Physician Associate (or Physician Assistant) (PA): Sponsorship Available

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Physician Assistant to join our busy forensic inpatient unit, the Hellingly Centre, supporting the delivery of high-quality, recovery-focused care for people with complex mental and physical health needs within a secure setting. Working as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to patient assessment, physical health monitoring, team development and care planning, while building strong therapeutic relationships with service users. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is organised, compassionate and confident working in a dynamic clinical environment, with a strong commitment to collaborative practice, team training, risk awareness and improving physical health outcomes for patients. In return, we offer a supportive team, regular supervision, opportunities for learning and development, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution within a specialist forensic mental health service.

Main duties of the job

The PA will support the effective functioning of the multidisciplinary team and wider service developments through developing knowledge of assessing and managing mental disorders, undertaking quality improvement (QI) work such as clinical audit, gaining knowledge about psychotropic medication and taking a lead role in the physical health of service users.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Undergraduate degree in a life science and/or a significant background in healthcare.
• PG Dip in Physician Associate Studies from a recognised UK training programme and evidence of successful completion of the UK National PA exam (or equivalent) or an MSc Degree (or equivalent) in Physician Associate Studies, Physician Associate Studies or Medical Sciences
• Registration with the General Medical Council
• Pass in Physician Associate Registration Assessment
• Evidence of ongoing CPD

Desirable

• Membership of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians.

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within a mental health environment
• Able to work with the clinical team to manage a caseload of service users with complex mental health needs
• Comprehensive knowledge of interventions specific to service area
• Knowledge of national and local guidance for the role of a Physician Associate
• Awareness of Trust policies and service specification

Skills

Essential

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills with staff, service users, families, carers and professionals
• Able to establish links with other services and professionals
• Able to effectively manage risk
• To be able to provide highly specialised advice concerning the care or treatment of service users
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Closing Date: 26 August 2026