Clinical Specialist

Job overview

MHCAS is dynamic integrated assessment and liaison service providing mental health assessments in the three Emergency Departments (ED's) in the South of the NLFT- Royal Free, Whittington and University College London Hospitals and the central MHCAS hub.

The MHCAS hub accepts referrals via self-presentation, the London Ambulance Service, the Police, and transfers from Emergency Departments for further assessment and referrals from Crisis and Community Teams. The service has an ethos of improving both patient experience and outcomes, the service was recognised and received the award for Excellence in Mental Health at the UK NHS Parliamentary awards in 2022.

The role will be primarily based in MHCAS with occasional rotation to the Three southern E.Ds.'  Applicants applying for this role will have most of their shifts at the MHCAS Hub.

MHCAS is situated on the Highgate West Campus, you are on site with the inpatient wards, place of safety, Crisis Team and a stone's throw away from The Wittington. This is an exciting buzzing site and offers opportunities of cross working with other teams.

Working at the MHCAS hub will expose you to liaison psychiatrist with a twist.  As well as assessing and making decisions about patient care, you will also be providing direct 1:1 care for patients and work collaboratively with a dynamic MDT.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Specialist Role

We are looking for skilled and dynamic Clinical Specialists with a passion for delivering outstanding patient care, and a commitment to least restrictive practice and acting in the patient’s best interest. You will be required to complete trauma informed psychosocial assessments and develop safe and effective collaborative plans with service users. The service acknowledges that we often see people at their most vulnerable and as such it is essential that we provide, compassionate and trauma informed care.

The service is dynamic and fast paced and the role therefore requires stamina, resilience, and the ability to work in a joined-up way with Trust services as well as with our acute hospital colleagues. As a central London service, you will see the complete spectrum of mental health presentations from people with very diverse backgrounds and as such you will need to be someone mindful of cultural differences.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see job description and person specification. You can also contact the Service Manager- Denisha Palmer 07790959534

What we offer-

• You will have a senior who is available to provide clinical support and discuss complex cases to support alternatives to admission and effective community options.

• You will be supported through bespoke in-house training; the aim of the service is to become a leader in training and research. We also have online monthly teaching sessions on specialist topics delivered by Liaison Consultants and Registrars on a range of topics.
• Development opportunities for clinicians to apply for non-medical prescribing course and AMHP course.
• Assured Study with City University London MHCAS are part of this research study aiming to improve patients’ experience and reduce repeat attendance for self-harm in the Emergency Department, this has led to bespoke training for Clinical Specialists.
• Regular clinical supervision and reflective practice: Support with complex cases and professional development.
• The role covers a 24/7 service and therefore, weekend and nights working is a requirement of the role. We are an open and supportive team that adapts well to change and responds to changing staff needs.