Prison Mental Health Nurse – Development Post(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has opened for registered mental health nurses to join the clinical team delivering healthcare services at HMP Millsike, a modern prison facility focused on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.

This role is designed as a development pathway from Band 5 to Band 6, allowing successful candidates to progress once they meet the required competencies and professional standards within the Health & Justice services framework.

Working within a stepped care mental health model, the successful candidate will support individuals in custody by carrying out mental health assessments, managing caseloads, and delivering evidence-based interventions. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide compassionate, person-centred care within a secure environment.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will contribute to the delivery of both planned and urgent mental health services within the prison setting.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting comprehensive mental health assessments for individuals referred to the service.
• Managing a defined clinical caseload and supporting recovery-focused care planning.
• Delivering evidence-based psychological and nursing interventions.
• Communicating treatment plans clearly to patients and multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Working closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and partner agencies.
• Supporting colleagues through clinical guidance and collaborative working.
• Contributing to risk assessments and crisis management when required.
• This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop specialist psychiatric nursing skills within a secure healthcare setting.

Professional Development

The Trust provides strong support for career progression and professional growth. Staff joining the team will benefit from:

• A comprehensive induction programme.
• Structured clinical supervision and mentorship.
• Access to academic and professional development courses.
• Training aligned with the Health & Justice competency framework.
• Opportunities to develop leadership and specialist mental health skills.
• Successful completion of competency requirements may allow progression to a Band 6 Clinical Lead role.

About the Organisation

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health, learning disability, and autism services across the North of England. The organisation is committed to improving the lives of patients through compassionate care and collaborative working.

The Trust’s strategy, Journey to Change, focuses on three key ambitions:

• Creating a positive and supportive experience for patients and their families.
• Supporting colleagues to thrive in their roles.
• Building strong partnerships across healthcare and community organisations.

Healthcare services at HMP Millsike form part of the UK government’s wider strategy to reduce reoffending by supporting rehabilitation and improving access to healthcare within prisons.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate the following:

• Current professional registration with an approved healthcare body (such as nursing registration).
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Teaching or supervision qualifications such as ENB 998, City & Guilds 730, or willingness to work towards them.
• Training or willingness to train as a Clinical Supervisor.
• Basic competencies in literacy, numeracy, and IT (Level 2 or equivalent).

Desirable Qualifications

Postgraduate qualification in a relevant clinical or mental health field.

Essential Experience

Applicants should have experience in:

• Supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.
• Working effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Communicating complex and sensitive information to patients and families.

Desirable Experience

Experience in any of the following areas would be beneficial:

• Community mental health services
• Forensic mental health environments
• Secure or prison healthcare settings
• Person-centred therapeutic care models
• Partnership working with external agencies

Key Skills

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Communicate complex clinical information clearly and compassionately.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Manage workloads effectively and prioritise tasks.
• Support teaching, training, and supervision of colleagues.
• Use approved safety and breakaway techniques when required.

DBS and Safeguarding

This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975. A criminal record check will be required before employment can commence.

Visa Sponsorship and Immigration

Applications from candidates requiring UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship will be considered alongside other applicants.

Overseas applicants may also need to provide criminal record certificates from countries where they have lived for 12 months or more during the past 10 years.

Professional Registration

Applicants must hold valid UK professional registration before starting the role. Guidance on careers and registration in the NHS can be found via the National Health Service careers platform.

Informal Visits and Enquiries

Prospective candidates are encouraged to arrange an informal visit or discussion with the team to learn more about the role and working environment.