Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Clinical Practitioner (RMN or OT)

The closing date is 11 February 2026

Job summary

Virtual Ward Senior Clinical Practitioner - Mental health Nurse or Occupational Therapist.

The Trust is seeking an experienced Registered Mental Health Nurse or Occupational Therapist to join a pioneering Virtual Ward, initially piloted in Eastbourne and set for expansion across East Sussex, Brighton, and Hove.

Main duties of the job

This newly established post reflects the Trust's dedication to enhancing care and capacity for older adults with mental health issues and those living with dementia, as well as supporting their families and carers during challenging times. The successful candidate will deliver as part of a team intensive, responsive acute and crisis care to older adults with mental health needs and adults living with dementia who require urgent support. The primary aim of the service is to enable individuals to receive high-quality care in their own homes or usual place of residence, reducing the need for hospital admission wherever possible.

About us

The Senior Clinical Practitioner will lead on the clinical model and work with intensive support practitioners in delivering the older adult mental health and dementia virtual ward.

The senior clinical practitioner will contribute to a robust evaluation process as part of the proof of concept which will inform service development.

Date posted

28 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

354-AE-21257

Job locations

Virtual Eastbourne

Eastbourne

East Sussex

BN213UU

Job description

Job responsibilities

This position is being offered as a fixed term contract or secondment, although a substantive post could be offered.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This position is being offered as a fixed term contract or secondment, although a substantive post could be offered.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Registered Mental Health Nurse or Occupational Therapist with current registration
Degree/diploma level supplemented by specialist qualification, training, experience, courses to masters level equivalent relevant to the care group
Evidence of post registration training in relevant service area
Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent, be up to date with Supporting Learners in Practice (SLIP) Training
Supplementary/Independent Non-Medical Prescribing Module (level 3) or willingness to train in (through trust support and sponsorship)

Knowledge

Essential

Extensive post qualifying experience in relevant service area
Experience of supervising staff and students
Able to manage a caseload of patients with complex mental health needs
Comprehensive knowledge of interventions specific to service area
Awareness of Trust policies and service specification

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Registered Mental Health Nurse or Occupational Therapist with current registration
Degree/diploma level supplemented by specialist qualification, training, experience, courses to masters level equivalent relevant to the care group
Evidence of post registration training in relevant service area
Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent, be up to date with Supporting Learners in Practice (SLIP) Training
Supplementary/Independent Non-Medical Prescribing Module (level 3) or willingness to train in (through trust support and sponsorship)

Knowledge

Essential

Extensive post qualifying experience in relevant service area
Experience of supervising staff and students
Able to manage a caseload of patients with complex mental health needs
Comprehensive knowledge of interventions specific to service area
Awareness of Trust policies and service specification

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).