Job overview
We are excited to offer a fantastic Secondment opportunity to join the dynamic and compassionate team at Woodbank Female Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), located at Stepping Hill Hospital.
As the first female PICU within Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Woodbank Unit provides a unique and vital service with a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in a safe, therapeutic, and secure environment.
Our six-bedded unit is dedicated to supporting women experiencing acute mental health crises who require intensive, short-term support. We are seeking passionate, dedicated, and highly motivated individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of our service users.
As part of the Woodbank team, you will:
* Be a positive role model, embodying the values and philosophy of both the unit and the Trust.
* Play a key role in the delivery of compassionate, recovery-focused care.
* Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team that prioritises patient safety, staff wellbeing, and clinical excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a great service with a clear focus on supporting female mental health needs through an innovative and holistic model of care.
If you are ready to take on a rewarding challenge in a supportive and forward-thinking environment, we would love to hear from you
Main duties of the job
* Provide clinical leadership and supervision to support junior staff and the wider team.
* Lead shifts as the Nurse in Charge, ensuring safe and effective running of the ward and clear handovers between staff.
* Support and contribute to the development of a positive team culture,
* Act as the Named Nurse/Key Worker for a group of service users, taking responsibility for their full care pathway.
* Carry out comprehensive assessments, develop and implement person-centred care plans, and regularly review progress.
* Work in partnership with service users, families, and carers to co-produce care plans that promote recovery and independence.
* Support daily therapeutic activities and routines that contribute to a safe and structured environment.
* Use least restrictive practices in line with clinical risk assessments and service user needs.
* Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour
* Administer medications safely, including controlled drugs, following Trust protocols and NMC guidance.
* Monitor the effects of medication and report any concerns promptly.
* Work collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic and coordinated care.
* Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and service development projects.
* Ensure the ward meets compliance standards and contributes to the ongoing development of the unit’s model of care.
* Keep up to date with clinical best practice through ongoing professional development and training.
Working for our organisation
The Woodbank team provides short-term, intensive assessment, treatment, and support for women experiencing acute mental health crisis. Service users admitted to the unit often present with a range of complex and challenging mental health needs, requiring compassionate and expert care within a safe and structured environment.
To promote recovery and wellbeing, we work in a trauma-informed way, guided by a unique model of care that integrates principles from RAID (Reinforce Appropriate, Implode Disruptive), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and NAPICU (National Association of Psychiatric Intensive Care Units) guidelines. Our approach is focused on delivering high-quality, person-centered care, while always aiming to work in the least restrictive manner possible — prioritising both patient safety and dignity at all times.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Support the induction, mentoring, and clinical supervision of junior staff and student nurses, promoting a culture of learning and development.
* Contribute to the ongoing development of the unit’s model of care, supporting implementation of evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed approaches, RAID, DBT, and NAPICU standards.
* Lead and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, ward reviews, and clinical discussions to ensure coordinated and effective care planning.
* Support service improvement initiatives and contribute to quality improvement projects, audits, and service evaluations.
* Actively promote a positive and recovery-focused ward culture that values dignity, choice, collaboration, and empowerment for all service users.
* Contribute to safeguarding processes and ensure any concerns are escalated appropriately and in line with local and national procedures.
* Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive clinical documentation in line with Trust policy and professional standards.
* Participate in clinical risk assessments and contribute to positive risk management plans to support least restrictive care.
* Take responsibility for maintaining safe staffing levels by participating in roster planning, coordinating temporary staffing needs, and escalating staffing concerns when necessary.
Person specification
Education/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
* First level registration (RMN)
* Appropriate diploma or post registration equivalent.
* Evidence of Continual Professional development
* IT Literate
* Preparation for mentorship
* Training in management of violence and aggression
Desirable criteria
* Training in psychosocial interventions
* ECDL
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience at Band 5 and evidence of appropriate clinical management experience
* Experience of working in acute / forensic mental health settings.
Desirable criteria
* Experience of working in a range of mental health settings
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Good understanding of Mental Illness
* Knowledge of treatments and interventions appropriate for individuals with acute mental health needs
* Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and CPA process
* Knowledge of current policy and guidance in relation to the development of PICU / Acute Mental Health Services
* Understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues.
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Good verbal and written communication skills, with emphasis on complex and sensitive information
* Ability to complete the appropriate documentation
* Good social skills and have a positive attitude within the team and when dealing with service users, staff, carers, visitors and the public.
* Ability to physically undertake and participate in PMVA in a clinical setting
📝 Application support - We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, please apply as soon as possible.
If you have problems applying, contact
Address
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
225 Old Street
225 Old Street
OL6 7SR
Telephone
01617163181