Job overview
Croydon CAMHS are pleased to advertise opportunities for Band 7 Clinical Nurse Specialists within the Croydon CAMHS Crisis Team. We are also open to considering a Band 6 developmental post for clinicians who are passionate about crisis care but require further experience before progressing to Band 7.
This may suit a Band 6 clinician currently working in a Tier 4 CAMHS inpatient setting who is seeking to develop their career in the community, or a Band 6 liaison practitioner wishing to specialise in CAMHS but who has limited experience with young people.
A minimum of one year’s experience at Band 6 is required for consideration for the developmental role.
Applications are welcome from Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, or equivalent registered professionals.
About the service
The CAMHS Crisis Team provides rapid assessment, formulation, and safety planning for young people presenting in A&E with acute mental health needs. Successful applicants will work closely with peers, the Clinical Service Lead, and wider multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure safe, timely, and compassionate care.
The service currently operates:
1. 08:00–22:00 Monday–Friday
2. 09:00–17:00 on Saturdays
There are active plans to transition to a 24‑hour service, and once implemented, the post holder will be expected to participate in a night‑shift rota as part of their contracted hours.
Main duties of the job
Role expectations
The post holder will:
Provide or advise on the delivery of high‑quality, safe, evidence‑based care for young people in crisis.
Maintain consistently high standards of practice in line with Trust policies and professional registration requirements.
Act as a positive role model, supporting the development of junior staff and contributing to clinical appraisal and supervision.
Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to ensure effective crisis pathways and safe discharge planning.
The successful applicant/s will
3. Complete comprehensive bio‑psycho‑social assessments for young people presenting to Croydon University Hospital in mental health crisis, ensuring timely formulation and risk assessment.
4. Develop individualised safety plans that reflect each young person’s individual needs, strengths, risks, and support network.
5. Provide 7‑day follow‑up appointments for young people who have attended A&E in crisis, offering ongoing assessment, safety planning, and support during the immediate post‑crisis period.
6. Lead and participate in discharge planning meetings, working collaboratively with acute hospital staff, community CAMHS teams, social care, and other relevant agencies to ensure safe and coordinated transitions.
Working for our organisation
By coming to work at SLaM, you will gain experience of being part of an organisation with a rich history and international reputation in mental health care. You will have access to professional development and learning opportunities, and have the chance to work alongside people who are world leaders in their field. SLaM delivered more than 14,000 training experiences in 2014; providing an extensive range of learning opportunities for staff at all levels. In addition, our working relationship with King's Health Partners allows those working at the Trust to get involved in academic research.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
They are expected to form a close working relationship with colleagues across relevant professional services
The post holder will deliver, or advise on the delivery of, high quality safe crisis care, ensuring consistently high standards of practice and clinical excellence
As a CAMHS Clinical Specialist you will;
support the Clinical Service Lead and peers to promote and develop excellent clinical practice. You will be a positive role model to peers in the team through the practice of evidence-based care.
You will be expected to support professional development through clinical appraisal and supervision and contribute to the ongoing educational programme for all staff, fostering a positive learning environment.
Your professional and personal development will include further training and study and you will be encouraged and supported by your line manager
Person specification
Education and Qualification
Essential criteria
7. Registered General Nurse and/or Registered Mental Nurse and/or Registered Learning Disability Nurse/Social worker/Or other registered Allied Health Professional
Experience and Knowledge
Essential criteria
8. Experience working in CAMHS / acute setting
9. Experience of research-based / reflective practice.
10. Experience as a preceptor / mentor
11. Knowledge of clinical governance and audit
12. Knowledge of adult and child safeguarding
Desirable criteria
13. Significant relevant clinical experience
14. Experience of working with young people presenting with possible neurodiversity
15. Knowledge and experience of working with looked after and adopted young people
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
16. To be able to assess and manage high-risk adolescent clients in a variety of settings, conducting risk assessments and formulating safety plans.
17. To demonstrate the ability to make appropriate decisions regarding the confidentiality of clients and their families taking into considerations the risks to clients, self and the wider public
18. To be able to demonstrate the ability to make appropriate decisions under pressure, taking into consideration the risks to clients, self, and others and to be able to assess the often, complex situations of these clients and their families within the context of their social environment. Understanding risk and resilience as well as protective factors.
19. To play an active role in promoting mental health and well-being in young people and their families/carers
20. Advocates for all individuals, particularly those with protected characteristics; promotes equality and diversity.
Other Requirements
Essential criteria
21. Empathy for service users including individuals who have experienced mental health problems.