Deputy Ward Manager Band 6

Job details

• Branch: Belfast HSCT
• Location: ACUTE MENTAL HEALTH INPATIENT CENTRE
• Salary: Band 6 (£38,682 - £46,580)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 04/09/26
• Closes: Fri, 18 September 2026 @ 4:30 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Notes

Accept online applications only, A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week. Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Mental Health - Deputy Ward Sister/Deputy Charge Nurse

LOCATION: Adult Mental Health Inpatient Centre, All Wards

BAND: 6

REPORTS TO: Ward Sister/Charge Nurse

RESPONSIBLE TO: Assistant Service Manager

Job Summary / Main Purpose

As the Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse you will be working with clients with mental health issues which may increase their level of vulnerability and will be responsible for the assessment of care needs, the development of individualised care plans, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care without supervision and will be required to supervise junior staff and able to teach qualified and unqualified staff.

Take continuing overall responsibility for the management of the ward team in the absence of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse.

Carry continuing responsibility for the management of the total resource within their allocated sphere of influence in the absence of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse.

Ensure a holistic approach to treatment of care, which acknowledges the importance of mental health, physical health, psychology and emotions, family and social support and spiritual belief systems, which underpins the agreed Model of Care.

Act in accordance with the N. M.C. Code of Professional Conduct and ensures that other staff comply with the code.

Undertake the management of a ward including the deployment and supervision of staff and students on clinical placements.

Monitor and maintain the health, safety and security of self and others in own work area.

Main Duties / Responsibilities

For each of the following, the postholder will;

Management Leadership and Responsibilities

Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to staff consistent with effective decision making, whilst retaining overall responsibility and accountability in the absence of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse.

Provide leadership, motivation, clinical advice and support to all staff.

Undertake the role and responsibilities of the Senior Nurse Co-ordinator on a rota basis, providing support and advice to staff .

Manage when appropriate the sourcing of resources needed for patients.

Participate in the implementation of nursing supervision twice per year for all registrants.

Ensure that the legal requirements of the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986 are implemented.

Participate in the Recruitment and Selection of staff.

Assist in the planning of nursing staff rotas to ensure optimum usage of available resources and adequate cover for the ward.

Assist the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse with risk assessments.

Assist the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse to maintain systems and processes to ensure a coordinated service is delivered to patients and relatives.

Support the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in reducing and managing absenteeism due to sickness to a level determined by Trust performance targets.

Handle complaints, suggestions or queries promptly and sympathetically, and refer those unresolved to the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse taking corrective action where appropriate.

Report accidents/incidents to the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, and participate in the investigation of same in accordance with Trust policy and procedures.

Effective Communication and Team Working

Work as a member of, and when appropriate, lead a multidisciplinary ward based team which includes all those involved in the patient care planning process and the delivery of a therapeutic programme.

Ensure joint ownership of the delivery of the agreed therapeutic programme.

Work as an active member of the whole ward team to devise and implement with the patient a care plan to meet individually assessed need.

Build and maintain effective partnerships with referring and discharge agencies promoting effective discharge planning.

Participate in the assessment of individuals from outside agencies.

Work with others both inside and outside the ward to improve the effectiveness of communication and information sharing.

Maintain factual records and provide information as required.

Provide or obtain reports/returns that are required both on a regular and an ad hoc basis.

Adhere to the Named Nurse Policy.

Maintain Confidentiality - As defined in Contracts of Employment you are advised 'that you shall not as an employee of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust or follow the termination of your employment within the Trust disclose, other than to an authorised person or in the course of your duty, without lawful authority any matter or information which you have obtained or to which you have obtained or to which you have access owing to your official position'.

Management - Delivery of Patient Centred Care

Assess and make recommendations to the responsible medical officer on the suitability of patients for admission to and discharge from your service.

Carry responsibility for the professional nursing input to assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individual patient care.

Supervise staff ensuring that individualised patient care is provided and that care plans are implemented in keeping with the Model of Care.

