Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Prison Mental Health Team Manager
The closing date is 10 June 2026
Would you like to be instrumental in managing an established well‑led prison mental health team within the H&J service in HMP Holme House?
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Mental Health Team in HMP Holme House as an interim Mental Health Team Manager, to cover maternity leave. HMP Holme House is a Category B partial remand male prison located in Stockton‑on‑Tees.
The team manager will be expected to lead by example, providing strong leadership while being accessible to staff. They will be flexible in their approach to managing the day‑to‑day operational aspects of the service.
You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role.Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.
Main duties of the job
Team managers will work in partnership with other healthcare providers, HMPPS, internal and external Health and Justice services within the region. They will have excellent skills in communication, engagement, collaboration and have experience of working in mental health services, preferably with knowledge of the criminal justice system.
We welcome candidates to contact us for an informal discussion.
Operational management of a Mental Health Team, including accountability for ensuring the highest professional standards and attitudes towards the care of patients are maintained and delivered at all times in accordance with evidence‑based practice, while supporting staff development and well‑being.
The successful candidate will work collectively with senior clinical staff to provide a comprehensive mental health service, navigating the challenges of a prison environment.
The post holder will liaise closely with their peer group of team managers in the North East Prisons. They will also be supported by a service manager and receive supervision and professional development opportunities.
The successful candidate should have experience working in Mental Health Services.
We require the post holders to be committed to equal opportunities, non‑discriminatory practices and reflect the trust values of Responsibility, Respect and compassion.
About us
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.
Our staff are our most important asset and recognising their excellent work and the vital contributions they make to patient care is very important.
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.
You will be fully supported by your service manager and senior leaders and peers within Health and Justice, and together we offer a variety of CPD, mentoring and an active health and well‑being offer.
Job responsibilities
Applicants must be a resident of the UK for at least 3 years.
This role is subject to Prison Vetting and the successful candidate must pass this before commencing employment. This includes a thorough review of personal information, including a criminal record check (both spent and unspent), a review of financial standing, and social media checks. Please note that vetting checks may also extend to family members and associates. You must also have resided in the UK for 3 years at the point of application. This will be considered as part of the shortlisting criteria and your application may be rejected if you do not meet this criteria.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Current professional registration with appropriate body in healthcare or social work.
* Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
* Certificate in teaching & assessing in Clinical Practice as appropriate to own profession.
* Recognised sign‑off mentor or equivalent for students (within agreed timescale).
* Leadership or management qualification or willingness to work towards. Qualification must be achieved within agreed timescale.
* Quality Improvement Systems for Leaders or willing to undertake within agreed timescale.
* Clinical Supervisor
* Key skills in literacy, numeracy and ITQ level 2 (or equivalent)
* Post‑graduate diploma in a relevant area.
Experience
* Significant experience working with people with complex mental ill health or learning disabilities in a community setting.
* Significant experience of working collaboratively with service users and their families/carers.
* Significant experience of providing clinical supervision, mentoring and teaching to healthcare professionals and students.
* Demonstrable leadership or management experience.
* Significant role in quality improvement activities.
* Experience working in health and justice services.
* Use of the Trust’s Quality Improvement system.
Knowledge
* Significant evidenced based knowledge to post‑graduate level equivalent, of best practice in caring for patients in the designated field.
* Good understanding of clinical governance and its application in practice.
* Detailed understanding of Care Programme Approach and its application in practice.
* Detailed understanding of Clinical Risk Assessment and Management and its application in practice.
* Good understanding of relevant legislation (e.g. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act) and its application in practice.
* Detailed understanding of Safeguarding and its application in practice.
* Research and development methodology.
* Understanding of psychological models of care and treatment.
* The Trust’s quality Improvement System (QIS).
* Budget Management and Financial Standing Instructions.
* HR policies and procedures.
Skills
* Manage a team effectively.
* Provide effective leadership.
* Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers/families and all members of the multidisciplinary team.
* Work positively and collaboratively in partnership with external agencies.
* Provide effective clinical supervision, teaching, training and assessing in clinical practice.
* Use multimedia materials for presentations in professional settings.
* Use approved breakaway techniques.
* Write reports and policies.
* Undertake basic statistical analysis.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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