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Job Summary
Up to 37.5 hours per week. We are looking for suitably qualified practitioners with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure. Experience of working with adults of working age and older people is desirable but not essential. Liaison Psychiatry in Derriford provides a 24hr, 7 days a week provision and successful applicants will be expected to work various shift patterns on a rotational basis.
Main duties of the job
The specialist function of the team is to provide bio‑psychosocial assessments for individuals aged 18 years and above within the Derriford Hospital footprint, either attending via the Emergency Department or being an in‑patient within the hospital. Patients seen may present with mental health difficulties such as psychiatric crisis or an organic presentation such as a dementia/delirium. Following assessment, patients may be signposted to services in their local area (be that Plymouth, Cornwall, Devon or further afield). The team works with hospital staff to develop plans of care for those who may be staying in hospital for a little longer.
Its a challenging and rewarding service to work in, and we need the best quality of candidates to help us grow our service further.
We welcome applications from Registered Nurses (RMN and RGN), Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Social Workers who have relevant experience (NMC/HCPC registrations required). Please demonstrate in your application how you meet the essential criteria in order to be considered.
This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.
Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline.
All staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
About Us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award‑winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.
We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.
We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications such as the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.
Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro‑diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Details
* Date posted: 28 October 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: Band 6
* Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year pa, pro‑rata
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Job share, Flexible working
* Reference number: B9832‑2025‑NM‑10001
* Job locations:
200 Mount Gould Road, Mount Gould, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 7PY
Psychiatric Liaison, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8DH
Job Responsibilities
Based within Derriford Hospital the Liaison Psychiatry service provides a mental health service to all wards and departments within the hospital where a person who has mental health need is receiving care.
As a member of the Liaison Psychiatry Team you will be expected to assess patients who are referred from the Emergency Department and ward areas within the acute general hospital.
The specialist function of the team is to provide bio‑psychosocial assessments for individuals aged 18 yrs and above within the Derriford Hospital footprint, either attending via the Emergency Department or as an in‑patient. Patients seen may present with mental health difficulties (e.g. psychiatric crisis) or an organic presentation such as dementia/delirium.
* Make clear clinical decisions based on the analysis of often complex presenting problems; may include being the decision maker for patient discharge.
* Demonstrate high level of communication skills in verbal, electronic and written formats.
* Work autonomously as a lone worker; some autonomous working is expected.
* Participate in 24/7 shift patterns covering weekdays, weekends and bank holidays.
* Screen all referrals, undertake holistic bio‑psychosocial assessments, and incorporate risk assessment according to policy.
* Advise ward nursing, medical and other professional staff on patient management and contribute to care planning.
* Evaluate effectiveness of care interventions and adjust care plans where necessary.
* Deliver consultation‑liaison service, giving specialist advice on care and treatment issues.
* Refer and signpost people to appropriate mental health services within or outside the area.
* Work collaboratively with social care, discharge planning, onward care and community mental health teams to devise discharge plans.
* Provide evidence‑based care reflecting current best practice.
* Adhere to NMC Code of Professional Practice or HCPC relevant codes of practice.
* Maintain awareness of legal issues such as the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding.
* Raise awareness of mental health needs of older adults and the general population in the acute hospital setting.
* Support and advise carers and families whenever possible.
* Comply with local and national policies regarding confidentiality and information sharing.
Person Specification
Experience – Essential
* Relevant and recent experience as a Band 5 Nurse or AHP equivalent, either working with older adults or within dementia/complex care environments or with functional mental health issues.
* Ability to demonstrate transferable skills.
* Experience of working with older adults with depression or dementia, or adults with functional mental health problems.
* Willingness to develop skills in both functional mental health problems and older peoples/complex care mental health needs.
Experience – Desirable
* Previous experience in a community mental health setting.
* Evidence of contributing to service development.
* Experience of change in health care.
Disposition – Essential
* Autonomous practitioner capable of working unsupervised.
* Facilitative and influencing skills.
* Flexible and adaptable.
* Tact, diplomacy and self‑confident.
* Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise workload to meet clinical demand.
Qualifications – Essential
* Registered Mental Health Nurse/Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional such as Physiotherapist, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist (on relevant register e.g. NMC or HCPC).
* Mentorship qualification or equivalent experience.
Qualifications – Desirable
* Post‑qualification experience/training in mental health and related issues.
* Leadership qualifications.
* Teaching qualification.
* Non‑medical prescribing.
Knowledge & Skills – Essential
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of current practice with emphasis on Liaison Psychiatry.
* Evidence of post‑registration development.
* Understanding of how physical health can affect mental state.
* Specialist knowledge of mental disorders and impact on physical health.
* Understanding of national guidelines and initiatives related to mental health services in an acute general hospital.
* Understanding of community services and their role in mental health care.
* General understanding of Continuing Healthcare and its assessment process.
* Sound working knowledge of Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
* Protection of Vulnerable Adults policies and procedures.
* Time management and ability to handle environmental stress.
* Ability to work effectively in a changing team and maintain high concentration levels.
* Strong communication skills and ability to handle high emotional stress.
* Motivation to develop new ideas and improve patient care.
* IT skills.
Knowledge & Skills – Desirable
* Cognitive Behaviour Therapy skills.
* Problem solving skills.
* Solution‑focused therapy skills.
* Physical healthcare skills.
* Motivational interviewing skills.
* DBT skills.
* Cognitive assessment skills.
* Experience of working in both acute mental health and complex care/dementia care.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required 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.
Employer details
Employer name: Livewell Southwest
Address: 200 Mount Gould Road, Mount Gould, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 7PY
Website: https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/
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