Senior Clinical Practitioner

Closing date: 09 November 2026
Location: Kendray Hospital, Doncaster Road, Barnsley, S Yorkshire, S70 3RD
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year (Agenda for Change Band 6)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time, Flexible working

Job summary
37.5 hours per week (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 adults within acute inpatient care.

We are looking for a Senior Clinical Practitioner to join our multidisciplinary team. The team comprises of a Consultant Psychiatrist, senior clinical psychologist, assistant psychologist, allied health professionals, including Occupational and Physiotherapists, working alongside a dedicated team of nursing staff including health care assistants, nurse associates, staff nurses other Senior Clinical Practitioners, a Ward manager and a Clinical Lead.

The post holder will be supported closely by locality Matron.

Recognising the national pressures within 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, clinical pathways, and management of clinical acuity.

We have recently introduced the role of a Band 7 clinical lead nurse who will work in partnership with the successful candidate to lead the nursing team in the delivery of high-quality care for service users. We now provide access to professional nurse advocacy to focus on staff well-being and to develop career aspirations of our aspiring workforce.

Main duties of the job
Clark ward is a 12 bed female acute inpatient ward and Melton suite is a 6 bedded mixed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) which is located within The Oakwell Centre.

The Oakwell Centre comprises 4 wards that support both working age and older adults, providing specialist inpatient care and treatment for those within the acute phase of their illness, one of which is a PICU.

We are looking for an innovative, committed, and caring practitioner with considerable post qualifying experience with demonstrable operational management and 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. You will have established clinical experience at supporting individuals within an acute care setting.

We foster an MDT approach to the assessment, formulation, planning, and delivery of interventions to achieve positive service user outcomes. We work in an integrated way to ensure that care is wrapped around the individual, with the service user always at the centre.

The role Senior Clinical practitioner would be expected to work 12 hour shifts, working over 7 days to support with the Senior Nurse rota.

For further details for Clark Ward / informal visits please contact: Gemma Martin (Ward Manager) gemma.martin@swyt.nhs.uk

For further details for Melton Suite/ informal visits please contact: Kim Bagshaw (Ward Manager) kim.bagshaw@swyt.nhs.uk

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 we are accountable to our members, who can have a say in how we are 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 the right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Job responsibilities
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.

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, including 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.

Decision making and advice

• To make comprehensive risk assessments and implement management plans appropriately
• Identify training needs and contribute to the education and development of all staff and students.
• To be actively involved in decision making and conflict management.
• To play an active role in supporting and empowering junior colleagues.
• To demonstrate excellent leadership skills through practice, both with service users and other professionals.
• To ensure that the ward manager is fully appraised of any complex issues.
• To be included in the senior nurse rota for trust wide in-patient services, providing advice outside of business hours and escalating issues to operational management as required

Initiating and implementing change

• To work as an active member of the team with regards to the development of the productive ward series.
• To actively take a lead in creating an environment that respects and values equality, diversity and rights
• To actively take a lead in creating an environment that promotes health, safety and security for service users, carers and staff
• To actively take a lead, both individually and in partnership with the team, to develop clinical governance
• To lead in the development and dissemination of evidence based practice.
• To have an excellent knowledge of current developments in clinical practice
• Actively promotes a positive desire to improve / change, be flexible and confident
• Actively promote and facilitate innovation of clinical practice
• To lead in positive customer service as specified by the Trusts Mission, Vision, Values and Goals
• To take an active lead in the change management of the service in relation to local and national agendas.
• To work closely with the ward manager and other deputies to ensure that the ward objectives are achieved.

Profession specific

• To contribute specific professional support and advise to the team, service users and carers
• Maintain an up to date awareness of current thinking in mental health, health and nursing research, and apply this in practice
• Administer medication within the NMC and Trust guidelines
• To take a lead and train the team with issues relating to medication management
• Educate and train the team in monitoring service users physical observations including Blood Pressure, Pulse, Respirations, BM, Weight etc
• To take a lead in working collaboratively with all of the disciplines.
• Act as mentor for nursing students and foster a positive learning environment.
• To work actively with Link Tutors and Placement Co-ordinators to promote effective working relationships.
• To work collaboratively with the ward manager and other deputies to ensure a cohesive approach to the management of the ward.

Health & safety
You are required to inform your line manager of any safety issues that could affect you or others in the workplace. You are responsible for your own health and safety and must co-operate with management at all times in achieving safer work processes and work places, particularly where it can impact on others.

You will be trained in the correct use of any equipment provided to improve safety and health within the Trust. You are required to use the equipment when necessary and as instructed; it is your responsibility to ensure the equipment is safe to use, prior to its use and must report any defects immediately to your manager.

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

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and 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.

Person specification
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.

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.

Experience
Essential

• Significant experience in Acute in-patient setting.

Desirable

• Experience in similar areas of mental health.

Qualifications
Essential

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

Desirable

• Clinical supervision qualification.

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.

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.

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: Kendray Hospital, Doncaster Road, Barnsley, S Yorkshire, S70 3RD, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk

For questions about the job, contact: Gemma Martin, gemma.martin@swyt.nhs.uk, 01226644447

Reference number: C9378-B2393
Date posted: 26 October 2026

Equal opportunities: We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups.