Locum Psychiatry SHO

Job Overview

The Locum Psychiatry SHO supports the adult, older‑adult, child & adolescent, or community psychiatry team in the assessment, investigation, and management of patients with mental health conditions. The role involves working closely with consultants, registrars, nurses, psychologists, and social workers to deliver safe, compassionate, person‑centred psychiatric care. This position is ideal for doctors seeking flexible locum work in busy Mental Health Services (MHS) across Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and clerking patients presenting to psychiatric inpatient wards, community mental health teams, and emergency psychiatry/consult‑liaison settings.
• Support the management of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorder, substance‑related difficulties, personality disorders, and other psychiatric conditions.
• Conduct mental state examinations, risk‑assessments, and formulate basic management plans under supervision.
• Assist consultants and registrars with ward reviews, community visits, and MDT meetings.
• Order and review basic investigations (blood tests, ECGs, and sometimes imaging) and escalate physical‑health concerns appropriately.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including admission notes, MSEs, progress charts, and discharge summaries.
• Respond to urgent psychiatric presentations and participate in crisis‑response or on‑call cover as required.
• Escalate complex or high‑risk cases promptly and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Uphold mental‑health safety, safeguarding, and patient‑confidentiality standards in line with HSE and HIQA guidelines.

Requirements

• Medical degree recognised by the Irish Medical Council.
• IMC registration or eligibility for registration at SHO/NCHD level.
• Previous experience in psychiatry, medicine, or a relevant hospital setting.
• Good understanding of common psychiatric presentations and basic risk‑assessment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including sensitivity when working with vulnerable individuals.
• Eligibility to work in Ireland (e.g., Irish/UK/EU passport or Stamp 4).
• Comfortable working in a multidisciplinary mental‑health team.

Skills and Competencies

• Sound clinical judgment and prioritisation skills.
• Empathy and professionalism when dealing with patients and families.
• Ability to manage multiple patients and respond to emergencies.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Commitment to patient safety, confidentiality, and continuous learning.

Working Conditions

• Shift‑based rota including days, evenings, weekends, and on‑call or crisis‑response duties.
• Psychiatry inpatient wards, community mental health teams, and sometimes emergency department or liaison‑psychiatry settings.
• Fast‑paced, high‑acuity environment with emphasis on safety and risk‑management.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive locum hourly rates, typically in the €40–€60 range, depending on experience and hospital.
• Flexible scheduling to suit availability.
• Opportunity to gain experience across different psychiatric services in Ireland.