Job Summary
We are recruiting a Ward Manager for our newly redesigned Children and Young People’s Mental Health Inpatient Unit, reopening in Autumn 2026. The role is to lead a modern, therapeutic CAMHS inpatient service for young people aged 12-17.
About the Unit
Our refreshed CAMHS inpatient service is built around:
* Purposeful admissions with early review points
* A structured, therapeutic 7‑day programme, including evenings and weekends
* Strong integration with crisis and community services, including COAST (Crisis Outreach Acute Support Team)
* Trauma‑informed and autism‑aware practice
* A clear focus on reducing restrictive practice and improving outcomes
* Strengthened MDT working, safe staffing and robust clinical governance
Responsibilities
In this role you will:
* Provide overall leadership and management of the CAMHS inpatient ward
* Ensure delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑based, trauma‑informed nursing care
* Lead and support a multidisciplinary workforce, fostering a positive and inclusive team culture
* Maintain safe staffing, effective rota management and workforce planning
* Ensure robust clinical governance, risk management and safeguarding practice
* Take responsibility for quality, safety, complaints and learning from incidents
* Support service development, innovation and implementation of new ways of working
* Manage the ward within agreed budgets and resources
* Work in partnership with families, carers and external agencies to support effective care and discharge pathways
* Act as a visible clinical leader and role model for professional practice
Essential Criteria
* Registered Mental Health Nurse with significant post‑registration experience
* Strong background in acute mental health care
* Demonstrable experience of leading teams within inpatient or comparable settings
* Proven clinical leadership and people management skills
* Confidence in managing quality, safety and operational performance
* Commitment to trauma‑informed, recovery‑focused care
* Resilience, integrity and the ability to lead through change
* Passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and families
Qualifications
* Educated to degree or diploma level with a relevant qualification or equivalent experience
* A/C Registered Nurse with current registration (mental health / LD / Adult) appropriate to the role
* Evidence of CPD
* Completion of Mentorship Course / ENB equivalent
Knowledge & Experience
* Extensive experience of acute care in the care group and demonstrable achievement in clinical practice
* Experience of providing professional support/supervision and motivating staff
* Understanding of Health and Social Care Governance
* Experience of managing staff
Skills
* Ability to provide and receive complex and emotive information with staff, service users, carers and other stakeholders
* An open and facilitative style of leadership which can be adapted when necessary to ensure delivery of objectives
* An understanding of effective systems for integrated governance and the management of clinical and non‑clinical risks
* Good performance management skills combining clarity around expectations, direction and holding others to account
Approach & Values
* Demonstrated support for the values and beliefs of the Trust
* Resilient and self‑motivated with drive and vision able to work on own initiative and manage a range of priorities across competing agendas
* Empathy towards the needs of people using mental health and related services, and a vision of how services can make step changes for improvement
* Punctual and flexible across hours of work when required
Benefits & Development
* Opportunity to work in a dynamic Acute CAMHS pathway
* Comprehensive induction programme prior to opening where all new staff train together and contribute to the team's therapeutic approach
* Strong MDT working and supportive senior leadership
* High‑quality supervision and reflective practice
* Opportunities for career development and progression
* Access to training, CPD and leadership development
* NHS Pension Scheme and Agenda for Change benefits
Location
Haywards Heath, West Sussex – on‑site parking and excellent rail links to London (under 45 minutes), close proximity to Gatwick Airport and easy access to the Sussex coast and South Downs.
Salary and Contract
Band 7: £49,387 to £56,515 per annum. Permanent, Full‑time contract.
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