Clinical LeadNHS

Job summary

The Urgent Care Hub is expanding and we are looking for another Band 6 Clinical Lead to join the team, helping to manage the mental health beds across Somerset.

The Urgent Care Hub operates 9am-5pm, 7 days per week. The team currently consists of a Team Manager, a clinical lead, 2 clinical assistants, a housing lead and an administrator.

The Hub accepts all requests for admission to hospital, discusses the role and expectations of the admission before identifying the most appropriate bed for the patient. The team is in daily liaison with all wards, home treatment teams and other agencies including the voluntary sector, to ensure that potential barriers or delays to discharge are kept to a minimum. The aim is to ensure that patients will have a reduced length of stay, leading to lower bed occupancy levels and ensuring that patients receive ongoing care within the community setting.

We are looking for someone who is motivated with a "can do" and flexible attitude. This may include working alongside Home Treatment Team (HTT) and/or ward staff or acting individually in making sometimes difficult decisions.

Team members must have excellent interpersonal, communication and organisation skills. They must be flexible, creative and responsive to managing the changing needs of the service which will be challenging at times. There are clearly defined escalation pathways for support from management to resolve clinical issues in a timely manner.

Main duties of the job

• Coordinate all requests for psychiatric admissions and identify the most appropriate bed based on clinical need.
• Monitor and manage bed availability and patient flow across inpatient units.
• Collaborate closely with wards, Home Treatment Teams, local authorities, voluntary sector partners and other stakeholders to minimise delays and support early, safe discharge.
• Provide day-to-day clinical and managerial supervision to Band 4 Clinical Assistants.
• Maintain accurate records on the RiO system and ensure all communications and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Deputise for the Team Manager in their absence.
• Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives within the Urgent Care Hub.
• Engage in audit, clinical governance and staff development activities.

Job description

As a Clinical Lead, you will be accountable for maintaining high-quality care across the mental health urgent care pathway, supporting both the operational delivery and the strategic goals of the service. You will act as a senior clinician, managing complex decisions and facilitating safe, effective patient flow.

You will assess and accept referrals for inpatient admission in line with the Urgent Care Hub Standard Operating Procedure and provide direct patient contact during the discharge planning process. A key part of the role involves maintaining an overview of all current inpatients, monitoring their length of stay, treatment progression and discharge barriers. You will work with families and carers using the Triangle of Care principles to ensure they are involved and supported in the process.

You'll also provide leadership by mentoring junior staff, offering clinical supervision, and participating in student placements. You must be confident in multi-agency working, have sound knowledge of the Mental Health Act and current national and local policy, and have a strong ability to make informed clinical decisions under pressure.

We are looking for someone with a "can do" and flexible attitude who can think critically and contribute to system-wide solutions. Support is available through clearly defined escalation pathways and regular supervision.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.