Ensure that the individualised care planning process is underpinned by a recovery approach.

Ensure that all staff work flexibly across all clinical areas to deliver holistic treatment programmes as part of the whole team approach.

Ensure that agreed Standards of Care are delivered in keeping with the concept of Clinical Governance and advise the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse when agreed Standards of Care are not being met.

Ensure families and carers as appropriate are involved in the patients care planning process especially in relation to sharing of information and giving of support.

Ensure that Child Protection and Vulnerable adult issues are adhered to within the Trusts Policies & Procedures.

Responsible for ensuring that an ongoing daily programme of therapeutic activities based on a learning and skills development ethos is available to each patient.

Ensure safe custody and storage of drugs by ensuring robust systems for procuring, storing, supplying, transporting, prescribing, administering, recording, and disposing safely of controlled drugs in accordance with BHSCT medicine code.

Ensure Individualised patient programmes will be delivered flexibly in a person-centred way both on and off ward seeking agreement with patients who will be involved in planning their treatment.

Develop own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others

Work closely with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, and Nursing Development Lead (NDL) ensuring that all education and learning needs of staff are facilitated and met.

Take responsibility for identifying own development needs and set personal development objectives in line with the agreed Staff Development and Performance Review Programme

Promote a learning ethos for all of staff team.

Participate in all relevant aspects of the Trust Learning and Development Programmes.

Share learning and knowledge, participates in the education and training of other professional staff including induction of new staff and ensures that all staff have a good working knowledge of current mental health legislation.

Take responsibility for own continuing professional development and performance with regard to current research, modern techniques and methods of nursing and translate these into evidence based practices.

Participate in the Education of Nurse Learners in accordance with the agreed Curriculum Future Nurse Future Midwife (FNFM), NMC Education Standards (2018).

Monitor and maintains a Safe, Secure and Therapeutic Environment

Ensure the safety of all patients in accordance with their leave status in the grounds and the community.

Ensure that within all agreed protocols that patients utilise all resource areas needed to meet their needs as specified in their care plan.

Establish and maintain, as part of the team, a caring and safe working environment working within legislation and ward procedures on risk management.

Contribute to Service Development

Contribute and participate in the Service Development process, making constructive suggestions as to how service, can be improved in line with the Model of Care.

Contribute to the further development of the Model of Care, which provides for the treatment of individual patients with respect and allows them to establish and maintain a sense of dignity and self-esteem.

Contribute effectively to evaluations (e.g. performing clinical audits, safer patient initiatives staff / patient satisfaction surveys), and research projects.

Participate in relevant groups and project work where required, relevant to clinical work and service development.

Implementation of Policies/Procedures

Be fully aware of the Trust's Policies / Procedures and ensure they are implemented.

Contribute to the audit and review of all Policies and Procedures and initiate change process where appropriate.

Ensure that all policies and procedures are readily available for staff to consult and adhere to.

Ensure that training in policies and procedures is an integral part of induction and ongoing staff learning and development.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust's Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.

Comply with the Trust's Smoke Free Policy.

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.

Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.

Maintain high standards of personal accountability.

Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that "Cleanliness matters is everyone's responsibility, not just the cleaners" Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:-

Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO '5 moments');

Using the correct '7 step' hand hygiene technique;

Being 'bare below the elbows' when in a clinical environment;

Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);

Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;

Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;

Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust's ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Mental Health - Deputy Ward Sister / Deputy

Charge Nurse - Waiting List / Band 6

Mental Health & Intellectual Disability

Registered nurse on Part 1 of the live NMC register

Mental Health

A minimum of 2 years working at Band 5 or above in a Mental Health setting.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Evidence of leadership skills.

Ability to motivate staff and initiate change.

Presentation and / or Interview

Hold a current full driving licence valid in the UK with access to a car.

'This criteria may be waived in the case of an applicant whose disability prohibits driving but who is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.'

Preferably one year's experience of working in Acute Inpatient setting

I.T. Skills.

Evidence of further managerial development. Shortlisting by Application Form

NOTE

Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role