South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Clinical Team Leader

The closing date is 13 January 2026

Job summary

Internal only

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and dedicated practitioner to develop within a service that is embracing positive change and developing pathways of care to meet the diverse needs of older people within an inpatient setting.

The team comprises of a Consultant Psychiatrist, Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist. You will be working alongside a dedicated team of nursing staff including health care assistants, nurse associates, staff nurses and clinical team leader.

The clinical team lead role covers the in-patient unit and will work shifts over a 24 hour, 7 day a week service. Working closely with the management team they will deputise in the absence of the ward manager and support in areas including supervision, appraisals, sickness monitoring, Datix reviews.

The lead nurse will also lead the nursing team in the delivery of high-quality care for service users. ensure that Assessment and Care planning are of a high standard within their teams.

We now provide access to professional nurse advocacy to focus on staff well-being and to develop career aspirations of our aspiring workforce. The post holder will be supported closely by the locality Matron. Recognising the national pressures within adult acute inpatient services, South West Yorkshire Partnership Trust have developed a priority inpatient program focussing on the development of our inpatient services with priority focus on workforce and trauma informed approaches

Main duties of the job

Poplars ward is a 12 bedded mixed sex mental health unit for people who have been diagnosed with Dementia. Poplars is based in Hemsworth, Pontefract and is a stand alone unit, providing specialist care to those behaviours that challenge because of Dementia.

We are looking for an innovative, committed, and caring practitioner with considerable post qualifying experience with understanding of operational management and demonstrable leadership skills. The successful candidate will be required to work autonomously and as part of the MDT, demonstrating sound clinical decision making to effectively lead the nursing team and support the management team.

Effective communication, organisational and IT skills are essential.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

30 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-W1413

Job locations

The Poplars

Southmoor Road

Wakefield

WF9 4LX


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

This job description is an outline of the main duties of the post. The postholder will be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as directed.

The content of this post will be reviewed in consultation with the postholder when necessary and in line with the service developments.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

To work closely with the Ward Manager to provide strong clinical and managerial leadership to the nursing team.

To demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy of acute services and the local service provision.

To be responsible and accountable for the high quality standards within the work of the team.

To actively work as an effective member of the team.

To utilise excellent core nursing/specialist skills.

To act as a positive and professional role model for junior staff and other colleagues at all times.

To oversee and support junior members of staff in implementing planned treatment and care.

To support the Ward Manager in carrying out his/her duties.

To act up in the absence of the ward manager and communicate fully with the ward manager upon their return.

The service operates 365 days/year twenty four hours per day.

Workload Management

  • To work flexibly to cover shifts to provide a 365 day per year service
  • Co-ordinate and lead the team to make effective use of team skills to provide the best possible standards of care and treatment / interventions
  • To prioritise workload in keeping with the team and service objectives
  • To support the Primary Nurses in raising issues or challenging opinion in complex cases.
  • To support and empower colleagues to problem solve effectively.
  • To actively participate and contribute to service users reviews, ward rounds, meetings
  • To provide supervision to ensure that high quality care plans are developed and implemented.
  • To ensure that the ward manager is fully appraised of issues.

Communication

  • To actively work with the ward manager to develop a communication strategy at ward level
  • To engage actively with the ward manager in a two way flow of communication.
  • Actively support the philosophy of the Recovery Model within Adult Acute Inpatients.
  • Role model excellent working relationships with all members of the Multi Disciplinary Team.
  • Develop positive relationships with non-statutory and voluntary agencies to develop working partnerships as appropriate to the service development and local delivery
  • Positively embrace service user / carer involvement in all aspects of service delivery wherever and whenever possible
  • Act as a positive role model to develop and communicate a shared philosophy of culture and practice within the team.
  • To work within the boundaries of accountability and confidentiality
  • Ensure that the nursing team is fully briefed regarding relevant CQUINs and key performance indicators.

