Job requirements
Requirements from the employer’s person specification. These describe the role, not your personal match.
Essential
22 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- IT
IT literate and willing to enhance skills • Computer literate. Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and PowerPoint • Ability to use clinical information systems
- Skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills • Ability to communicate in a clear and unambiguous way
- Skills
Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Skills
Ability to develop effective professional relationships with others
- Skills
Establish and maintain communication with individuals and groups about difficult or complex matters overcoming any differences in communication
- Skills
Participate in partnership working with individuals, groups, communities and agencies
- Physical
Ability to carry out PMVA techniques • Ability to administer IM medication as required. • Ability to use manual handling techniques.
- Planning
Organising and co-ordinating the activities of others within the ward environment • Planning off duty rotas • Co-ordinating ward meetings
- Knowledge
Significant post qualifying experience relevant to the care group
- Knowledge
Experience of working alongside people with severe mental health problems particularly in their acute phase of illness
- Knowledge
Experience of supervising staff
- Knowledge
Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
- Knowledge
Experience of conducting clinical assessments including risk assessments
- Knowledge
Experience of partnership working within and across various statutory and non statutory teams and agencies
- Analytical
Skills of assessing and interpreting mental health service user conditions, communicating that with others and taking appropriate action.
- Leadership
Experience of handling patient property and valuables • Experience of acting as authorised signatory for staff timesheets • Ordering stock and equipment as and when required
- Qualifications
Professional qualification • Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
- Qualifications
Registered Nurse with current registration (mental health / LD/ Adult) appropriate to the job role.
- Qualifications
Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent
- Qualifications
Evidence of continuous professional development
- Approach and Values
Punctual and flexible across hours of work when required
- Approach and Values
Demonstrate support for the values and beliefs of the Care Group and those of the Trust • I • Demonstrate an understanding of the practices of Human Rights in the delivery of this role
Desirable
Not listed in the available specification.
Job overview
Join Us as We Reopen Our New CAMHS Inpatient Unit
We are recruiting a Band 6 Charge Nurse / Deputy Ward Manager to join our newly redesigned Children and Young People’s Mental Health Inpatient Unit, reopening in Autumn 2026.
Following extensive co-design with young people, families and staff, and significant investment in our workforce and therapeutic model, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a modern, recovery-focused inpatient service delivering high-quality, purposeful care to young people (aged 12-up to 18th birthday) with acute mental health needs.
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Location The unit is based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, with on-site parking and offering excellent rail links to London (under 45 minutes), close proximity to Gatwick Airport, and easy access to both the Sussex coast and South Downs.
Main duties of the job
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.
You will work as part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, supporting young people, families and carers through assessment, treatment and discharge planning in a therapeutic inpatient environment.
This role is ideal for an experienced registered nurse ready to take the next step in leadership within CAMHS inpatient care.
Main duties of the job
- Undertake comprehensive mental health and risk assessments for young people with complex needs
- Act as named nurse and care coordinator, contributing to care review processes and mental health tribunals
- Deliver and evaluate person-centred, trauma-informed nursing interventions
- Provide clinical leadership and act as a senior decision maker during shifts
- Regularly take charge of the ward, coordinating care delivery and staffing
- Support the Ward Manager with operational duties, including rota coordination, staff supervision and quality monitoring
- Supervise, mentor and support junior staff and students
- Work closely with families, carers and partner agencies to support effective discharge planning
- Contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement initiatives
- Maintain high standards of documentation, governance and safeguarding practice
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As a Band 6 Charge Nurse / Deputy Ward Manager, you will provide senior clinical leadership on shift and support the Ward Manager in the day-to-day operational management of the ward.
You will play a key role in ensuring safe, effective and person-centred care, supporting staff development, maintaining high standards of clinical practice, and contributing to service improvement and quality initiatives.
You will work closely with the multidisciplinary team, families and partner agencies to support positive outcomes for young people and ensure effective care planning and discharge processes.
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Registered Mental Health Nurse with post-registration experience
- Experience working with children and young people in mental health settings
- Strong clinical skills and risk assessment capability
- Confidence in leading shifts and supporting junior staff
- A compassionate, recovery-focused and trauma-informed approach
- Commitment to high standards of care, safety and continuous improvement
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Charge Nurse - Deputy Ward Manager with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Haywards Heath, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Ward manager role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 Enhancements for evenings/nights/weekends/bank holiday. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 16 Sep 2026.
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