Consultant MPAC Community Eating Disorders Service; CEDS

Consultant MPAC Community Eating Disorders Service (CEDS)

NHSE recognises Devon Partnership Trust (DPT) as being an innovative Trust, for promoting and sustaining Multi-Professional Approved Clinician (MPAC) practice.

There are currently 12 MPACs within DPT, with a further three Trainee MPACs and two SAS Doctors participating in our latest Approved Clinician training cohort.

An opportunity has risen to complement our consultant workforce, within our Community Eating Disorder Service (CEDS). DPT would like to recruit a Consultant Nurse/Social Worker/Occupational Therapist/Psychologist and Approved Clinician, in order to diversify our consultant workforce still further.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking Less Than Full Time (LTFT) working arrangements.

There are comprehensive governance and CPD frameworks in place, which supports the training, approval, deployment and subsequent development of Multi-Professional Approved Clinicians. This includes dedicated monthly Approved Clinician peer supervision, plus two days CPD per year for Approved Clinicians.

The post holder will be an integral member of the Medical Advisory Committee and will also be encouraged to apply to join the DHSCs England South MHA Approvals Panel.

For more information, please contact:

Dr Andrew Whitaker, Consultant Psychiatrist, Eating Disorders Service:

Miles France, Strategic Lead:
Multi-Professional Approved Clinicians:

• Knowledge of various approaches to mental health assessment.
• Knowledge of the principles of key working or named professionals within a CMHT.
• Awareness of harassment, social exclusion issues and the effects of person and institutional discrimination.
• Knowledge/awareness of relevant legislation and guidance including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), The Care Act (2014), The Human Rights Act (1998), The National Service Framework and Clinical Governance.
• Skills in assessing, planning and evaluating mental health care/treatment interventions.
• Expertise and knowledge in assessing and managing patients in a community psychiatry or eating disorders setting.
• Expertise in psychosocial interventions, including relapse signatures and relapse prevention plans.
• Skills in interacting therapeutically with patients who have a range of presenting problems.
• Skills in coordinating complex care packages.
• An ability to coordinate and deliver teaching programmes and skills in teaching and assessing.
• An ability to work independently and within a team.
• An ability to use the internet, email and basic word‑processing skills.

• Ability to use a range of communication skills to communicate effectively with patients and carers who may be distressed or
• To be able to produce complex written information in a variety of formats for varied audiences.
• Analytical and Judgemental Skills
• Ability to administer and interpret a range of evidence based/standardised assessment tools.
• Ability to analyse complex information to solve problems and draw conclusions.
• Imagination, determination and a questioning attitude.
• An ability to assimilate new concepts and approaches to care.
• Planning and Organisational Skills
• Experience in managing a complex caseload.
• Ability to assume leadership responsibilities.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility and an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A problem‑solving approach to professional practice.
• Physical Skills
• Able to carry out moving and handling procedure, very occasionally.
• Other
• Enhanced DBS Check will be required for this role.
• Mobile throughout geographical area covered by the Trust.
• A willingness to undertake further training in physical healthcare of patients as agreed with consultant supervisors.

• A professional mental health qualification e.g.: RMN, CQSW / DipSW / BSc SW / MASW, BSc/Diploma in OT, SROT, , DClinPsy or equivalent practitioner psychology training ENB 811/812 or CPN Degree.
• A current registration with a professional body i.e. NMC, HCPC, SWEng.
• Trained and currently approved as an Approved Clinician, with one of the four DHSCs…