Job Description

The closing date is 2nd Jul 2025

Anticipated Interview date(s) 18th July 2025

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, tasks & skills required

-----------------------------------------

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

-------------------


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 RMN V300 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 Interventions Other 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.

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.


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.

UK Professional Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

For help with your application, contact:

Louise Champion


louise.champion@somersetft.nhs.uk


07768640249

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 7

Salary

46148.00 to 52809.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-Time, Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-2756

Job locations

Trustwide

The Crescent

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 4DY