Job summaryThis is a newly developed post. The post holder will provide Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctor input to Older people Services in Luton in a community setting.
The post holder will support the multidisciplinary team in the management of patients with a dual diagnosis. The post-holder will work with an MDT including pharmacy, psychology, social work, CPN colleagues, and trainees.
Professional accountability will be to the Medical Director and operational accountability to the Chief Executive Officer.
Main duties of the job- Provide senior clinical input and contribute to the continued development of the Addictions services with an opportunity to be a visiting FDAC psychiatrist.
- Provide regular clinical input to the service through conducting specialist clinics that offer assessment and evidence-based treatment interventions for dual diagnosis patients (open to both CMHT and addiction services) and patients under addiction services (P2R).
- Ensure that service users consistently receive high-quality services that adhere to the best practice guidelines and achieve high professional standards.
- Undertake all work in the context of the recovery approach, which is emphasised across the Trust, placing the service user at the centre of planning and decision making.
- Provide a key role as the senior specialist clinician within the team and will support the wider work of the multi-disciplinary team. They will work closely with and provide specialist advice and support to other staff in clinical settings, including non-medical members of the team, and contribute to maintaining practice in line with organisational policies, objectives, and values
- Provide a clinical assessment, including relevant psychiatric and physical investigation, of a wide range of substance misuse patients presenting to the service.
About usOur mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.
DetailsDate posted: 03 July 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £100,870 to £111,441 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 363-Spec-Grade-CMHT-May26
Job locations: Beech Close, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 3SD, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesRoles and Responsibilities of FDAC
The FDAC Psychiatrist sees 2 parents per month in face to face clinic at the FDAC team base for a psychiatric screening assessment. Occasionally the parent can be seen at the Luton Law Court if that is more accessible for either the doctor or parent. Each parent is screened for substances according to the usual FDAC protocols by a team member prior to assessment on the day, and the collateral information required for the assessment is provided by the FDAC mental health practitioner.
There is no expectation to see the children in the FDAC programme. The large majority of parents attend their FDAC screening assessment and attend on time, however a flexible approach optimises the chances of completing the psychiatric screening.
Following the assessment a short discussion with the key worker is held to relay key thoughts, and a short court report is prepared that is shared with the parent, making any suggestions for ongoing psychological or psychiatric care and treatment. FDAC parents may already be under the care of other mental health services, and all will be under the care of an addictions service, either Resolutions in Luton or Path 2 Recovery in Bedford.
This is an opportunity to work with a fully staffed and highly motivated experienced team in a novel setting. Commonly parents have a background of psychological distress, undiagnosed mental health conditions, history of intermittent engagement with physical and mental health services and have experienced childhood trauma, domestic abuse or violence, as well as substance use disorders. This is rewarding work with families in the most difficult circumstances, and there is a healthy culture of support and care within the team. This includes regular teaching and training opportunities, away days and socials, which the FDAC psychiatrist and the Judges are warmly invited to participate in.
On-Call and Duty ResponsibilitiesThe post-holder will have the opportunity to join the out-of-hours first on call duty rota for a salary supplement by agreement with HR and line manager.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.
Desirable- Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists or equivalent qualification (in accordance with Royal College of Psychiatrists guidelines)
Professional Values and Behaviours, Skills and KnowledgeEssential- At least six years' experience of psychiatry clinical practice post medical qualification and at least 3 years experience in addictions psychiatry.
Desirable- Experience of clinical work in Acute Adult Psychiatry
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.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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. 
