Job summary
We are excited to offer a unique 12-month development opportunity (fixed term contract or secondment) within our Liaison Psychiatry Service for a Band 5 Liaison Psychiatry Practitioner. This role is ideal for a motivated and enthusiastic practitioner who is keen to gain experience in acute mental health assessment within a general hospital setting. The vacancy is with the Hounslow Service, based in West Middlesex University Hospital.
Liaison Psychiatry sits at the interface between physical and mental health, supporting patients who present to the Emergency Department and hospital wards with a wide range of mental health needs. Our team works closely with acute hospital colleagues to provide timely assessments, risk management, and support for patients experiencing psychological distress.
This post offers a structured 12-month development programme, designed to support practitioners in developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to work within Liaison Psychiatry. You will receive regular clinical supervision, supported practice, and competency-based development, allowing you to progressively build your skills in psychosocial assessment, risk formulation, and multidisciplinary working.
Main duties of the job
Undertake biopsychosocial assessments for patients referred to the Liaison Psychiatry Service from the Emergency Department and acute hospital wards, initially under supervision.
? Contribute to risk assessments, risk formulation, and safety planning for patients presenting with a range of mental health difficulties.
? Participate in ward reviews and follow-up assessments as part of the multidisciplinary liaison psychiatry team.
? Gather relevant collateral information from families, carers, community services, and primary care to inform clinical decision-making.
? Contribute to care planning, discharge planning, and referrals to appropriate community mental health and support services.
? Work collaboratively with acute hospital staff and multidisciplinary teams to support the management of patients with mental health needs within the general hospital.
? Participate in clinical supervision, reflective practice, and a structured 12-month competency development programme designed to support progression in liaison psychiatry practice.
? With experience and supervision, support triaging referrals and coordinating clinical work within the team.
About us
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Professional Qualification as RMN/RN (Mental Health)
- Completed preceptorship
Desirable
- Educated to degree or diploma level
- Evidence of recent professional development
- Placement in the crisis pathway (Liaison Psychiatry, Home Treatment team, HBPOS)
Experience
Essential
- Adequate post qualifying experience work with people with mental health difficulties within inpatient or community services
- Working knowledge of Safeguarding procedures
- Working in an MDT setting/ Team work
Desirable
- Experience in psychosocial assessments
- Experience of teaching and training
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Good understanding of mental state examination and biopsychosocial assessment
- Risk assessment/management and crisis intervention skills
- Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to document clearly and accurately
- Ability to use de-escalation skills
- Organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.
- Computer literate
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge of relationship between mental health and physical disorders
- The legal frame works using the MCA
Personal Quality
Essential
- Demonstrates compassion, empathy, and respect when working with patients, families, and carers
- Willingness to learn, reflect, and develop clinical skills through supervision and feedback
- Demonstrates professional curiosity and sound judgement, recognising when to seek advice or escalate concerns
- Ability to work in a high pressure environment
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Commitment to equal opportunities
- Ability to accept constructive criticism and awareness of own limitations
- Ability to develop based on reflection
Desirable
- Commitment to continuous professional development
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Professional Qualification as RMN/RN (Mental Health)
- Completed preceptorship
Desirable
- Educated to degree or diploma level
- Evidence of recent professional development
- Placement in the crisis pathway (Liaison Psychiatry, Home Treatment team, HBPOS)
Experience
Essential
- Adequate post qualifying experience work with people with mental health difficulties within inpatient or community services
- Working knowledge of Safeguarding procedures
- Working in an MDT setting/ Team work
Desirable
- Experience in psychosocial assessments
- Experience of teaching and training
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Good understanding of mental state examination and biopsychosocial assessment
- Risk assessment/management and crisis intervention skills
- Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to document clearly and accurately
- Ability to use de-escalation skills
- Organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.
- Computer literate
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge of relationship between mental health and physical disorders
- The legal frame works using the MCA
Personal Quality
Essential
- Demonstrates compassion, empathy, and respect when working with patients, families, and carers
- Willingness to learn, reflect, and develop clinical skills through supervision and feedback
- Demonstrates professional curiosity and sound judgement, recognising when to seek advice or escalate concerns
- Ability to work in a high pressure environment
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Commitment to equal opportunities
- Ability to accept constructive criticism and awareness of own limitations
- Ability to develop based on reflection
Desirable
- Commitment to continuous professional development
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
