About this role
Job summary
Are you an Registered Mental Health Nurse, Occupational therapist or Social Worker looking for a rewarding new challenge where no two days are the same? Do you want to develop specialist skills in psychiatric liaison while being supported by an experienced and welcoming team?
We have an exciting opportunity to join our Psychiatric Liaison Team at Yeovil District Hospital. Whether you're looking to build your confidence in acute mental health assessment or take the next step towards a Band 6 role, you'll be supported every step of the way through a structured development programme, dedicated training opportunities and experienced clinical mentorship.
Working at the interface of physical and mental health, you'll play a vital role in supporting adults who present to hospital with a wide range of mental health needs. You'll help ensure patients receive the right assessment, intervention and support at the right time, making a genuine difference during some of the most challenging moments in their lives.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly, supportive multidisciplinary team that is committed to your professional growth and career progression.
Main duties of the job
As a key member of the Psychiatric Liaison Team, you will:
Carry out comprehensive mental health and risk assessments for adults presenting within the acute hospital setting.Support patients experiencing mental health crises, helping to identify the most appropriate care, treatment and support pathways.Work closely with emergency department and ward staff to provide specialist mental health advice and guidance.Contribute to discharge planning, admission avoidance and safe onward care arrangements.Collaborate with a wide range of professionals across health, social care and community services to achieve the best outcomes for patients.Provide compassionate support to patients, families and carers during complex and often challenging situations.Develop your clinical expertise through dedicated learning opportunities, professional supervision and ongoing training.Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, evidence-based practice and high-quality patient care.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
Flexible working options to help you balance work and lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description Job responsibilities
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of integrated physical and mental healthcare. You'll assess and support patients who are receiving treatment within the acute hospital and who may also be experiencing mental health difficulties, emotional distress or psychological crisis.
You'll use your clinical judgement, assessment skills and therapeutic approach to help patients access the most appropriate care while working alongside a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. Your ability to build relationships, communicate effectively and remain calm in complex situations will be essential.
We are passionate about developing our staff and recognise that moving into liaison psychiatry can be a significant career step. If appropriate, you'll be supported through the Trust's preceptorship programme, alongside our dedicated Psychiatric Liaison Team development pathway. This includes protected training days, tailored clinical development and support to build specialist liaison psychiatry skills, helping you progress confidently towards a Band 6 Practitioner role.
You'll work a rotational shift pattern that includes evenings, weekends and occasional cross-site working to meet service needs. In return, you'll gain invaluable experience across a diverse range of mental health presentations, work alongside experienced clinicians and become part of a team that genuinely values kindness, respect, teamwork and professional development.
If you're motivated by making a real difference, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are eager to develop your career in liaison psychiatry, we'd love to hear from you.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Current registration with relevant professional bodyRMN, Social Work or Occupational Therapy Qualification
Desirable
Psychological therapies training
Experience Essential
Significant post registration experience in Community Mental Health services, Home Treatment or Psychiatric Liaison TeamExperience of managing risk of clients in crisis, recognising when to seek additional supervision
Desirable
Experience of working within both older adult and adult acute settings
Additional Criteria Essential
Evidence of a good standard of literacy/English language skillsAbility to travel round Trust area to fulfil the requirements of the roleWorking knowledge of psychosocial interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Yeovil District Hospital
Higher Kingston
Yeovil
Somerset
BA21 4AT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)