Job overview

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist to play a key role in the future development of Tier 4 inpatient CAMHS in Sussex. Chalkhill, our 12-bed General Adolescent Unit in Haywards Heath (15 minutes from Brighton / 45 minutes from London), is entering an important phase of strengthening, innovation and service redesign.

You will join an established, well-supported multidisciplinary team and have the opportunity to help shape how the inpatient pathway evolves, drawing on best practice, national standards and collaboration across CAMHS. We are open to bespoke job planning and flexible working arrangements, including exploring a shared post model across Chalkhill and the COAST CAMHS Acute service, where this supports continuity, service quality and candidate preference.

This post offers a £45,000 Recruitment & Retention Package, bespoke job planning, relocation support (where applicable) and opportunities to shape a service with momentum and leadership visibility.

If you are seeking a Consultant role where you can make a meaningful impact and help define the next chapter of inpatient CAMHS in Sussex, we would be delighted to hear from you. Informal conversations and visits are warmly welcomed.

Main duties of the job

As Consultant Psychiatrist for Chalkhill, you will:
• Provide clinical leadership for a skilled and compassionate MDT caring for young people aged 13–18 with complex needs
• Lead on formulation, risk management and treatment planning, working closely with families and partner agencies
• Supervise junior doctors and trainees, and contribute to teaching, audit and quality improvement
• Work within a supportive leadership group with strong operational and clinical management backing
• Participate in the CAMHS Consultant on-call rota (1:9, with allowance for compensatory rest)

Permanent, full-time (10 PAs), based at Chalkhill, Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath.

Working for our organisation

About Chalkhill and Sussex Partnership
Chalkhill is one of the country’s leading Tier 4 CAMHS inpatient units, working closely with community CAMHS and COAST to deliver safe, integrated pathways for young people. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is rated Good overall and Outstanding for caring by the CQC, with strong links to Brighton & Sussex Medical School and active peer support networks.

Consultants benefit from:
• Flexible job planning and opportunities for hybrid working
• 30 days’ study leave over 3 years, with funding
• Wellbeing initiatives, occupational health and staff networks

Living and Working in Sussex
• A mix of coastline, countryside and vibrant cities (including Brighton & Hove)
• Excellent links to London and Gatwick Airport
• South Downs walking and cycling routes

Recruitment & Retention Package (£45,000 over 3 years):
• £15,000 on appointment
• £10,000 after 12 months
• £10,000 after 24 months
• £10,000 after 36 months
(Pro-rata for part-time employees)
Contact: [email protected] for full terms and conditions of this package