Human Resources / Supervision / Management

Ensure that high standards of care are maintained by self and peers

To provide professional direction, guidance and support to junior staff

Actively participate in and provide clinical supervision to a high standard

Actively participate in and provide managerial supervision to a high standard

Actively participate in the KSF Appraisal process

To actively promote other colleagues personal and professional development through the appraisal process in line with the objectives of the ward.

To positively promote discussion and reflection on practice with the aim of achieving higher clinical standards.

To participate in the selection and recruitment process

To recognize poor performance and take the necessary action

Ensure that good practice is acknowledged and recognized.

To participate in managing attendance

To actively participate in all aspects of managing attendance to include return to work interviews, informal sickness absence meetings and referrals to occupational health or as directed by the ward manager.

To actively participate in the ward management team meetings.

To appraise the ward manager of relevant issues.

Resource Management

Actively participate in the day to day resource management of the ward and be proactive in solving problems.

To have a good working knowledge of the electronic systems that support resource management.

To be able to formulate an Electronic roster and carry out any necessary changes

To assist in co-ordinating all leave e.g. study leave, annual leave.

To support staff to help them work within the budgetary constraints of the ward.

To undertake audits as required

To monitor staffing levels and take the necessary action if there are deficits or necessary staffing changes to be made.

To ensure induction of new staff is fully completed.

To appraise the ward manager of relevant issues.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward to receiving your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

This job description is an outline of the main duties of the post. The postholder will be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as directed.

The content of this post will be reviewed in consultation with the postholder when necessary and in line with the service developments.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

To work closely with the Ward Manager to provide strong clinical and managerial leadership to the nursing team.

To demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy of acute services and the local service provision.

To be responsible and accountable for the high quality standards within the work of the team.

To actively work as an effective member of the team.

To utilise excellent core nursing/specialist skills.

To act as a positive and professional role model for junior staff and other colleagues at all times.

To oversee and support junior members of staff in implementing planned treatment and care.

To support the Ward Manager in carrying out his/her duties.

To act up in the absence of the ward manager and communicate fully with the ward manager upon their return.

The service operates 365 days/year twenty four hours per day.

Workload Management

  • To work flexibly to cover shifts to provide a 365 day per year service
  • Co-ordinate and lead the team to make effective use of team skills to provide the best possible standards of care and treatment / interventions
  • To prioritise workload in keeping with the team and service objectives
  • To support the Primary Nurses in raising issues or challenging opinion in complex cases.
  • To support and empower colleagues to problem solve effectively.
  • To actively participate and contribute to service users reviews, ward rounds, meetings
  • To provide supervision to ensure that high quality care plans are developed and implemented.
  • To ensure that the ward manager is fully appraised of issues.

Communication

  • To actively work with the ward manager to develop a communication strategy at ward level
  • To engage actively with the ward manager in a two way flow of communication.
  • Actively support the philosophy of the Recovery Model within Adult Acute Inpatients.
  • Role model excellent working relationships with all members of the Multi Disciplinary Team.
  • Develop positive relationships with non-statutory and voluntary agencies to develop working partnerships as appropriate to the service development and local delivery
  • Positively embrace service user / carer involvement in all aspects of service delivery wherever and whenever possible
  • Act as a positive role model to develop and communicate a shared philosophy of culture and practice within the team.
  • To work within the boundaries of accountability and confidentiality
  • Ensure that the nursing team is fully briefed regarding relevant CQUINs and key performance indicators.

Human Resources / Supervision / Management

Ensure that high standards of care are maintained by self and peers

To provide professional direction, guidance and support to junior staff

Actively participate in and provide clinical supervision to a high standard

Actively participate in and provide managerial supervision to a high standard

Actively participate in the KSF Appraisal process

To actively promote other colleagues personal and professional development through the appraisal process in line with the objectives of the ward.

To positively promote discussion and reflection on practice with the aim of achieving higher clinical standards.

To participate in the selection and recruitment process

To recognize poor performance and take the necessary action

Ensure that good practice is acknowledged and recognized.

