King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Matron and ETOC Service Lead

The closing date is 23 November 2025

Job summary

We are seeking an exceptional individual for the post of Mental Health Matron to support maternity leave cover for a period of 6 months. The postholder will play a pivotal role in the ongoing development of the clinical vulnerabilities team and service, in addition to supporting the overarching strategy to facilitate a trauma informed approach within the organisation, this represents an exciting opportunity for the right person to diversify their experience and skillset, through contributing to the wider agenda and supporting the clinical vulnerability caseload, while acting as subject matter expert for Mental Health across the wider organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity, to work in a developing service, working closely with the Director of Nursing for Safeguarding and Vulnerable people and Associate Director of Nursing for Mental Health in addition to other senior safeguarding/vulnerability leads, the postholder will collaborate closely with operational teams and support the delivery of a coherent trauma informed Mental Health ETOC and vulnerabilities service across all sites within the Trust.

This post represents an excellent opportunity for an expert clinical and professional practitioner to work collaboratively and innovatively with colleagues from within the Trust, local authority and other external stakeholders and agencies to coordinate care and support.

Main duties of the job

To provide in-house support with mental health care to multi-disciplinary staff teams across the inpatient wards and across all divisions; to improve the quality of mental health care provided to patients admitted with mental health and physical health needs; to oversee the development of, and act as service lead for an Enhanced Therapeutic Observations and Care team; and, under the direction of the Associate Director of Nursing for Mental Health, support the Trust's wider strategic and operational improvement aims.

Provide on hand clinical support for frontline staff in supporting patients with mental health, social, emotional and behavioural needs admitted with mental health needs

To assure pathway of care for patients with emotional, psychiatric, social and behavioural needs is timely, appropriate and well supported

To work closely with ward matrons to ensure mental health related educational needs of multidisciplinary staff teams are met, that any training is evaluated and that response to needs is flexible and creative.

Provide a point of contact for external and internal teams seeking up to date information on patients who require ongoing mental health care

Line management of RMN teams, linking with ward Matrons and Staff Bank agency (provided by Reed) to ensure quality mental health care is delivered

About us

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Details

Date posted

07 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£64,156 to £71,148 a year per annum inc HCA's

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

213-CORP-7589641

Job locations

Kings College Hospital

Denmark Hill

Camberwell

SE59RS


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Management and assessment of risk related to mental health, challenging behaviour and mental capacity, acting as an advocate for patients, families and staff where required.
  • To support staff with the on-going risk assessment of patients including the need for enhanced therapeutic observations and care (ETOC) and where it can be stepped down or an alternative provided.
  • To manage an ETOC service targeting Emergency Care and Acute Specialty Medicine at Denmark Hill initially and providing input as required to the development of a wider Trust wide service.
  • To provide on the floor senior clinical support with urgent situations ensuring close work with the Trusts Liaison Psychiatry services.
  • To act as a member of the Relational Care Team providing specialist advice and expertise relating to the management of challenging behaviour on inpatient ward areas and in the Emergency Departments.
  • Support with and oversee the development of effective and individualised care plans for patients presenting with significant mental health needs, or who are presenting with challenging behaviour, in coordination with liaison psychiatry, medical, and nursing teams.
  • Support patients experiencing delirium, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, or psychosis in the context of physical illness.
  • Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with Trust policies.
  • Support the MDT with complex discharge planning where mental health concerns are involved.
  • Liaise with Adult and Childrens Social Care teams as required to address safeguarding concerns and coordinate care transitions.
  • Collaborate with third-sector organisations and community mental health teams to facilitate smooth discharge planning where required.
  • Respond to and escalate domestic abuse concerns following Trust safeguarding protocols.
  • To support the Associate Director of Nursing for Mental Health with the Trusts operational and strategic goals, meeting regularly to monitor clinical care, finance/resources and HR issues, ensuring clear communication pathways.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Management and assessment of risk related to mental health, challenging behaviour and mental capacity, acting as an advocate for patients, families and staff where required.
  • To support staff with the on-going risk assessment of patients including the need for enhanced therapeutic observations and care (ETOC) and where it can be stepped down or an alternative provided.
  • To manage an ETOC service targeting Emergency Care and Acute Specialty Medicine at Denmark Hill initially and providing input as required to the development of a wider Trust wide service.
  • To provide on the floor senior clinical support with urgent situations ensuring close work with the Trusts Liaison Psychiatry services.
  • To act as a member of the Relational Care Team providing specialist advice and expertise relating to the management of challenging behaviour on inpatient ward areas and in the Emergency Departments.
  • Support with and oversee the development of effective and individualised care plans for patients presenting with significant mental health needs, or who are presenting with challenging behaviour, in coordination with liaison psychiatry, medical, and nursing teams.
  • Support patients experiencing delirium, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, or psychosis in the context of physical illness.
  • Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with Trust policies.
  • Support the MDT with complex discharge planning where mental health concerns are involved.
  • Liaise with Adult and Childrens Social Care teams as required to address safeguarding concerns and coordinate care transitions.
  • Collaborate with third-sector organisations and community mental health teams to facilitate smooth discharge planning where required.
  • Respond to and escalate domestic abuse concerns following Trust safeguarding protocols.
  • To support the Associate Director of Nursing for Mental Health with the Trusts operational and strategic goals, meeting regularly to monitor clinical care, finance/resources and HR issues, ensuring clear communication pathways.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

  • Current NMC Registration Mental Health Nurse
  • Post Registration Qualification in Mental Health
  • Educated to postgraduate diploma/degree level or equivalent experience
  • Management certificate or training
  • Extensive experience in mental health nursing within a hospital setting

Desirable

  • NMC Registered Adult Nurse
  • Recognised teaching or assessing qualification
  • Project Management Experience
Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

  • Current NMC Registration Mental Health Nurse
  • Post Registration Qualification in Mental Health
  • Educated to postgraduate diploma/degree level or equivalent experience
  • Management certificate or training
  • Extensive experience in mental health nursing within a hospital setting

Desirable

  • NMC Registered Adult Nurse
  • Recognised teaching or assessing qualification
  • Project Management Experience

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kings College Hospital

Denmark Hill

Camberwell

SE59RS


Employer's website

https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kings College Hospital

Denmark Hill

Camberwell

SE59RS


Employer's website

https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Associate Director of Nursing for Mental Health

Kieran Quirke

kieran.quirke@nhs.net

02032997146

Details

Date posted

07 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£64,156 to £71,148 a year per annum inc HCA's

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

213-CORP-7589641

Job locations

Kings College Hospital

Denmark Hill

Camberwell

SE59RS


Supporting documents

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