Job summary
As a Step Lead, you will provide day-to-day operational leadership and line management for an allocated team of clinicians, creating the conditions for staff to thrive and deliver high-quality care. You will work closely with the Deputy Service Manager, Head of Service and Clinical Leadership Team to ensure the service achieves its quality, performance and access objectives while maintaining a strong focus on staff wellbeing, development and continuous improvement.
Main duties of the job
As a Step Lead, you will provide day-to-day operational leadership and line management for an allocated team of clinicians, creating the conditions for staff to thrive and deliver high-quality care. You will work closely with the Deputy Service Manager, Head of Service and Clinical Leadership Team to ensure the service achieves its quality, performance and access objectives while maintaining a strong focus on staff wellbeing, development and continuous improvement. The role plays a vital part in creating a compassionate, supportive and accountable culture where staff feel valued and able to provide outstanding care. You will work collaboratively across operational and clinical teams, supporting service developments and helping to deliver innovative and responsive mental health services. You will be responsible for managing team performance, monitoring key performance indicators, overseeing workforce planning and supporting clinicians to achieve agreed outcomes. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will ensure appropriate supervision arrangements are in place, contribute to service governance processes and support the effective management of risk, safeguarding and quality standards.
About us
Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity delivering innovative, life-changing mental health support for individuals and communities across the UK. Through our diverse range of services, we help people improve their mental wellbeing, overcome barriers and lead fulfilling lives. Everything we do is people focused. Whether supporting those who access our services or investing in the wellbeing and development of our colleagues, people are at the heart of MHM. Our workforce is the driving force behind our success, and we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and values-led environment where talented individuals can thrive and make a meaningful difference. By joining MHM, you'll become part of a compassionate and ambitious organisation that is committed to improving mental health, promoting recovery and creating positive change in communities across the country.
Details
- Date posted: 01 September 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: Depending on experience
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 6 months
- Working pattern: Part-time
- Reference number: R000649
- Job locations: Ribban Court, 20 Dallam Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NG, Warrington, WA2 7NG, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
NHS Talking Therapies Step 3 Lead Hours: 30 per week (Fixed term to 31/03/2027) Salary: £49,388 AfC Band 7 Location: Sefton and Warrington - Hybrid working arrangements About the role Are you an experienced leader with a passion for supporting clinical teams to deliver safe, effective and person-centred mental health care? Are you ready to play a key role in shaping service delivery, developing staff and driving performance within busy Talking Therapies services? As a Step Lead, you will provide day-to-day operational leadership and line management for an allocated team of clinicians, creating the conditions for staff to thrive and deliver high-quality care. You will work closely with the Deputy Service Manager, Head of Service and Clinical Leadership Team to ensure the service achieves its quality, performance and access objectives while maintaining a strong focus on staff wellbeing, development and continuous improvement. The role plays a vital part in creating a compassionate, supportive and accountable culture where staff feel valued and able to provide outstanding care. You will work collaboratively across operational and clinical teams, supporting service developments and helping to deliver innovative and responsive mental health services. You will be responsible for managing team performance, monitoring key performance indicators, overseeing workforce planning and supporting clinicians to achieve agreed outcomes. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will ensure appropriate supervision arrangements are in place, contribute to service governance processes and support the effective management of risk, safeguarding and quality standards. About you We're looking for a compassionate, motivated and effective leader who is passionate about supporting people and services to achieve their full potential. You will be confident managing performance, supporting staff development and maintaining high standards of quality, safety and service delivery. You will be an approachable and visible leader with excellent communication and relationship-building skills, capable of working collaboratively across operational, clinical and external stakeholder groups. You will be comfortable balancing competing priorities while maintaining a person-centred and values-led approach. To be successful in this role, you will have:
A relevant management or professional healthcare qualification, or equivalent professional experience.
Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Experience of providing line management to clinical, professional or similarly skilled staff.
Experience of conducting appraisals, managing performance and supporting staff development.
Experience working within a target-driven environment and supporting teams to achieve agreed outcomes and KPIs.
Experience of using performance, activity or outcome data to inform decision-making and service improvements.
Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage competing demands effectively.
Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management, clinical governance, confidentiality and professional accountability.
A commitment to staff wellbeing, service excellence and continuous improvement.
A recognised leadership or management qualification.
A relevant clinical or healthcare qualification with current professional registration or accreditation.
Experience working within Talking Therapies, mental health or wider healthcare services.
Experience supporting recruitment, induction and development of staff, trainees or volunteers.
Experience contributing to service improvement initiatives, investigations or formal people management processes.
27 days Annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays
Enhanced Occupational Sick pay
Access to our workplace pension scheme
Family friendly and flexible working arrangements to support a good work life balance
Access to our Wellbeing Offer - including EAP, Virtual GP service and wellbeing resources
Life Assurance and Free Will writing service
Blue Light Card and Charity Workers discounts
Access to Tickets for Good
Employee recognition and celebration schemes
A tailored induction programme, bespoke Personal Development and Career Pathways to support you in your role and your career aspirations
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A relevant management or professional healthcare qualification, or equivalent professional experience.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Experience of providing line management to clinical, professional or similarly skilled staff.
- Experience of conducting appraisals, managing performance and supporting staff development.
- Experience working within a target-driven environment and supporting teams to achieve agreed outcomes and KPIs.
- Experience of using performance, activity or outcome data to inform decision-making and service improvements.
- Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage competing demands effectively.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management, clinical governance, confidentiality and professional accountability.
- A commitment to staff wellbeing, service excellence and continuous improvement.
- It would also be advantageous if you have:
- A recognised leadership or management qualification.
- A relevant clinical or healthcare qualification with current professional registration or accreditation.
- Experience working within Talking Therapies, mental health or wider healthcare services.
- Experience supporting recruitment, induction and development of staff, trainees or volunteers.
- Experience contributing to service improvement initiatives, investigations or formal people management processes.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Step 3 Lead - Sefton/Warrington FTC with Mental Health Matters. It is listed as a Band 7 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is Negotiable. The contract type is Fixed-Term. The application deadline is 13 Sep 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (01 Sep 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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