Consultant- Psychiatrist- CAMHS Getting Help Service

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist to join Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s innovative CAMHS Getting Advice and Getting Help Service.

This newly created post supports the ongoing development of our service model, aligning more closely with i-THRIVE principles to improve access, patient experience and outcomes for children, young people and families across Berkshire.

The Consultant will provide specialist psychiatric leadership across our county-wide Getting Help Service, working alongside multidisciplinary teams within the CAMHS Common Point of Entry (CPE), Getting Help Teams and Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs). The role includes psychiatric assessment, formulation, treatment planning, consultation and risk management, supporting clinicians working in schools, community settings and primary care.

Working within a collaborative “one team” approach across Berkshire’s six local authority areas, the Consultant will play a key role in delivering evidence-based care in line with NICE guidance, supporting clinical decision-making and ensuring that children and young people receive the most appropriate level of intervention. This includes contributing to reviews of care pathways and supporting transitions between Getting Help, Getting More Help and Risk Support services where required.

Main duties of the job

The post offers excellent opportunities for leadership, service development and partnership working with health, education, social care, voluntary sector organisations, children, young people and families.

The Consultant should be oriented towards a team approach to emotional, behavioural and psychological problems and work closely with colleagues in the CAMHS Getting Help MDT and those in the CAMHS Getting More Help and Risk Support pathways.

Contribution to the assessment of children and young people presenting to the team.

• Treatment of children and young people with mental health disorders, tailored to their individual needs, in a multi-disciplinary setting.
• It is expected that the Consultant’s caseload will vary depending on the complexity of clinical presentations of the young people seen. This will be agreed in regular caseload supervision with the line manager.

Consultation and collaboration with other agencies in the assessment and treatment of complex presentations.

• Meetings and consultations with other members of the team and external agencies as required.
• Planning and co-ordinating mental health services for children, young people and families, where appropriate.
• Preparation of professional assessments and reports on those children or young people known to the post holder.
• Participate in medical audit and evaluation.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.

Desirable

• Qualification or higher degree in medical education, clinical research or management.
• MRCPsych
• Additional clinical qualifications

Eligibility

Essential

• Fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise at the time of appointment.
• Included on the GMC Specialist Register OR within six months.
• Approved clinician status OR able to achieve within 3 months of appointment.
• Approved under S12 OR able to achieve with 3 months of appointment.
• In good standing with GMC with respect to warning and conditions on practice

Transport

Essential

• Holds and will use valid UK driving licence OR provides evidence of proposed alternative.

Clinical Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Excellent knowledge in specialty.
• Excellent clinical skills using bio-psycho-social perspective and wide medical knowledge.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Able to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty.
• Makes decisions based on evidence and experience including the contribution of others.
• Able to meet duties under MHA and MCA.
• Experience in management of children and young people with complex needs spanning multiple agencies, with mental health and learning disability problems alongside behavioural issues.

Desirable

• Wide range of specialist and sub-specialist experience relevant to post within NHS or comparable service.

Academic Skills & Lifelong Learning

Essential

• Able to deliver undergraduate or postgraduate teaching and training
• Ability to work in and lead team.
• Demonstrate commitment to shared leadership & collaborative working to deliver improvement.
• Participated in continuous professional development.
• Participated in research or service evaluation.
• Able to use and appraise clinical evidence.
• Has actively participated in clinical audit and quality improvement programmes.

Desirable

• Able to plan and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and training relevant to this post.
• Reflected on purpose of CPD undertaken
• Experienced in clinical research and / or service evaluation.
• Evidence of achievement in education, research, audit and service improvement: awards, prizes, presentations and publications.
• Has led clinical audits leading to service change or improved outcomes to service users.

Closing Date: 16 August 2026