Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a compassionate applicant with either a professional registration in mental health or learning disability nursing to undertake the Clinical Specialist role within the North East-wide Enhanced Reconnect Service.
The role involves working within a psychology led multidisciplinary team to support prison leavers with complex health needs in overcoming barriers to accessing healthcare services upon their release from custody. The post holder will work in both prison and community settings across the North East to support people in the final months of their sentence and up to a year post-release.
Main duties of the job
This role is in the Enhanced Reconnect Service, based at Lanchester Road Hospital and covering the whole of the North East. The service is one of four national pilots supporting prison leavers assessed as presenting high risk of harm with complex health needs linked with their offending. The service prioritises individuals convicted of terrorism-related offences and those identified as at risk of extremism. One of the national pilot objectives is to address health needs that if left unmet could lead to extremist behaviours. The postholder will work closely with probation/prison colleagues and will form excellent working relationships with health and care services across the postholder will lead on the care of a small number of individuals, supporting their transition from prison to community. Therapeutic intervention is delivered with the aim of supporting individuals to access healthcare services, rather than replacing existing provision. Supervising other professionals forms part of the role. The postholder will be a key member of the leadership team supporting the Trust values of compassion, respect, and successful candidate will contribute to service development through audit, service evaluation and research. The post also offers excellent opportunities for peer support/ supervision and teaching/ training opportunities.
About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Details
Date posted
30 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
15 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working, Compressed hours
Reference number
346-FMH-105-25-A
Job locations
Sniperley House
Lanchester Road Hospital
Durham
DH1 5RD
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.
We welcome and encourage informal discussion prior to application / interview
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Current Professional Registration with Nursing and Midwifery Council - RMN / RNLD/ RGN (RNSC - CAMHS Only)
2. Recognised Practice Assessor/Practice Supervisor or currently in progress of achieving.
3. Trained in Clinical Supervision and providing Clinical Supervision or in the process of achieving
4. Postgraduate diploma in a subject relevant to the area Or be willing to work towards and achieve within 2 years and
5. Within the first year of being in post hold a recognised qualification in a governed therapy/advanced clinical qualification Intermediate Systemic Family Therapy/Post Grad diploma in CBT/British Isles Dialectical Behaviour Therapy /NMP (Independent Prescriber)
6. And have Equivalent clinical experience to that of a Post Grad Diploma/master's level such as working as a band 6 (or above) in relevant clinical area with significant experience (see below under experience), together with evidence of relevant CPD
Knowledge
Essential
7. Extensive knowledge of current issues relating to health needs of patients in the field of practice, regionally and nationally
8. Understanding and working knowledge of the legal framework and statutory obligations under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act
9. Detailed understanding of Safeguarding and its application in practice
10. Clinical Risk Assessment and Management and its application in practice.
11. Clinical Governance and its application in practice.
12. Working knowledge of clinical medicines management
13. Understanding of psychological models of care and treatment (depending on specialist area)
Experience
Essential
14. Significant experience working with patients with complex needs in the specialist field
15. Significant experience working with patients who display risk behaviours
16. Clinical risk assessment and management and its application in practice
17. Working collaboratively with service users their families and carers
18. Working in a multi-disciplinary team
19. Quality improvement activities