At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead specialist nursing practice in mental health, dementia, and complex needs across a national care organisation.
- Company: Join a leading care organisation focused on improving clinical standards and outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000 plus benefits and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for experienced nurses seeking strategic influence and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of specialist nursing and make a real impact on patient care.
- Qualifications: Must be an RMN with significant experience in mental health and complex care.
Location: North England with national travel
Package: up to £100,000 plus benefits
We are looking for an exceptional senior nurse to take the lead on specialist nursing and clinical practice across a national care organisation. The Head of Specialist Nursing will be a senior, group-wide appointment with the opportunity to shape how complex and specialist care is delivered across a large portfolio of services. With a particular focus on mental health, dementia, complex needs and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), you will provide specialist clinical leadership while helping strengthen governance, clinical standards and outcomes across the wider organisation.
What you'll be doing
- Acting as a senior clinical expert and trusted advisor across the organisation, working closely with Quality, Regulation and Operations.
- Leading specialist nursing practice across mental health, dementia, complex needs and PBS.
- Providing senior clinical advice around complex residents, referrals and admissions.
- Supporting services managing behaviours of concern, mental health deterioration and complex clinical risk.
- Providing professional leadership and support to nurses and clinical teams.
- Leading and developing the specialist services/PBS function.
- Strengthening clinical governance, assurance and quality across multiple services.
- Supporting safe admission and transition planning for residents with complex presentations.
- Reviewing clinical incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and emerging risks.
- Developing evidence-based clinical policies, procedures and practice guidance.
- Supporting CQC readiness and wider regulatory compliance.
- Designing and supporting specialist training and development.
- Coaching Home Managers, Registered Managers, nurses and operational leaders.
- Building relationships with commissioners, ICBs, NHS mental health teams, local authorities and safeguarding partners.
- Using clinical and quality data to identify trends and drive measurable improvements in care.
What we're looking for
You must be an RMN with current NMC registration and bring significant experience working with people with mental health needs, dementia, complex needs and/or behaviours of concern. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:
- Significant post-registration nursing experience.
- Strong specialist knowledge across mental health, dementia, complex care and PBS.
- Senior clinical leadership experience.
- Experience working across multiple services, regions or a wider organisational portfolio.
- Strong clinical governance and quality assurance knowledge.
- Understanding of CQC regulation, safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act and least restrictive practice.
- Experience supporting complex referrals, admissions and clinical decision-making.
- The ability to develop clinical practice through coaching, training, policy and professional leadership.
- Confidence working with senior operational leaders and providing constructive clinical challenge.
Your current title could include Head of Nursing, Head of Clinical Services, Group Clinical Lead, National Clinical Lead, Head of Specialist Services, Clinical Director, Clinical Governance Lead or similar. This role would suit an experienced mental health nurse who wants to combine their clinical expertise with strategic influence, shaping specialist nursing practice across an entire organisation rather than being responsible for just one service.
Apply today or contact Mike Turton at Leaders in Care for a confidential conversation.
Head of Specialist Nursing in Huddersfield employer: Leaders in Care
As a Registered Manager at our specialist solo children's home in Nottingham, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to providing high-quality, therapeutic care for young people with complex needs. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth and development, offering ongoing training and leadership opportunities to ensure you thrive in your role. With a competitive salary and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a nurturing environment, this position is ideal for those seeking a rewarding career in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Specialist Nursing in Huddersfield
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Leaders in Care for the Head of Specialist Nursing role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Specialist Nursing in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Leaders in Care, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Leaders in Care, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leaders in Care
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Leaders in Care.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Leaders in Care appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Leaders in Care supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
