12(2) approval while abiding by professional codes of conduct. Participation in annual appraisal processes and the Trust’s academic program including lectures and seminars as part of the internal CPD programme is essential.
Job Plan Review and Service Development
The position involves annual job plan reviews with clinical management to ensure the role evolves with service configuration changes associated with modernization. You will work collaboratively with local managers and professional colleagues to ensure efficient service running and contribute to the medical management structure.
Essential Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must possess MB BS or equivalent medical qualification and be fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise at the time of appointment. Higher qualification in psychiatry such as MRCPsych or equivalent qualification approved by the Royal College of Psychiatrists is required, along with CCT in Psychiatry or inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register in psychiatry, or being within six months of achieving CCT/CESR at interview time.
Clinical Skills and Experience Requirements
The ideal candidate will have experience with the full range of clinical responsibilities expected of a consultant in child and adolescent services, including close collaborative working with social care and other agencies. Experience working with service users who have complex needs within child and adolescent services is essential, along with excellent clinical skills using bio-psycho-social perspective and wide medical knowledge.
Communication and Team Working Skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills are required, along with the ability to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty. The role demands making decisions based on evidence and experience including the contribution of others, with willingness and ability to work collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
Academic Skills and Lifelong Learning
Candidates must demonstrate ability to deliver undergraduate or postgraduate teaching and training, participation in continuous professional development, research or service evaluation activities. Experience in clinical audit and ability to use and appraise clinical evidence are essential requirements.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Preferred candidates may possess qualifications or higher degrees in medical education, clinical research or management, relevant higher degrees (MD, PhD, MSc), or additional clinical qualifications. Wide range of specialist and sub-specialist experience relevant to the post within NHS or comparable service is desirable.
Relocation and Visa Sponsorship
We welcome applications from international candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship. The Trust will consider sponsorship applications alongside all other applications, providing certificate of sponsorship for successful international candidates. Applicants should visit the UK Visas and Immigration website for further information on sponsorship requirements.
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirements
This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for previous criminal convictions. International applicants must present criminal record certificates from countries resided in for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
Trust Overview and Service Area
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust covers a mix of rural and urban areas including St Albans, Watford, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, and smaller towns across Hertfordshire. The Trust collaborates closely with Hertfordshire County Council and other NHS organizations to promote mental health in the community.
Clinical Service Divisions
Our clinical services are organized into four divisions: Adult Community Services including local mental health teams, Adult Acute and Urgent Services including rehabilitation and crisis teams, Specialist Services for older people and eating disorders, and Learning Disability and Forensic Services.
Application Process and Deadline
Applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website before the closing date of 05 October 2025. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Rania Moussa, Medical Lead, at [email protected]. Reference number: 367-HPFT-MEDICAL-515-B
Salary and Contract Details
This permanent part-time position offers a competitive salary range of £105,504 to £139,882 per annum pro rata, reflecting the specialist nature of this consultant role within the Hospital Medical and Dental Staff pay scheme.
Equal Opportunities Employer
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Employer, Age Positive organization, and supporter of flexible working arrangements. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.
