Charge Nurse - Deputy Ward Manager

Job summary

Join Us as We Reopen Our New CAMHS Inpatient Unit

We are recruiting a Band 6 Charge Nurse / Deputy Ward Manager to join our newly redesigned Children and Young People's Mental Health Inpatient Unit, reopening in Autumn 2026.

Following extensive co-design with young people, families and staff, and significant investment in our workforce and therapeutic model, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a modern, recovery-focused inpatient service delivering high-quality, purposeful care to young people (aged 12-up to 18th birthday) with acute mental health needs.

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The unit is based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, with on-site parking and offering excellent rail links to London (under 45 minutes), close proximity to Gatwick Airport, and easy access to both the Sussex coast and South Downs.

Our refreshed clinical model includes purposeful admissions, structured care with early review points, strong links with COAST (Crisis Outreach Acute Support Team), and a 7-day therapeutic timetable including evenings and weekends.

You will work as part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, supporting young people, families and carers through assessment, treatment and discharge planning in a therapeutic inpatient environment.

This role is ideal for an experienced registered nurse ready to take the next step in leadership within CAMHS inpatient care.

• Undertake comprehensive mental health and risk assessments for young people with complex needs
• Act as named nurse and care coordinator, contributing to care review processes and mental health tribunals
• Deliver and evaluate person-centred, trauma-informed nursing interventions
• Provide clinical leadership and act as a senior decision maker during shifts
• Regularly take charge of the ward, coordinating care delivery and staffing
• Support the Ward Manager with operational duties, including rota coordination, staff supervision and quality monitoring
• Supervise, mentor and support junior staff and students
• Work closely with families, carers and partner agencies to support effective discharge planning
• Contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement initiatives
• Maintain high standards of documentation, governance and safeguarding practice

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust delivers specialist mental health, learning disability and neurodevelopmental services across Sussex. This post sits within our Specialist CAMHS Services, offering opportunities to work closely with acute, community and crisis pathway colleagues.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to creating a compassionate, supportive working environment where staff feel valued, developed and able to deliver their best care.

If you are joining as a Band 6 Nurse, you would be eligible for up to £2,000 through our Golden Hello or Accommodation/Relocation Allowance (subject to terms and conditions).

Eligibility includes external candidates, those returning after 24 months, and candidates relocating 30+ miles closer to the work base.

• A supportive leadership team and strong MDT culture
• High-quality clinical and managerial supervision
• Access to CPD, specialist CAMHS training and leadership development
• Career progression opportunities within inpatient and wider CAMHS services
• NHS Pension Scheme and Agenda for Change benefits

If you are looking for a leadership role where you can make a real difference to young people and their families, we would love to hear from you.

As a Band 6 Charge Nurse / Deputy Ward Manager, you will provide senior clinical…