To participate in managing attendance

To actively participate in all aspects of managing attendance to include return to work interviews, informal sickness absence meetings and referrals to occupational health or as directed by the ward manager.

To actively participate in the ward management team meetings.

To appraise the ward manager of relevant issues.

Resource Management

Actively participate in the day to day resource management of the ward and be proactive in solving problems.

To have a good working knowledge of the electronic systems that support resource management.

To be able to formulate an Electronic roster and carry out any necessary changes

To assist in co-ordinating all leave e.g. study leave, annual leave.

To support staff to help them work within the budgetary constraints of the ward.

To undertake audits as required

To monitor staffing levels and take the necessary action if there are deficits or necessary staffing changes to be made.

To ensure induction of new staff is fully completed.

To appraise the ward manager of relevant issues.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward to receiving your application.

Person Specification

Training

Essential

  • Clear demonstrable evidence of post - Qualification and training.
  • Experience of mentoring/supporting learners or ability to demonstrate the skills required for effective mentoring.

Desirable

  • NVQ assessor.
  • PSI.
  • Leadership course.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Good co-ordination skills. Commitment to multi-disciplinary decision making.
  • Excellent assessment skills.
  • Excellent engagement skills.
  • Skills to de-escalate difficult situations.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of mental health act. Able to assess and manage risk positively.
  • Calm & confident manner.
  • Clear knowledge of Trusts policies & procedures.
  • Awareness of modernisation agenda.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Ability to work in a way that promotes a culture of learning and change.

Desirable

  • Undertaken study in patient interventions/assessment.

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience in Acute in-patient setting.

Desirable

  • Experience in similar areas of mental health.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
  • Must be able to work flexible shifts over 24/7 span.

Qualifications

Essential

  • RMN.
  • Diploma in Nursing.
  • Willingness to undertake education to degree level.

Desirable

  • Clinical supervision qualification.

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Reflective and considered approach to problem solving.
  • Can act on own initiative.
  • Can inspire confidence in colleagues and other professional.
  • Can deal with conflict diplomatically.
  • Demonstrates respect for the rights, dignity and individuality of each service user.
  • Sensitive to the needs of people from minority ethnic and religious groups.
  • Responds to the learning needs of students and other colleagues.
Person Specification

Training

Essential

  • Clear demonstrable evidence of post - Qualification and training.
  • Experience of mentoring/supporting learners or ability to demonstrate the skills required for effective mentoring.

Desirable

  • NVQ assessor.
  • PSI.
  • Leadership course.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Good co-ordination skills. Commitment to multi-disciplinary decision making.
  • Excellent assessment skills.
  • Excellent engagement skills.
  • Skills to de-escalate difficult situations.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of mental health act. Able to assess and manage risk positively.
  • Calm & confident manner.
  • Clear knowledge of Trusts policies & procedures.
  • Awareness of modernisation agenda.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Ability to work in a way that promotes a culture of learning and change.

Desirable

  • Undertaken study in patient interventions/assessment.

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience in Acute in-patient setting.

Desirable

  • Experience in similar areas of mental health.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
  • Must be able to work flexible shifts over 24/7 span.

Qualifications

Essential

  • RMN.
  • Diploma in Nursing.
  • Willingness to undertake education to degree level.

Desirable

  • Clinical supervision qualification.

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Reflective and considered approach to problem solving.
  • Can act on own initiative.
  • Can inspire confidence in colleagues and other professional.
  • Can deal with conflict diplomatically.
  • Demonstrates respect for the rights, dignity and individuality of each service user.
  • Sensitive to the needs of people from minority ethnic and religious groups.
  • Responds to the learning needs of students and other colleagues.

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.

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.

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

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

The Poplars

Southmoor Road

Wakefield

WF9 4LX


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

The Poplars

Southmoor Road

Wakefield

WF9 4LX


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Nicola Wears

nicola.wears@swyt.nhs.uk

01977735930

Details

Date posted

30 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-W1413

Job locations

The Poplars

Southmoor Road

Wakefield

WF9 4LX


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)