Staff Nurse - Band 5 (CAMHS Inpatient)
The St Aubyn Centre, Colchester
37.5 hours per week | Agenda for Change | Permanent
This post is not suitable for newly qualified nurses or those requiring preceptorship.
Are you a compassionate, motivated Mental Health Nurse looking to make a real difference to the lives of young people? Join our dedicated team at the St Aubyn Centre and help shape the future of high‑quality CAMHS inpatient care.
About the role
As a Band 5 Staff Nurse, you will play a key role within our multidisciplinary team, delivering safe, evidence‑based, and holistic nursing care to young people experiencing mental health difficulties. Working collaboratively with partners, careers, clinicians and service users, you will support a 24/7 service that puts patient wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.
You will contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of personalised care, ensuring that every young person receives the support, respect, and therapeutic intervention they deserve.
This role also offers opportunities to develop leadership skills by supporting junior colleagues and taking charge of the ward when required.
What you will be doing
Delivering high quality, person centered and recovery focused care
Acting as a key worker for a designated group of young people
Supporting the assessment and formulation of care and risk management plans
Building therapeutic, professional relationships with young people, families and careers
Observing and recording changes in physical and mental health
Promoting independence and self care
Participating in therapeutic and social activities
Supervising junior staff and mentoring student nurses
Supporting safe discharge planning in line with CPA and relevant legislation
Ensuring confidentiality, professionalism and adherence to NMC standards
Contributing to a calm, safe and positive ward environment.
What we are looking for
Registered Mental Health Nurse (NMC)
Passion for working with young people in a mental health setting
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Commitment to the NHS values and our Trust values: We Care, We Learn, We Empower
Ability to work flexibly as part of a 24‑hour service
Why join us?
A supportive and experienced team
Opportunities for professional development and clinical supervision
Involvement in service development and quality improvement
A role that truly makes an impact on young lives
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
Benefits
27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
£8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Work that wraps around your needs
Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Please see attached job description and person specification for further details.
Qualifications
Essential
Registered Mental Health Nurse at degree / diploma level
Current NMC Registration
Must have completed preceptorship programme and be signed off.
Desirable
Degree level qualification
Experience
Essential
Knowledge of mental disorder, child development, mental health law and legislation and the nursing process
Desirable
Experience of working in a mental health setting post- registration
Basic counselling skills
Special Aptitudes/Abilities
Essential
Demonstrates an understanding of and empathy to the needs of children & young people
Ability to effectively communicate with children, young people and their parents
Ability to effectively communicate with other professionals, in person and on the phone
Desirable
Ability to understand and work with challenging behaviour
Personal Characteristics:
Essential
A genuine interest in working within this specialism.
Excellent professional attitude
Available to work shifts, days, nights and weekends, Monday to Sunday across all inpatient units
