Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic individual to join Linhope Habilitation Ward as a Band 3 Nursing Assistant within a Medium Secure Forensic Service. You will provide high quality, person-centred care to patients with complex mental health needs who require treatment within a secure environment. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will support patients in their recovery, promote safety and security, and contribute to therapeutic interventions that enhance wellbeing and rehabilitation.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective therapeutic relationships.
- Compassion, empathy, and a non-judgemental approach to patient care.
- A commitment to promoting dignity, respect, and recovery.
- The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
- Good observation skills and attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Resilience and emotional intelligence when working with individuals with complex mental health needs.
- A willingness to undertake training and develop skills relevant to forensic mental health services.
- Basic IT skills to maintain electronic patient records and complete mandatory documentation.
About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 20th October 2026
Closing date : 3rd November 2026
We welcome your application.
Please note - this vacancy may close early once a suitable number of applications are received.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Completion of a competency-based programme within probationary period OR equivalent demonstrable experience
- Knowledge of care related procedures, clinical observation, relevant legislation
Desirable
- Level 3 qualification in a healthcare related subject OR a portfolio of equivalent demonstrable experience
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Previous care experience
- Person centred care approach
- Understanding of mental health and/or learning disabilities needs
- Safeguarding knowledge
- Awareness of carer needs
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to undertake PMVA (Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression) training
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Effective Time Management
Desirable
- Ability to prioritise tasks
- Accurate record keeping 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.
Employer details
Employer name
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Northgate Hospital
Morpeth
NE61 3BP
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)
