Job overview
We have vacancies at our Kent and Medway Adolescent Hospital based in Staplehurst, Kent for B6 nurses to join our team.
We are a general adolescent hospital, supporting young people admitted informally or under section of the mental health act who present with acute mental health difficulties including eating disorders. We also operate a Health Based Place of Safety, which supports young people who have been detained under section by the police.
The focus of the role is on risk assessment, management and treatment in a general adolescent hospital setting and involves interfacing with other agencies and contributing to the therapeutic timetable. This is a collaborative piece of work as, within the hospital we have a wide range of staff groups including nurses, support staff, education, family therapists, music therapists, OT's, psychologists, psychotherapists, medics, social worker, admin, and management.
This role will be completed within the capacity as DSN (designated senior nurse) whereby you would be expected to lead the nursing and support staff team each shift; which includes allocation, key input into clinical decision making, medication management, act as initial point of contact for escalation on shift, complete hand over and support all staff through the daily activities on the unit.
Applicants must have a nursing professional registration.
Main duties of the job
The team operate 24/7 and shifts that will be worked include: Earlies, Lates, Long days and nights.
The role involves supporting young people who have been admitted to engage in treatment around managing their mental health and risk. The average length of stay for young people is around 6-8 weeks during which time the young person and their family are offered treatment to support safe discharge back to the community. Young people admitted to the unit may engage in behaviours often associated with mental distress such as self-harm, agitation, suicidal thoughts and intrusive thoughts.
The post would suit someone who has an interest and/or experience in supporting young people with mental health needs. The right candidate will be able to work well under pressure, be seen as a leader amongst the team and in the face of emotional situations and be confident in making decisions in the best interests of children, young people and their families. There is also opportunities for professional development in the form of a Deputy Ward Manager role for the right candidate, after they have finished their probationary period.
Working for our organisation
Values 2025 - 2030
Working with our colleagues, patients and carers we have co-produced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.
They are:
We are kind. We are respectful. We work together with our communities.
These three values help us to strive to provide the best care by the best people.
Starting with NELFT NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Probationary Period This post will be subject to a probationary period.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Certificates of Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
Use of AI
Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
1. Qualification
2. Experience
3. Knowledge
Professional Qualification
Essential criteria
4. Professional Qualification
Desirable criteria
5. Professional Qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
6. previous inpatient / CAMHS experience
Desirable criteria
7. nursing qualification and relevant experience
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
8. Band 6 JD (PDF, KB)
9. Candidate Recruitment Pack (PDF, KB)
10. Acceptable Use of AI in Recruitment (PDF, MB)
Apply online now
Further details / informal visits contact
NameAlistair Sutton / Khadine McguiganJob titleWard Manager / Practice development NurseEmail addressTelephone number0300 300 1985Additional information
We welcome an informal chat about the role. If you wish to speak about this further please contact Alistair or Khadine via email on: