CAMHS Crisis Team Lead Clinician

Band 7 Clinical Nurse Specialist - Croydon CAMHS Crisis Team

Croydon CAMHS is pleased to advertise opportunities for Band 7 Clinical Nurse Specialists within the Croydon CAMHS Crisis Team. A Band 6 developmental post is also available for clinicians who are passionate about crisis care but require further experience before progressing to Band 7. Applications are welcome from Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, or equivalent registered professionals.

About the Service

The CAMHS Crisis Team provides rapid assessment, formulation and safety planning for young people presenting in A&E with acute mental health needs. The team currently operates 08:00-22:00 Monday-Friday and 09:00-17:00 on Saturdays, with plans to transition to a 24-hour service. Once the 24-hour service is implemented, the post holder will be expected to participate in a night-shift rota as part of their contracted hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide or advise on the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care for young people in crisis.
• Maintain consistently high standards of practice in line with Trust policies and professional registration requirements.
• Act as a positive role model, supporting the development of junior staff and contributing to clinical appraisal and supervision.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to ensure effective crisis pathways and safe discharge planning.
• Complete comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessments for young people presenting to Croydon University Hospital in mental health crisis, ensuring timely formulation and risk assessment.
• Develop individualised safety plans that reflect each young person’s needs, strengths, risks and support network.
• Provide 7-day follow-up appointments for young people who have attended A&E in crisis, offering ongoing assessment, safety planning and support during the immediate post-crisis period.
• Lead and participate in discharge planning meetings with acute hospital staff, community CAMHS teams, social care and other relevant agencies to ensure safe and coordinated transitions.
• Support the Clinical Service Lead and peers to promote and develop excellent clinical practice.
• Contribute to the ongoing educational programme for all staff, fostering a positive learning environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum one year’s experience at Band 6 for consideration for the developmental role.
• Experience working in CAMHS or an acute setting.
• Experience of research-based or reflective practice.
• Experience as a preceptor or mentor.
• Knowledge of clinical governance and audit.
• Knowledge of adult and child safeguarding.
• Significant relevant clinical experience.
• Experience working with young people presenting with possible neurodiversity.
• Knowledge and experience of working with looked-after and adopted young people.
• Ability to assess and manage high-risk adolescent clients in a variety of settings, conducting risk assessments and formulating safety plans.
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate decision making regarding confidentiality, risks to clients, staff and the public, under pressure and in complex situations.
• Understanding of risk, resilience and protective factors.
• Commitment to promoting mental health and well-being in young people and their families/carers, advocating for individuals with protected characteristics and promoting equality and diversity.
• Empathy for service users including those who have experienced mental health problems.

Professional Development

Professional and personal development will include further training and study. The post holder will be encouraged and supported by line managers and senior nursing staff and by multidisciplinary colleagues. The role offers opportunities for learning through an established academic partnership with the King's Health Partners.