Join Us as We Reopen Our New CAMHS Inpatient Unit
We are recruiting a Band 7 Senior Nurse Practitioner / Clinical Nurse Specialist to join our newly redesigned Children and Young People's Inpatient Mental Health Unit, reopening in Autumn 2026. Following extensive engagement and investment in our clinical model, workforce and environment, we are creating a modern therapeutic service where young people (aged 12‑18) receive purposeful, high‑quality care.
About the Unit
Our refreshed clinical model includes purposeful admissions, structured care with early review points, strong links with COAST (Crisis Outreach Acute Support Team), and a 7‑day therapeutic timetable including evenings and weekends. The team will include strengthened MDT working, safe staffing, duty doctor cover, trauma‑informed and autism‑aware practice, and lived‑experience roles.
Responsibilities
* Timely and structured assessments
* Trauma‑informed and autism‑aware practice
* Strong therapeutic relationships with young people and families
* Clear pathways, partnership working and effective discharge planning
* A focus on quality, outcomes and reducing restrictive practice
Main duties of the job
* Provide specialist mental health assessments and evidence‑based nursing interventions
* Manage a complex clinical caseload, acting as lead professional where appropriate
* Deliver high standards of person‑centred, trauma‑informed care
* Provide clinical leadership and supervision to nursing staff and students
* Contribute to service development, clinical pathways and practice improvement
* Lead or contribute to audit, service evaluation and quality initiatives
* Support effective risk assessment, care planning and safeguarding practice
* Chair meetings and provide senior clinical decision making when required
* Work in partnership with families, carers and external agencies
About Us
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust delivers specialist mental health, learning disability and neurodevelopmental services across Sussex. This post sits within the Specialist Services Division, working alongside CAMHS, forensic services, perinatal services, Early Intervention in Psychosis and neurodevelopmental pathways. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued, developed and able to deliver their best care.
What We Can Offer You
* 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
The role is based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, with on‑site parking and excellent rail links to London (under 45 minutes), close proximity to Gatwick Airport, and easy access to both the Sussex coast and South Downs.
Person Specification
* Registered Mental Health Nurse with significant post‑registration experience
* Experience working with children and young people in acute or crisis mental health settings
* Advanced clinical assessment and risk management skills
* Experience of providing supervision and supporting staff development
* Strong communication and partnership working skills
* Commitment to high‑quality, person‑centred and trauma‑informed care
Qualifications
* Registered Nurse with current registration (mental health / LD/ Adult) appropriate to the job role.
* Degree/diploma level supplemented by specialist qualification, training, experience, courses to masters level equivalent relevant to the care group.
* Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent.
Knowledge
* Extensive post‑qualifying experience in relevant service area
* Experience of supervising staff and students
* Able to manage a caseload of patients with complex mental health needs
* Comprehensive knowledge of interventions specific to service area
Communication
* Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills with staff, patients, families, carers and professionals
* Able to establish links with other services and professionals
Analytical
* Able to effectively manage risk and have a good knowledge of service objectives
* To understand performance reports and how they relate to the team
Planning
* Able to manage and delegate tasks
* Able to lead clinical discussions in team
* Able to undertake audit activity
* Able to plan staff rotas as needed
People Management
* Lead the team in absence of Service Manager
* Provide supervision for staff including clinical, managerial and professional
* Develop training sessions for staff, students, professionals and agencies
* Participate in staff recruitment and selection, absence management and other staff related issues
IT
* Use Trust IT systems to enter patient information, case notes and risk information
* Produce documents and reports using Word, Excel and PowerPoint
* Communicate to patients and professionals using letters and templates
Physical Skills
* Physically fit to undertake duties related to service area, with awareness of PMVA interventions and knowledge of administration of injections and venepuncture
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 check to be carried out as part of the selection process.
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515 per year, with enhancements for evening, night, weekend and bank holiday work.
Contract and Working Pattern
Permanent; Full‑time.
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