Job Overview
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (NHFT) is excited to announce a part-time opportunity for an N-Step Consultant position with certificate of sponsorship available for international candidates. This permanent role offers an exceptional chance for qualified psychiatrists to relocate to the United Kingdom and join our dynamic Early Intervention Psychosis (EIP) service.
About Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
NHFT is an integrated primary care and mental health Trust providing comprehensive physical, mental health, and specialty services across hospital settings and community locations. We prioritize person-centered care, delivering services in accessible locations including homes, workplaces, and schools. Our Trust also provides healthcare services to various prisons and detention centers across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
N-STEP Service Overview
N-STEP is a countywide service operating with both north and south teams that function as a unified service delivering NICE-concordant care according to national EIP standards. Our service continues to develop and expand following a successful recent EIP funding bid. We accept all referrals for individuals aged 14-65 experiencing first episode psychosis or suspected psychosis, with careful consideration given to individual needs and risk assessments.
Position Details
Job Title: N-Step Consultant
Employer: Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Location: Campbell House, Northampton NN1 3EB
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Schedule: Part-time, Permanent
Reference Number: 270-MED441-C
Application Deadline: 05 October 2025
Certificate of Sponsorship
We welcome applications from international job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. All applications will be considered equally alongside domestic candidates. This position qualifies for certificate of sponsorship, making it an ideal opportunity for qualified psychiatrists seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
As an N-Step Consultant, you will be responsible for providing Consultant input to the Early Intervention Team (N-STEP team South). Your duties will include joint urgent, routine, and complex case assessment and management, including new referral assessments of service users within the south N-STEP service. You will work collaboratively within an enthusiastic and experienced Multidisciplinary team.
Key Clinical Responsibilities
You will play a crucial role with patients on Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) and serve as the first point of contact for potential Mental Health Act assessments for the team. The post holder will attend tribunal meetings for patients on CTOs. Historically, the service has maintained an average of 4-6 CTOs across the service in recent years, representing approximately 2-4% of the overall EIP caseload.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Essential Medical Qualifications:
– MRCPsych or equivalent qualification
– Full GMC Registration
– On Specialist Register/CCT in General Adult Psychiatry
– Approval under Section 12 of the Mental Health Act and ability to act as Responsible Clinician
Experience Requirements
Minimum of six years postgraduate experience, including three years as SpR in an approved training post or equivalent. Part of this period may be in a post of equivalent responsibility and training. Candidates must be in good standing with the GMC with respect to warnings and conditions on practice.
Desirable Qualifications
Additional postgraduate qualifications or experience in Early Intervention Psychosis (EIP) are highly desirable. Publication of original research or service evaluation/audit projects and management training would also strengthen your application.
Skills and Abilities Required
We seek candidates with excellent written and verbal communication skills, evidenced ability to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and staff at all levels. The ideal candidate will demonstrate ability to present complex information to various audiences including courts and tribunals, and possess strong motivational and developmental skills for junior medical staff and other MDT members.
Behaviors and Values
Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to shared leadership and collaborative working to deliver service improvements. The ability to work independently as well as part of a Multidisciplinary Team is essential, along with the capability to form strong working relationships with peer groups. We value willingness to undertake training and Continuing Professional Development in areas appropriate to this post.
Working Environment
You must be able to work effectively under pressure and demonstrate willingness to participate in in-house training programs. Flexibility in adapting to fluid clinical environments and balancing individual requirements against those of the Directorate and Trust as a whole are essential qualities we seek.
Understanding of Healthcare Framework
The ideal candidate will possess an understanding of the political and financial framework within which our services operate, enabling effective navigation of the UK healthcare system and contributing to service development and improvement initiatives.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for any previous criminal convictions. International applicants should note that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country where they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
UK Registration Requirements
All applicants must have current UK professional registration. International candidates should review the NHS Careers website for comprehensive information about working in the UK healthcare system as an overseas health professional.
Employer Accreditation and Benefits
NHFT holds numerous accreditations including Age Positive, Apprenticeships, CQC outstanding rating, Disability Confident Employer, IIP Bronze/Silver/Gold/Standard, IWL Practice Plus, Living Wage Employer, MINDFUL employer, Positive about disability, Smoke free, and Stonewall diversity champion.
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact:
Clinical Director: Das Purkayastha Debasish
Email: [email protected]
Application Process
All applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website. Please ensure you include all relevant qualifications, experience, and supporting documentation. The job description is subject to Royal College of Psychiatry approval.
Why Choose Northamptonshire?
Northamptonshire offers an excellent quality of life with affordable housing, excellent transport links to London and other major cities, outstanding schools, and beautiful countryside. The area provides a perfect balance between urban convenience and rural tranquility, making it an ideal location for international professionals and their families.
Professional Development Opportunities
NHFT promotes a culture of continuous learning and development, focusing on improving patient care and staff safety. We support opportunity, innovation, development, and growth, enabling our staff to achieve outstanding outcomes in their professional careers.
Relocation Support
While specific relocation packages may be available, we encourage international candidates to discuss their individual circumstances during the application process. Our Trust has extensive experience supporting international medical professionals through their transition to working in the UK healthcare system.
Equal Opportunities Employer
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is committed to equal opportunities and values diversity in our workforce. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.
How to Apply
Visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 270-MED441-C to submit your application. Ensure you complete all required sections and attach supporting documents including your CV, qualifications, and professional registration details.
Important Notes for International Applicants
International candidates should begin the visa application process as early as possible and ensure they meet all UK visa requirements. We recommend consulting the UK Visas and Immigration website for the most current information on skilled worker visa applications and requirements.
