Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Charge Nurse

The closing date is 19 January 2026

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has now arisen and we are in the position to recruit a Charge Nurse to work on our CAMHS General Adolescent Unit at Larkwood Ward, St Aubyn Centre. The successful candidate will be a competent practitioner with a proven record of leadership skills as a Band 5 Nurse and able to take responsibility for overseeing assessments of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for client requiring treatment.

Larkwood is 10 bedded psychiatric intensive care ward for young people aged 13-18 years, admitted for the assessment and treatment of acute mental health difficulties. We are committed to developing CAMHS specialist clinicians, with our staff CAMHS preceptorship programme, and award winning DBT treatment offer.

While experience of CAMHS is preferable, we welcome applicants with proven experience of inpatient mental health care at band 5 looking to develop their career in child and adolescent care.

Main duties of the job

You will be able to demonstrate:

  • Excellent risk assessment skills,
  • Communicate effectively, both written and verbally;
  • Demonstrate compassion, understanding, commitment, enthusiasm, and above all be highly motivated.
  • An understanding the Recovery Model approach is essential, taking into account the needs of families and carer's, and become part of an established multidisciplinary team.
  • The candidate will have a high level of knowledge and philosophy of the 6 C's of care.
  • Active participation will be required in the training and education of learners allocated to the Mental Health Service, and to encourage integration between the Ward Team and the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team.
  • The successful candidate will deliver the highest quality care for patients with acute mental health issues; with a positive attitude with a commitment to maintain EPUT's excellent customer care.

About us

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

  • Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
  • Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details

Date posted

06 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

364-A-9669

Job locations

St Aubyn Centre

Colchester

CO45HG


Job description

Job responsibilities

We are looking for people who can bring commitment and fresh ideas, and determination to take forward our service in new and innovative ways; in return we offer Training and development of staff, support through regular supervision and Appraisal to assist you in setting realistic objectives.

  • Responsible for the clinical leadership of a team of nurses in an Acute setting.
  • Responsible for the assessment implementation and evaluation of care plans for individual service users.
  • Work as a key worker advising and supporting colleagues as required
  • To assist the Ward Manager in setting and maintaining high standards of care and evaluating quality outcomes.
  • Participate in a range of assessments provided during 24 hour period.
  • To take charge of the unit in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility, this includes the role of bed manager for the unit.
  • To teach and supervise the team, including qualified, non-qualified and learners.
  • Maintain good standards of communication, both oral and written, in accordance with NMC guidelines.
  • Responsible for reporting to the Team Manager (or nominated deputy) any circumstances that may affect the delivery of care and / or efficient running of the ward.
  • Ensure all staff adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures

Job description

Job responsibilities

We are looking for people who can bring commitment and fresh ideas, and determination to take forward our service in new and innovative ways; in return we offer Training and development of staff, support through regular supervision and Appraisal to assist you in setting realistic objectives.

  • Responsible for the clinical leadership of a team of nurses in an Acute setting.
  • Responsible for the assessment implementation and evaluation of care plans for individual service users.
  • Work as a key worker advising and supporting colleagues as required
  • To assist the Ward Manager in setting and maintaining high standards of care and evaluating quality outcomes.
  • Participate in a range of assessments provided during 24 hour period.
  • To take charge of the unit in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility, this includes the role of bed manager for the unit.
  • To teach and supervise the team, including qualified, non-qualified and learners.
  • Maintain good standards of communication, both oral and written, in accordance with NMC guidelines.
  • Responsible for reporting to the Team Manager (or nominated deputy) any circumstances that may affect the delivery of care and / or efficient running of the ward.
  • Ensure all staff adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures

Person Specification

Qualifications and education

Essential

  • RMN ENB 998 or equivalent

Desirable

  • Evidence of continued professional development

Knowledge

Essential

  • Ability to be a role model of good practice.
  • Proven ability to work whilst under pressure.
  • Knowledge of Mental Health Act & Mental Capacity Act.

Desirable

  • Research and development skills and relevant qualification.
  • Knowledge of The Childrens Act and Safeguarding Processes

Skills and experience

Essential

  • Significant experience at Band 5
  • Evidence of post qualifying continued learning
  • Literate in IT/Computer Skills
Person Specification

Qualifications and education

Essential

  • RMN ENB 998 or equivalent

Desirable

  • Evidence of continued professional development

Knowledge

Essential

  • Ability to be a role model of good practice.
  • Proven ability to work whilst under pressure.
  • Knowledge of Mental Health Act & Mental Capacity Act.

Desirable

  • Research and development skills and relevant qualification.
  • Knowledge of The Childrens Act and Safeguarding Processes

Skills and experience

Essential

  • Significant experience at Band 5
  • Evidence of post qualifying continued learning
  • Literate in IT/Computer Skills

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

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Aubyn Centre

Colchester

CO45HG


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Aubyn Centre

Colchester

CO45HG


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Manager

Sanand Jagessur

sanand.jagessur1@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

06 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

364-A-9669

Job locations

St Aubyn Centre

Colchester

CO45HG


Supporting documents

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