Nurse Consultant Approved Clinician/Trainee Approved Clinician(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Overview of the Role

This is a senior clinical leadership opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking nurse to join Willow Ward, a Level 2 mixed-sex rehabilitation unit. The role is suited to someone who is passionate about delivering high-quality mental health care and influencing service development at an advanced level.

As a Nurse Consultant, you will combine expert clinical practice with leadership, education, and service improvement. You will play a key role in shaping patient care, supporting staff development, and ensuring services align with current evidence, research, and national guidance.

Applicants must either already hold Approved Clinician (AC) status or be committed to working towards it within 12 months of appointment.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Clinical Practice

• Lead on complex mental health assessments, care planning, and treatment delivery.
  Provide expert clinical input for individuals with high-risk and complex needs.
  Ensure care is evidence-based and aligned with national standards such as NICE guidance.

Leadership & Service Development

• Act as a senior clinical leader within the multidisciplinary team.
  Support service improvement initiatives and contribute to quality enhancement projects.
  Influence strategic direction within the rehabilitation service.

Collaboration & Partnership Working

• Work closely with patients, families, carers, and external agencies to improve outcomes.
  Promote person-centred care and shared decision-making.

Education & Workforce Development

• Deliver teaching, mentoring, and clinical supervision to staff.
  Contribute to training programmes and continuous professional development across the team.
  Working Environment

You will be based at West Park Hospital, Darlington, working within a supportive multidisciplinary team. The organisation places strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, inclusion, and professional growth, offering structured development opportunities and leadership support.

Essential Requirements

Qualifications

• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as RMN, RNLD, or RGN.
  Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent advanced-level expertise.
  Accredited therapeutic qualification (e.g., CBT, DBT, Family Therapy, or Independent Prescribing).
  Recognised leadership development training.
  Practice Assessor/Supervisor qualification.

Experience

• Significant senior-level experience (Band 8a or equivalent).
  Proven expertise in managing complex cases and clinical risk.
  Experience working in multidisciplinary settings and leading service improvements.
  Track record in teaching, supervision, and clinical audit or research.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of mental health legislation and safeguarding frameworks.
  Advanced assessment and clinical decision-making skills.
  Knowledge of medicines management and psychological treatment models.
  Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Professional & Legal Requirements

• This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  Applicants must hold valid UK professional registration.

Visa & International Applicants

• This position may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, depending on eligibility.
• Criminal record guidance for overseas applicants
• Key Legal & Practice Frameworks

Understanding UK mental health law is essential for this role:

Mental Health Act guidance
Mental Capacity Act overview

About the Organisation

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a positive and inclusive workplace. The Trust invests heavily in staff development, values innovation, and actively promotes wellbeing and career progression.