Go back Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Prison Mental Health Clinical Lead / Practitioner
The closing date is 13 October 2026
Are you a mental health nurse, LD nurse, social worker or occupational therapist with experience in mental health? Have you considered working in prison mental health services?
We have an exciting opportunity to join the new mental health team at HMP Millsike, a brand-new all-electric Category C men's prison in Full Sutton near York. Prison settings are challenging but highly rewarding, offering the chance to develop strong clinical skills in a fast-moving environment.
This role is ideal for registered professionals with mental health experience who want to broaden their psychiatric skills while delivering urgent and planned community-based care to the prison population. HMP Millsike will house up to 1,500 people, supporting them to gain skills for employment on release as part of the government's strategy to reduce reoffending. TEWV has been awarded the contract to deliver mental health services from April 2025.
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Main duties of the job
You will be a Registered Mental Health Nurse, LD Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist working within a multidisciplinary team. You will work closely with senior clinical staff to deliver a comprehensive mental health service and manage the challenges of a prison environment.
You will provide clinical assessment and intervention for people with complex needs, supporting a whole-prison approach. This includes completing comprehensive assessments, communicating treatment options, initiating care plans and delivering evidence-based interventions alongside the wider team.
A person-centred approach, strong prioritisation skills and flexibility are essential. We are seeking skilled professionals who can thrive in a busy setting, working within a well-resourced multidisciplinary team and in partnership with internal and external providers.
Alongside the competency framework, we offer a full induction and workforce development plan, with extensive personal, professional and academic training opportunities to support your growth and evidence-based practice.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must pass Police Vetting before employment. This includes checks on criminal history (spent and unspent), financial standing and social media. Vetting may also extend to family members and associates. Applicants must have lived in the UK for at least three years at the time of application.
About us
Our Journey to Change sets out why we do what we do, the kind of organisation we want to be and the three big goals we're committing to.
Our values
We are committed to three big goals:
To co-create a great experience for our patients, carers and families.
To co-create a great experience for our colleagues
To be a great partner
Interested in clinical development?
We offer opportunities to develop into a specialist role of your interest which in turn benefits the service. Examples include psychological therapies such as EMDR and DBT, non medical prescribing, leadership opportunities and Professional Nursing Advocacy.
How will we support you?
- Bespoke induction
- Competency framework
- Regional career development opportunities
- Support from the wider team
Job responsibilities
Nursing candidates must have 18 months post qualifying experience including sign off of appropriate preceptorship or competency framework at the time of applying.
We require the post holders to be committed to equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices and reflect the trust values.
We would welcome candidates to contact us to arrange a visit to the prison or an informal discussion.
Person Specification
Qualification
- RNMH,/RNLD or registered practitioner, current professional registration with NMC or relevant professional body
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
- MIP, FLIP, ENB 998 Teaching & Assessing in Clinical Practice or City & Guilds 730 Teaching in Adult Education (within agreed timescales)
- Clinical Supervisor (within agreed timescales).
- 18 months post qualifying experience including sign off of appropriate preceptorship or competency framework.
- Recognised sign-off mentor or must be achieved within agreed timescale.
- Qualified practitioner in e.g. CBT, DBT, PSI, dual diagnosis etc. (within agreed timescale).
- Key skills in literacy, numeracy and ITQ level 2 (or equivalent)
- Non-medical Prescriber (within agreed timescale.)
- Post-graduate qualification in a relevant area
Experience
- Significant experience working with people with mental ill health in a community setting.
- A good understanding of the Offender Health pathway.
- Working collaboratively with service users and their families/carers.
- Working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Quality improvement activities
- Leadership or management experience
- Experience in a secure environment
- Experience of providing clinical supervision
- Experience of mentoring students on practice placement.
Skills
- Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers/families and all members of the multidisciplinary team
- Provide leadership and monitor, co-ordinate and prioritise the activities of a team.
- Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and undertake care co-ordinator responsibilities
- Provide effective clinical supervision, teaching, training and assessing in clinical practice
- Write reports
- Use multimedia materials for presentations in professional settings
- Use approved breakaway techniques
- Competency in venepuncture and ECGs
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.
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
£39,959 to £48,117 a year(pro rata), per annum
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Prison Mental Health Clinical Lead / Practitioner employer: Tewv
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to nurturing the recovery journey of individuals in need of mental health support. With a strong commitment to collaborative care, our work culture fosters compassion and inclusivity, ensuring that every employee has a voice in shaping patient experiences. Located in a region that values mental health, we offer robust professional development opportunities and a supportive environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Mental Health Clinical Lead / Practitioner
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Tewv often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tewv
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Tewv. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Tewv.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Tewv.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Tewv.
