Ward Manager

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

12 month - Maternity Cover (Fixed Term / Secondment from June 2025 - June 2026)

The successful applicant will be responsible for the daily management of a mixed assessment ward within Basildon Mental Health Unit.

The post holder is responsible for overseeing assessments of care needs and the development, implementation, and evaluation of programmes of care for clients with mental health needs. Participate in ward meetings, initiating and discussing new methods/models of care and the introduction to research or trials within a designated area. Ensure the environment is maintained to high standards at all times. Ensure all CQC standards are upheld at all times and the information is disseminated to all staff.

Main duties of the job

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a 12 month secondment/Fixed Term Contract to cover maternity leave - Ward Manager. To work within our mixed assessment ward, Grangewater Ward based at Basildon Mental Health Unit, Basildon.

The successful candidate will be a competent practitioner with a proven record of leadership skills and will be able to take responsibility for overseeing assessments of care needs and the development, implementation, and evaluation of programmes of care for clients requiring treatment. You will be able to demonstrate:

• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally;
• Demonstrate compassion, understanding, commitment, and enthusiasm;
• Above all, be highly motivated;
• An understanding of the Recovery Model approach is essential, taking into account the needs of families and carers, and becoming part of an established multidisciplinary team;
• Experience of involvement in Quality Improvement Projects;
• Active participation will be required in the training and education of learners allocated to the Mental Health Service, and to encourage integration between the Ward Team and the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team.

About us

EPUT is looking for motivated staff who share our Trust values of Care, Learn, and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including:

• Season Ticket Loans
• NHS discounts for staff
• Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
• Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
• The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
• Day One Flexible Employer

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment.

Job responsibilities

Key strategic responsibilities

• In liaison with the Consultant Practitioner/Clinical Manager, set objectives for the delivery of care, and the implementation and monitoring.
• Responsible for updating own knowledge and ensuring all Mandatory and Core Practice Training is up to date at all times.
• Ensure full compliance with standards laid out in the Trust's CPA Policy is in place at all times. Upholding the principle for Admission Procedure is undertaken in accordance with CPA and Trust Policy, risk assessed, and that discharges are pre-planned, and that all necessary agencies are informed.
• In line with the Trust's visions, uphold all principles of good customer care including members of the public, other professionals, patients, and colleagues on the ward.
• Act at all times in accordance with:
• Midwifery and Nursing Council Code of Professional Practice 2015
• Scope of Professional Practice
• Standards for Medicines management 2008
• Guidelines for Records and Record Keeping 2015
• Revalidation from 2016
• In liaison with the Consultant Practitioner/Clinical Manager, ensure that Essex Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust Policies and Procedures are communicated, implemented, and developed and that all staff are aware of the procedure to obtain all Policies and Procedures via the Trust Intranet website.
• Inform the Consultant Practitioner on all breaches of nursing professional conduct as required by the NMC code of Professional Practice.
• Work closely with the Executive Nurse in developing nursing practice across the ward.

Person Specification

Education

• Registration Mental Health Nurse RMN Part 3
• Postgraduate qualification degree or extensive experience of community mental health nursing

Experience

• Managerial Experience
• Experience in risk assessment of service users
• Managing the care of service users with highly complex needs
• Experience of and participation in audit and research
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Trust Core Values

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.

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust