Job summary
Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make a real difference in the lives of young people at risk of psychosis? We're looking for a compassionate and forward-thinking Clinical Nurse Specialist to take on a pivotal leadership role within our First Episode Psychosis (FEP) and At Risk Mental State (ARMS) services.
This is a key role providing expert advice, clinical leadership, and support to ensure consistent, high-quality care aligned with national strategies. The role includes supervising team members (as agreed with the Team Manager), contributing to service development and evaluation, and stepping into the Team Manager position during planned absences.
ARMS is a specialist area within Early Intervention that supports young people and adults aged 18--25 across Somerset. The service offers early assessment and tailored interventions for individuals showing signs of prodromal symptoms, aiming to reduce the progression to a first episode of psychosis.
This is an autonomous role ideal for a Non-Medical Prescriber (NMP) with the confidence to work independently within their competencies. Clinical supervision from senior psychiatrists and peer support from other NMPs in similar roles will be provided. The position is fully supported by the safeguards outlined in the Trust's NMP policy.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Leadership: Provide expert clinical leadership across the FEP and ARMS pathways, guiding a skilled team to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.
Specialist Assessment and Intervention: Deliver specialist assessments and interventions that help prevent the onset of psychosis in young people aged 18--25.
Independent Prescribing: Work autonomously as an NMP, supported by senior psychiatrists and peer supervision.
Team Support and Supervision: Supervise and mentor team members, students, and peers, fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
Drive innovation: Contribute to service development, quality improvement, and clinical governance initiatives.
Collaborate widely: Build strong partnerships with CAMHS, GPs, voluntary organisations, and other key stakeholders to ensure seamless, holistic care.
Step up when needed: Act as deputy for the Team Manager during periods of absence, ensuring continuity and leadership across the service.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As the Clinical Lead for FEP and ARMS, you will play a central role in delivering early intervention services to young people and adults aged 18--25 who are at risk of developing psychosis. Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting specialist assessments using standardised tools to identify individuals at high risk of psychosis.
- Delivering evidence-based interventions including CBT, family interventions, and motivational interviewing.
- Promoting a recovery-focused, strengths-based approach to care.
- Leading on medication initiation and monitoring as an NMP, with support from senior psychiatrists and peer supervision.
- Ensuring high standards of clinical documentation and adherence to Trust policies.
- Supporting the development of junior staff through supervision, mentorship, and appraisal.
- Engaging in clinical governance, audit, and research to drive service improvement.
- Acting as a key liaison between the STEP team and external agencies to ensure integrated care pathways.
This role requires a high level of autonomy, clinical expertise, and leadership. You will be expected to work flexibly across the county and must have access to your own transport with appropriate business insurance.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As the Clinical Lead for FEP and ARMS, you will play a central role in delivering early intervention services to young people and adults aged 18--25 who are at risk of developing psychosis. Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting specialist assessments using standardised tools to identify individuals at high risk of psychosis.
- Delivering evidence-based interventions including CBT, family interventions, and motivational interviewing.
- Promoting a recovery-focused, strengths-based approach to care.
- Leading on medication initiation and monitoring as an NMP, with support from senior psychiatrists and peer supervision.
- Ensuring high standards of clinical documentation and adherence to Trust policies.
- Supporting the development of junior staff through supervision, mentorship, and appraisal.
- Engaging in clinical governance, audit, and research to drive service improvement.
- Acting as a key liaison between the STEP team and external agencies to ensure integrated care pathways.
This role requires a high level of autonomy, clinical expertise, and leadership. You will be expected to work flexibly across the county and must have access to your own transport with appropriate business insurance.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered RMNV300 Non-Medical Prescribing qualification, recorded with their respective professional regulating body
Desirable
- Degree/Diploma level qualification in family interventions in psychosis (CBT for Psychosis/Psychosocial InterventionsOther relevant specialist CPD qualification (eg. Clinical assessment)
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of post qualifying professional development in an acute setting.Familiarity with Early Interventions principles and research.Significant post registration experience in multi-disciplinary community mental health services
Desirable
- Experience of supervising all grades of staff
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Ability to travel round Trust area to fulfil the requirements of the role
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered RMNV300 Non-Medical Prescribing qualification, recorded with their respective professional regulating body
Desirable
- Degree/Diploma level qualification in family interventions in psychosis (CBT for Psychosis/Psychosocial InterventionsOther relevant specialist CPD qualification (eg. Clinical assessment)
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of post qualifying professional development in an acute setting.Familiarity with Early Interventions principles and research.Significant post registration experience in multi-disciplinary community mental health services
Desirable
- Experience of supervising all grades of staff
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Ability to travel round Trust area to fulfil the requirements of the role
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
