Specialist Doctor in Addictions Psychiatry

Job details

• Branch: Western Health & Social Care Trust
• Location: Gransha Woodlea
• Directorate: Adult Mental Health & Disability Services
• Salary: (See job details)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 02/09/26
• Closes: Wed, 16 September 2026 @ 3:30 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Job description

The Trust wishes to appoint a Specialist Doctor in Addiction Psychiatry, to serve the Western Trust area and contribute to both inpatient and outpatient care covering primarily for the Addiction Service in Derry, but also potentially to provide cover for bases in Omagh and Fermanagh. The service is continually evolving and developing to meet service needs and improve quality of care. There is a well-developed multi-disciplinary method of working.

The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team providing care to the patients of the Western Trust Alcohol and Drug Service.

The Western Trust’s Addictions Service provides a comprehensive range of services for adults suffering from alcohol, drug and behavioural addiction related problems.

The sub regional addictions inpatient unit (Asha) is based in Omagh. The ethos of Asha is to create a safe, caring and therapeutic environment to enable service users to move forward in their journey of recovery from addiction.

The Asha Unit has 8 beds which offer medically managed detoxification or stabilisation and rehabilitation for patients with more complex addiction problems.

Main duties and responsibilities

• The post holder will provide medical assessments and treatment under the supervision of the consultants and work with colleagues as part of multidisciplinary teams, providing outpatient and inpatient treatment to the adult population of the Alcohol and Drug Service of the WHSCT area.
• The post holder will participate fully in multidisciplinary reviews, risk assessments and case discussions concerning patients under the care at the Team.
• The post holder is encouraged to develop his/her special interests and obtain further qualifications as appropriate.
• The post holder will be expected to participate actively in quality improvement work.
• The post holder will play a significant role in supporting and leading the Substitute Prescribing Service in the Woodlea team.
• The post holder will participate in training undergraduate students and training grade doctors, as well as contributing to teaching and training other disciplines as required.
• The appointee will be liable to deputise as far as is practicable for absent colleagues.
• The post holders will be expected to participate in the Trust’s appraisal process, in a planned process of continuing professional development and in revalidation as required by the General Medical Council and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
• The post holder is expected to participate fully in the regular educational programmes including the regular weekly academic meeting and Balint group, of the directorate, and make full use of study leave.
• The post holder will be required to undertake such duties as may occur from time to time through exigencies of the service.
• Each post holder must have a valid driving licence and have access to a car (or be able to make alternative appropriate arrangements).
• The post holders will be required to ensure that they are available to the team as required by their duties.
• To be directly responsible and accountable to the Divisional Clinical Director for the provision of an effective, efficient Psychiatry Department.
• To closely liaise with all Senior Managers in order to effectively discharge the stated duties of the post.
• The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team drawing staff from nursing, social work, psychology and occupational therapy.
• The post holder will be expected to undertake annual appraisal within the Trust structures for this and to complete Revalidation processes with the GMC.
• To attend meetings as required by line management, where necessary.
• The post holder will be expected to complete mandatory training in MCA, to allow them to complete MCA documentation if required.
• Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to academic activities through participation in a local teaching programme and in a clinical audit programme.

Person specification

Qualifications/Registration/Experience

• Essential: Hold full GMC registration and licence to practice
• Essential: Shall have completed a minimum of 12 years medical work since obtaining a primary medical qualification of which a minimum of 6 years should be working in a (specialty) setting at level of Specialty Doctor and/or closed SAS grades. Equivalent years’ experience in a relevant specialty from other medical/dental grades including from overseas will also be accepted.

Other

• Essential: Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment or have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post and meet the on-call commitments. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Communication

• Essential: All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues which could be demonstrated by one of the following: That applicants have undertaken undergraduate medical training in English; OR Have the following scores in the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Overall 7.5, Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7. However, if applicants believe that they have adequate communication skills but do not fit into one of the examples, they will need to provide evidence.

Clinical Skills

• Essential: Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems.
• Essential: Possess a range of clinical knowledge, skills and information technology expertise.

Knowledge & Special Interests

• Essential: Knowledge of evidence based approach to clinical care
• Essential: Understanding of the implications of clinical governance, risk management and of operating within a litigious and complaints culture
• Essential: Demonstrate understanding of the importance of audit and research
• Essential: Encourages on-going learning and an educative culture, both for self and others
• Essential: Ability to cope with considerable pressure as well as to adapt to constant change and new demands

Skills & Aptitudes

• Essential: Ability to lead and engender high standards of care.
• Essential: Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Essential: Willingness to work flexibly as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Essential: Ability to effectively train and supervise medical undergraduates, postgraduates, and multi-disciplinary staff members

Health

• Essential: Meets professional health requirements (in line with GMC Standards/Good Medical Practice).

Eligibility

• Essential: Eligibility to work in the UK.

Fitness to Practice

• Essential: Is up to date and fit to practice safely.

Qualifications

• Desirable: Have experience of working in Addictions services
• Desirable: Hold a higher psychiatry qualification e.g. MRCPsych, Diploma in Mental Health.
• Desirable: Hold ILS certification.
• Desirable: Have training in teaching methods