Job summary
Join Hywel Dda University Health Board and play a key role in delivering and developing specialist Learning Disability Psychiatry services within one of the most picturesque regions of the UK, combining a rewarding clinical career with an exceptional quality of life. Working within a supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to provide expert clinical leadership, drive service improvement and make a meaningful difference to the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
Based in the heart of West Wales, this role offers the opportunity to combine a rewarding and varied clinical career with an exceptional quality of life. Hywel Dda serves the beautiful counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, an area renowned for its stunning coastline, rolling countryside and welcoming communities. With award-winning beaches, national parks and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, the region provides an enviable work-life balance for individuals and families alike.
The successful candidate will contribute to the future development of Learning Disability services, helping to shape innovative models of care, influence service delivery and support the Health Board's commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred care. The role offers the opportunity to engage in service improvement, education, leadership and multidisciplinary collaboration, while maintaining a fulfilling clinical practice.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:o Communicate effectively with patients, families and carers, ensuring they remain central to all aspects of care and decision-making.o Manage patients with complex clinical presentations and provide specialist psychiatric expertise.o Maintain accurate, timely and high-quality clinical records in accordance with professional and organisational standards.o Liaise effectively with multidisciplinary teams and partner agencies to ensure coordinated care and positive patient outcomes.o Promote and apply evidence-based practice in all aspects of clinical work.o Participate in clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.o Contribute to postgraduate education, teaching programmes, research activity and the supervision of trainees and other healthcare professionals.o Participate in departmental, professional and organisational meetings at local, regional and national level as required.o Work collaboratively with clinical and managerial colleagues to support the efficient and effective operation of services.o Contribute to the responsible use of resources in line with the principles of prudent healthcare.
Details
- Date posted: 30 October 2026
- Closing date: 29 November 2026
- Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
- Band: Consultant
- Salary: £114,099 to £166,585 a year per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 100-MED-MHLD-211
- Job locations: Carmarthen Community Team Learning Disabilities, 1 Penlan Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1DN, United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
Comprehensive office accommodation, dedicated secretarial support and full IT facilities, including access to intranet and internet resources, will be provided.
The successful candidate will: Lead the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with learning disabilities and associated mental health needs. Take continuing clinical responsibility for patients under their care. Participate in the consultant on-call rota and provide senior clinical support both in and out of hours as required. Contribute to the ongoing development and transformation of Learning Disability services. Support partnership working across health, social care and third-sector organisations. Provide specialist expertise and advice to colleagues, carers, families and partner agencies. Contribute to teaching, training and professional development within the organisation.
The successful candidate will undertake comprehensive psychiatric assessments and provide expert clinical management for individuals with learning disabilities and complex mental health presentations. They will be responsible for formulating and implementing treatment plans, monitoring patient progress and ensuring safe, effective and person-centred care.
For full details of the role requirements please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for this vacancy.
Discussions around working pattern will take place during initial job planning, where preferences, requirements and options can be discussed and explored in full.
Hywel Dda University Health Board is committed to providing healthcare services that are patient-centric, ensuring that our community receives the best possible care. We value inclusivity and foster a workplace culture that embraces diversity and supports every individuals contribution towards a welcoming healthcare environment.
We welcome applications from all sections of society and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Please see the below links for useful videos relating to this vacancy:
- Hywel Dda 3 Counties -https://youtu.be/RUMDpjtu1sY
- Lifestyle in Wales -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgt03XPT6RQ
- Medical Leadership in Hywel Dda -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLioZyqIpwk&t=33s
-
MHLD Working in Psychiatry at Hywel Dda -https://youtu.be/xxXlqbYSW5Y
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Full registration and a License to Practice with the General Medical Council.
- On the GMC Specialist Register (including via Portfolio Pathway (CESR)/European Community Rights) or will have CCT due within six months of interview date.
- Valid Certified Advanced Life Support.
- Where a sub-specialty interest is required sub-specialty training should be to a level appropriate for UK consultant sub-specialist practice - fellowship or equivalent level experience.
- Section 12 Approval.
Desirable
- Additional Higher qualification(s).
- AC Approved Clinician Status.
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Broad based experience within the specialty area.
- Able to demonstrate core competencies and clinical skills relevant to the post.
- Experience of leading a team.
Desirable
- Previous experience working in the UK or NHS.
Clinical Governance
Essential
- Understanding of the role of Clinical Governance.
- Participation in clinical audit (or quality improvement project) and understanding role of audit in improving medical practice.
- Knowledge of annual job planning/appraisal review process.
Desirable
- Knowledge of risk management.
Teaching
Essential
- Ability to critically assess learning requirements for self and others.
- Evidence of organising programmes and teaching all staff groups.
- Willingness to teach all grades of professional multidisciplinary staff.
Desirable
- Teaching qualification.
Research and Scholarship
Essential
- Demonstrates knowledge of current research and best practice in the specialty area.
- Evidence of keeping up to date with current research and best practice.
- Evidence of locating and using clinical guidelines appropriately.
- Evidence of communicating and interpreting research evidence in a meaningful way.
Desirable
- Active participation in research.
Safeguarding
Essential
- Demonstrates knowledge of safeguarding requirements and takes appropriate responsibility.
- Evidence of applying appropriate equality and diversity legislation.
Other
Desirable
- Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Ability to work autonomously and be responsible for actions.
- Ability to work flexibly.
- Ability to remain calm whilst working under pressure.
- Undertake responsibility for leading and supervising a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and team-working skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
- Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
- Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
- Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
- 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities service
Employer details
- Employer name: Hywel Dda University Health Board
- Address: Carmarthen Community Team Learning Disabilities, 1 Penlan Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1DN, United Kingdom
- Employer's website: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/