Mental Health Recruitment
Searching for your next mental health role? Whether you’re interested in a locum
job, a permanent position or a contract opportunity within the NHS or private
sector, Athona is here to support you every step of the way.
Browse mental health jobs
You'll find permanent, locum and contract roles here of all grades
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Find mental health jobs with Athona
Mental health services play a vital role in supporting people across the UK, from
children and young people to adults with complex, long-term or specialist care
needs. At Athona, we recruit for mental health jobs across NHS trusts, private
hospitals, community services, specialist units and secure settings.
Locum mental health jobs
Locum mental health jobs can offer flexibility, variety and the chance to work
across different services. Whether you’re looking for short-term cover, an ongoing
placement or a role that fits around your current commitments, our specialist
recruiters can help you find opportunities that work for you.
Permanent mental health jobs
If you’re ready for a long-term move, we can support your search for permanent
mental health jobs. We’ll take the time to understand what matters to you, from
location and service setting to clinical responsibilities, career progression and
work-life balance.
Contract and fixed-term opportunities
Contract and fixed-term roles can be a useful option if you’re looking for stability
without committing to a permanent post. We recruit for mental health
opportunities across a range of contract types, helping you compare roles and
choose your next step.
NHS and private sector roles
We support professionals looking for NHS mental health jobs as well as private
sector opportunities, such as CAMHS jobs. With access to a wide range of services and settings, Athona
can help you find a role that suits your skills, experience and preferred way of
working.
Mental health roles we recruit for
As a mental health recruitment agency in the UK, we recruit across a broad range
of roles and specialties, supporting professionals at different stages of their
careers.
Psychiatry jobs
We help psychiatrists find locum, contract and permanent roles across the UK,
including consultant, specialty doctor and senior psychiatry jobs. Roles
may be available across general adult, old age, CAMHS, learning disability and
other specialist areas.
CAMHS jobs
CAMHS roles involve supporting children, young people and families with mental
health needs. We recruit for a range of CAMHS opportunities, including
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) roles and wider mental health practitioner
positions across community services, inpatient settings, crisis teams, specialist
pathways and private sector services.
Forensic psychiatry jobs
Forensic psychiatry roles may involve working with people with mental health
needs who are involved with, or at risk of involvement with, the criminal justice
system. We support psychiatrists looking for opportunities in secure services,
prison settings and community forensic teams.
Mental health practitioner jobs
Mental health practitioner jobs can vary depending on the setting, service and
level of experience required. We recruit for roles across nursing, community
teams, crisis services, primary care settings, CAMHS pathways and specialist
mental health services.
Psychologist jobs
We also support psychologists looking for locum, contract and permanent roles
across the UK. These may include opportunities in clinical, counselling, forensic,
educational or other applied psychology settings, depending on your professional
background and experience.
Where our mental health recruitment expertise fits
Why choose Athona for mental health recruitment?
Athona is a trusted healthcare recruitment partner, supporting mental health professionals across the UK. We combine specialist market knowledge with a transparent, people-first approach to recruitment.
Specialist recruiters with sector knowledge
Our recruitment team understands the mental health market and the requirements of different services. You’ll work with a dedicated recruiter who listens to what you’re looking for and supports you throughout your job search.
Access to locum and permanent opportunities
By registering with Athona, you can hear about suitable opportunities as they become available, including locum, contract, fixed-term and permanent mental health roles across NHS and private sector settings.
Support with compliance and onboarding
Compliance can feel like a lot, but we’ll guide you through the process. From documentation and references to checks and onboarding requirements, our team will help make things as straightforward as possible.
UK-wide roles across multiple disciplines
We support mental health professionals across the UK, with roles spanning psychiatry, CAMHS, forensic mental health, learning disability, crisis services, community mental health, primary care and specialist pathways.
What you need to apply for mental health jobs
Requirements vary depending on the role, grade, discipline and setting, but all mental health jobs will require the right professional credentials and relevant experience.
That might include:
● A relevant qualification for your profession
● Role-appropriate professional registration
● The right to work in the UK
● Relevant mental health experience
● An appropriate safeguarding check for the role, such as an enhanced DBS
check where required
● Evidence of mandatory training where required
● A strong understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment, confidentiality
and person-centred care
Athona can also support with compliance and documentation, including DBS checks where required, so you know what’s needed before starting a new role.
Professional registration and right to work
You’ll usually need professional registration that matches your role and discipline, as well as the right to work in the UK. For example, doctors will need GMC registration with a licence to practise, while practitioner psychologists will need
HCPC registration. Other roles may ask for membership or registration with a relevant professional body, depending on the service and job requirements. Our team can talk you through the documentation required for each role.
Relevant clinical experience and clearances
Most mental health roles will ask for relevant experience in mental health, care, assessment, therapeutic support or specialist service settings. Depending on the role, you may also need employment references, identity checks and an appropriate DBS check.
Compliance requirements for different settings
Compliance requirements can vary between NHS trusts, private providers, community services and secure settings. We’ll make sure the requirements are clear from the start, and can support you in getting the correct documentation in place.
FAQs
What mental health roles does Athona recruit for?
Athona recruits for a range of mental health roles, including psychiatry jobs,
CAMHS roles, forensic psychiatry jobs, mental health practitioner jobs and
psychologist jobs across NHS and private sector settings.
Are locum mental health jobs available across the UK?
Yes, locum mental health jobs are available across the UK. Availability can vary by
location, discipline and setting, so registering with Athona is the best way to hear
about suitable roles.
Can Athona help with permanent mental health roles?
Yes. Athona supports professionals looking for locum, contract, fixed-term and
permanent mental health roles across NHS and private sector services.
How do I register for mental health jobs with Athona?
You can register your CV with Athona and a specialist recruiter will be in touch to
discuss your experience, availability and the types of mental health roles you’re
looking for.
