Job summary
An exciting opportunity for a motivated, values driven and passionate nurse has arisen with the role of Nurse Consultant on Willow Ward, which is a level 2 mixed sex rehabilitation unit.
The Nurse Consultant will be an experienced practitioner who is able to demonstrate an expert level of personal and professional skill in the mental health assessment and care of patients within their area/specialty, in line with evidence/research/NICE Guidance. You will demonstrate excellent communication skills, working collaboratively with service users, families, operational teams and outside agencies to achieve best possible outcomes.
Substantial experience working at advanced level either as Advanced practitioner or Associate Nurse Consultant is required.
It is essential for the applicant to be an Approved Clinician or be willing to work towards this (commencing within 12months of appointment).
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to deliver best quality, safe, effective and compassionate care within our Rehabilitation unit.
The post holder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary ward team. This involves working in a leadership role with various disciplines, managers and external partners to deliver the best care and experience for our service users, families and carers.
About us
A great experience for our colleagues
We're committed to co-creating a great experience for our colleagues. This means listening to what staff are telling us and working together to be the best employer we can be.
Valuing our staff
Our staff are our most important asset and recognising their excellent work and the vital contributions they make to patient care is very important.
Investors in people
We have achieved the gold Investors in People (IIP) standard and have been commended on great people management practice and demonstrating a commitment to staff development.
Disability Confident Scheme
We are signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme. This means we have to demonstrate that we're taking positive action to attract, recruit and retain disabled people
Continuously improving services
We have an award-winning system for delivering efficiency through clinician-led quality improvements.
We invest in your training and development
All staff who join us are provided with a comprehensive induction programme, starting on their first day of employment.
Continuous professional development is important to us. Once you're comfortable in your new role, you and your manager will work collaboratively to form a Personal Development Plan (PDP), your personal career aspirations are taken into account and the trust will provide you with the resources you need to develop.
Details
Date posted
27 April 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8c
Salary
£79,504 to £91,609 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
346-DDA-070-26-A
Job locations
West Park Hospital
Darlington
DL2 2TS
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Interested candidates are encouraged to arrange a visit to Willow Ward in advance of applying. This will be facilitated by the Specialty Leadership Team to enable a good understanding of the Ward prior to application.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Current Professional Registration with Nursing and Midwifery Council - RMN / RNLD / RGN
2. Recognised Practice Assessor/Practice Supervisor
3. Trained in Clinical Supervision and providing Clinical Supervision
4. To be able to demonstrate analytical and synthethetical level intellectual skills, ability to gather and manipulate information at advanced level and ability to manage advanced levels of knowledge through: Master's degree in a subject relevant to the area
5. Recognised/accredited therapeutic qualification/registration in a therapeutic model relevant to mental health or learning disability Intermediate Systemic Family Therapy/Post Grad diploma in CBT/British Isles Dialectical Behaviour Therapy/NMP (Independent Prescriber)
6. Recognised/accredited leadership development programme
7. Depending on service need - work towards achieving AC/RC in their area of work (or willingness to work towards commencing within 12months of appointment).
Experience
Essential
8. Demonstrable extensive experience at Band 8a (or equivalent) including:
9. Extensive experience working with patients with complex needs in the specialist field
10. Extensive experience working with patients who display risk behaviours
11. Clinical risk assessment and management and its application in practice
12. Demonstration of using expert practice in a governed therapy/advanced clinical qualification
13. Demonstration of advanced transformational leadership knowledge, skills and competencies
14. Able to demonstrate having worked in an autonomous expert role utilising clinical assessment skills in highly complex situations
15. Working collaboratively with patients their families and carers
16. Working in a multi disciplinary team
17. Quality improvement activities
18. Have engaged in research and clinical audit activity.
19. Designed and delivered teaching or education packages to patients, carers and health care staff within the last 2 years
Knowledge
Essential
20. Expert knowledge in mental state and/or physical examination and assessment
21. Extensive knowledge of current issues relating to health needs of patients in the field of practice, regionally and nationally
22. Understanding and working knowledge of the legal framework and statutory obligations under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act
23. Detailed understanding of Safeguarding and its application in practice.
24. Clinical Risk Assessment and Management and its application in practice.
25. Clinical Governance and its application in practice.
26. Working knowledge of clinical medicines management
27. Understanding of psychological models of care and treatment (depending on specialist area)