The closing date is 6th Sep 2026
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Anticipated Interview date(s) either 29th September or the 20th October 2026 - TBC
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Job summary
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to recruit a passionate, dedicated Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist to join our 'CQC - OUTSTANDING' service.
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside experienced medical and clinical colleagues across Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the eastern area of the county
The postholder will provide clinical leadership and contribute to the delivery of high-quality mental health care across a number of service locations.
This is a substantive, full-time position comprising of 10 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week
The role offers a high degree of flexibility and can be tailored to the successful applicant's interests, experience, and career aspirations. In addition to clinical responsibilities, there are opportunities to become involved in Mentoring and coaching, Medical education and training, Service development and quality improvement initiatives, Leadership and professional development activities
These additional responsibilities can be discussed during the recruitment process and incorporated into the individual's job plan.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to supporting the professional development and wellbeing of its senior medical workforce, offering a collaborative environment in which consultants can thrive and develop their careers.
If you would like to discuss this position, please contact: [email protected]
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
The post holder will provide clinical leadership and contribute to the development of Somerset's community-based Specialist (Tier 3) CAMHS service.
Based at Foundation House, Taunton, the postholder will primarily support children and young people from Bridgwater and the western area of Somerset. The successful applicant will work closely with a 0.9 WTE Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and a 0.6 WTE Specialty Doctor, with support from an ST4 CAMHS trainee when allocated.
The Consultant will be part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team comprising psychologists, nurses, social workers, family therapists, art psychotherapists, CBT therapists, mental health practitioners, and support workers, supported by dedicated operational, administrative, and secretarial staff.
The role includes providing psychiatric assessment and treatment for children and young people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, as well as contributing to consultant cross-cover arrangements across Somerset CAMHS services. This includes providing cover for annual and study leave and participating in S12 and Approved Clinician cross-cover arrangements.
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About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
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Job description
Please refer to the job description for full details on the position and person specifications required to undertake ths tole
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Person specification
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Qualifications
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Essential
MBBS, MBChB or equivalent
Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
Section 12 MHA approval or will be applying for this
AC approval or will applying for this
Success in Intercollegiate Specialty Examination or equivalent
Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT in child and adolescent psychiatry (Minimum 6 years training in psychiatry post residency/ foundation years)
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Desirable
Included on the GMC Specialist Register for CAMHS; or within 6 months at time of application
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Experience
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Essential
Ability to offer expert clinical opinion on a range of problems in child and adolescent psychiatry
Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinical care of patients
Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with young people, carers and allied professionals remaining sensitive and empathetic
Listens to others' views respecting and valuing individual patient needs.
Professional and patient focused approach with inspirational skills, acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members.
Sufficient leadership, organisational, professional and personal skills to undertake effectively the role of consultant or Associate Specialist in a health community.
Excellent oral & written communication skills - including active listening skills, competency
Publications in peer-reviewed journals problems
Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems
in English to a level that enables the role to be undertaken effectively and to assure the delivery of safe care to patients, the ability to understand and summarise a discussion, ask appropriate questions, provide constructive challenge and give effective feedback
Experience in Safeguarding Children and working in partnership with children's social care and education
Experience of audit management and clinical governance such as learning from serious incident investigation reviews
Ability and willingness to work within the Trust and NHS
Motivating, influencing and negotiating skills
Enthusiastic, motivated, conscientious and ability to meet deadlines
Enquiring, critical approach to work and objective evaluation skills
Experience of teaching basic clinical skills to undergraduates
Ability to teach every day clinical skills to medical students, junior doctors and MDT
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Additional Criteria
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Desirable
Publications in peer-reviewed journals problems
Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems
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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.
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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.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
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UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
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For help with your application, contact:
Dr Arjuna Pattapola
[email protected]
07825431607
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Pay scheme
Hospital Medical and Dental
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Band
Consultant
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Salary
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£113565.00 to £150569.00 Yearly
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Contract
Permanent
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Working pattern
Full-Time
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Reference number
184-OL-MED-FAM-5632
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Job locations
Foundation House
Wellsprings Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 7PQ
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