Job Overview
We are recruiting five Mental Health Liaison Nurses to join the Crisis Assessment Unit (CAU) at St Thomas’ Hospital. This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast‑paced environment, develop liaison psychiatry skills, and support complex mental‑health presentations within the Emergency Department.
Main Responsibilities
* Deliver specialist biopsychosocial assessments for adults in crisis, developing robust, person‑centred formulations and evidence‑based risk management and care plans.
* Lead and coordinate the clinical activity within CAU, acting as nurse in charge on shift and ensuring the safe day‑to‑day operation of the unit.
* Support efficient patient movement through the emergency pathway, working closely with acute hospital colleagues to prevent delays and avoid unnecessary admissions.
* Work collaboratively with ED teams, medical wards, partner agencies and community services to develop holistic plans of care alongside patients, families and carers.
* Advocate for mental health within the acute hospital, providing clinical advice, education and support to colleagues caring for patients with complex needs.
* Coordinate patient flow through the mental‑health pathway and act as nurse in charge, ensuring the safe running of the unit and maintaining high clinical standards.
Working for our Organisation
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package, flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career development.
* Generous pay, pensions and leave – a comprehensive pay, pensions and leave package which depends on the role and length of service.
* Work life balance – flexible working and support for part‑time working and job sharing.
* Career development – opportunities to progress your career through coaching, positive people management, collective leadership and other talent programmes.
* Car lease – competitive deals to lease cars.
* Accommodation – key‑worker housing available on selected sites.
* NHS discounts – up to 10% off from a variety of retail brands.
* Counselling services
* Long service awards
* Cycle to work scheme
* Season ticket loan
* Staff restaurants
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
* Registered Mental Health Nurse and/or Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse
* Practice assessor and/or leadership qualifications
* Master’s Degree or Post‑Graduate study in a relevant field
Knowledge and Experience
* Experience of research‑based/reflective practice and supervision
* Significant relevant clinical experience
* Experience as a preceptor / practice assessor
* Knowledge of relevant professional and clinical legislation
* Experience delivering biopsychosocial assessments and risk management plans
* Experience taking responsibility for a ward / clinical unit
* Experience managing a community caseload
* Experience engaging in quality improvement
* Experience in crisis intervention
Skills
* Able to provide responsive, high‑quality care without close supervision
* Resilient and able to cope with difficult interpersonal situations
* Self‑aware, self‑confident and intrinsically motivated
* Advocates for all individuals and promotes equality and diversity
* Builds effective working relationships with colleagues
* Problem‑solving skills – identifies problems and takes appropriate action
* Skilled in supervising others and providing constructive feedback
The Trust is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer, welcome applicants from all sections of the community and provide reasonable adjustments where needed. We treat people fairly with compassion, respect and dignity within all our services and staff.
#J-18808-Ljbffr