Join to apply for the Psychiatric Liaison Team Leader role at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Job Overview
An exciting Band 7 opportunity has arisen for suitably qualified liaison practitioners to apply for a Band 7 team leader role for the Psychiatric Liaison Team at Northwick Park Hospital, commencing as soon as possible. The role is open to registered mental health nurses, social workers or occupational therapists. Successful applicants will be expected to work either on rotating shift patterns (day and nights) or 9‑5 shifts to provide 24/7 leadership in the liaison team.
Main Responsibilities
* Manage day‑to‑day leadership, coordination, management and clinical support of the Psychiatric Liaison Team.
* Provide visible, accessible and authoritative presence for staff, service users and carers.
* Work closely with the Team Manager, Consultant Psychiatrists and other senior members to develop the service.
* Dealing with delegated managerial responsibilities and deputing for the Team Manager as needed.
* Enable evidence‑based assessment and treatment incorporating cultural preferences, health beliefs, behaviours and traditional practices while respecting diversity.
* Deliver specialist mental health education to Acute Trust staff and improve service user experience.
* Maintain links with the Psychological Medicine Service Line, other CNWL Service Lines and Acute Trusts.
* Provide leadership in developing and managing the Mental Health Assessment Lounge and improving patient experience.
* Manage day‑to‑day running of the MHEC on assigned shifts, including medication, complex case review and liaising with external services.
* Ensure clinical practice is based on guidelines and best evidence, monitor standards and meet clinical outcomes.
* Maintain coherent clinical governance structures and support the Team Manager in identifying innovative approaches to mental health breaches and delayed discharges.
* Ensure safe, high‑quality care for patients, recognising staff stress and providing appropriate support.
* Advise on legal responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 2003 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
* Promote the recovery model and advocacy for service users.
* Act as safeguarding lead for the team and assist in care for vulnerable adults and children.
* Ensure carer involvement in treatment and management planning.
* Report weekly performance data to the Team Manager.
Benefits
* Flexible working opportunities that promote work/life balance.
* One‑month induction with co‑located team experience.
* Training opportunities across medical teams (e.g., Emergency Department, Perinatal).
* Specialised training in drug and alcohol, older adult assessment, biopsychosocial assessment and handover structures.
* Shadowing opportunities with neighbouring services (HTT, First Response, etc.).
* Mentoring and coaching from team leaders.
* Liaison summer school (5 days).
* Clear career development objectives and pathways.
* Excellent staff benefits including childcare vouchers, health and wellbeing services, season ticket loans, cycle‑to‑work scheme.
Person Specification
Experience (Essential)
* Experience undertaking a mental health team management role.
* Leadership or management within a multidisciplinary team.
* Staff management including recruitment, line management, supervision and work planning.
* Previous Liaison Psychiatry experience.
* Budget management experience.
* Practice development in mental health nursing.
* Working across team boundaries.
Education & Qualifications (Essential)
* Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN), social worker or occupational therapist with current registration.
* Registered to degree level or above.
* Certificate or diploma in Management Studies or equivalent evidence of experience.
* Evidence of active interest in further professional development.
Education & Qualifications (Desirable)
* Courses relevant to liaison psychiatry.
* Qualified RGN.
* Master's level education in Health or Management.
* Qualifications in counselling, CBT, psychosocial interventions or brief solution‑focused therapy.
* Post‑registration experience relevant to the role.
* Audit and research experience.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities (Essential)
* Excellent knowledge of Liaison Psychiatry and Adult Mental Health Services.
* Specialist knowledge of work procedures and practices.
* Influencing skills within staff groups.
* Excellent communication, verbal, written and presentation skills.
* Proficiency with patient information systems (System 1, Cerner, etc.) and standard office software.
* Ability to handle confidential information securely.
* Knowledge of national and local mental health developments.
* Independent, autonomous working ability.
* Policy review, development and implementation at Trust and local level.
* Supervision, coaching and mentoring experience.
* Budget management and strategy skills.
* Audit and research project experience.
Attitudes & Personal Characteristics (Essential)
* Role model loyalty, honesty, integrity, professionalism and accountability.
* Empathy, sensitivity and flexibility across boundaries.
* Strong collaborative culture building with senior peers.
* Commitment to Equal Opportunity Policy.
* Adaptability, prioritisation, deadline‑orientation and focus in dynamic environments.
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