Mental Health Liaison Team Manager

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced mental health professional to take on a Clinical Team Leader post within our established multi‑disciplinary Mental Health Liaison Team (MHLT) based at Ipswich Hospital.

The NSFT East Suffolk Mental Health Liaison Service is an age‑inclusive service, responding to referrals for people of all ages within the acute hospital.

This is a key leadership role within a fast‑paced environment, providing oversight of specialist mental health assessment, risk management and short‑term intervention for individuals presenting with a wide range of mental health needs. The service offers a single point of access for referrals from Ipswich Hospital, operating 24/7 and playing a vital role in supporting the acute hospital to deliver timely, person‑centred care.

You will work closely with the existing leadership team to ensure high‑quality service delivery, effective operational management, and strong collaborative relationships with acute hospital colleagues.

Main duties of the job

As Clinical Team Leader, you will:

Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership to the Mental Health Liaison Team, ensuring safe, effective and compassionate care.

Support and guide staff in managing complex mental and physical health presentations within the acute hospital.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues across Ipswich Hospital to ensure a proactive and seamless interface between mental health and physical healthcare.

Lead on reviewing team performance, activity data and KPIs, reporting into the wider care group and contributing to service development.

Oversee and support high‑quality clinical documentation, safeguarding processes, and adherence to Trust policies.

Provide leadership presence across the service, supporting staff with decision‑making, risk management and escalation.

Contribute to multidisciplinary meetings and promote shared clinical decision‑making.

Support timely discharge planning and ensure mental health input into complex cases.

Offer guidance and education to acute hospital colleagues to enhance understanding and management of mental health presentations.

Participate in recruitment, HR processes, supervision, and staff development.

Promote a positive, flexible, “can‑do” culture within the team.

This role requires confidence in managing competing demands, prioritising effectively, and supporting staff in a high‑pressure environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated, forward‑thinking leader who thrives in a stimulating, fast‑paced and well‑supported environment. You will play a central role in:

Ensuring efficient delivery of the liaison service across a 24/7 rota.

Improving response times and management of referrals.

Enhancing knowledge and understanding of mental health within the acute hospital.

Supporting the team to meet key performance indicators.

Developing and strengthening partnerships and pathways to improve patient outcomes.

Leading service improvements and contributing to ongoing transformation work.

Supporting staff wellbeing, professional development and reflective practice.

Upholding a culture of honesty, involvement and shared ownership of patient care and job satisfaction.

The service operates 24/7, and leadership presence across the rota is required. A full induction will be provided, and we are committed to ongoing training and development, with shared opportunities across NSFT and ESNEFT.

**Full UK driving licence is required for this post**

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.