Deputy Ward Manager

NHS; Basildon; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust is looking for a Deputy Ward Manager to work in the Male Inpatient Acute Ward at Basildon Mental Health Unit. This position requires strong leadership skills, effective communication, and a commitment to delivering high-quality care. The successful candidate will oversee assessments and care plans while supporting a multidisciplinary team. The role offers competitive salary and a supportive work environment with flexible working opportunities.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension

Staff discounts

Relocation package

Qualifications

• NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse or equivalent.
• Significant experience at Band 5.
• Proven ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for clinical leadership of team in an Acute setting.
• Assess and evaluate care plans for service users.
• Assist Ward Manager in maintaining high standards of care.

Skills

Leadership skills

Effective communication

IT/computer skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse

Evidence of continued professional development

Job description

Go back Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Deputy Ward Manager

The closing date is 27 January 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Ward Manager, to work within our Male Inpatient Acute Ward, Kelvedon Ward at Basildon Mental Health Unit.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be a competent practitioner with a proven record of leadership skills as a band 5 nurse and able to take responsibility for the overseeing assessments of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for client requiring treatment. You will be able to demonstrate:

• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally;
• Demonstrate compassion, understanding, commitment, enthusiasm, and above all be highly motivated.
• An understanding the Recovery Model approach is essential, taking into account the needs of families and carer's, and become part of an established multidisciplinary team.
• The candidate will have a high level of knowledge and philosophy of the 6 C's of care.
• Active participation will be required in the training and education of learners allocated to the Mental Health Service, and to encourage integration between the Ward Team and the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team.
• The successful candidate will deliver the highest quality care for patients with acute mental health issues; with a positive attitude with a commitment to maintain EPUT's excellent customer care.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Job responsibilities

We are looking for people who can bring commitment and fresh ideas, and determination to take forward our service in new and innovative ways; in return we offer Training and development of staff, support through regular supervision and Appraisal to assist you in setting realistic objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the clinical leadership of a team of nurses in an Acute setting.

Responsible for the assessment implementation and evaluation of care plans for individual service users.

Work as a key worker advising and supporting colleagues as required.

To assist the Ward Manager in setting and maintaining high standards of care and evaluating quality outcomes.

Participate in a range of assessments provided during 24 hour period.

To take charge of the unit in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility, this includes the role of bed manager for the unit.

To teach and supervise the team, including qualified, non‑qualified and learners.

Maintain good standards of communication, both oral and written, in accordance with NMC guidelines.

Responsible for reporting to the Team Manager (or nominated deputy) any circumstances that may affect the delivery of care and / or efficient running of the ward.

Ensure all staff adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Education

• NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse or equivalent.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Knowledge

• Ability to be a role model of good practice.
• Proven ability to work whilst under pressure.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act & Mental Capacity Act.
• Research and development skills and relevant qualification.

Skills and Experience

• Significant experience at Band 5.
• Evidence of post qualifying continued learning.
• Literate in IT/Computer 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.

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kelvedon Ward, Basildon Mental Health Unit

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum, plus HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

364-A-9679

Job locations

Kelvedon Ward, Bason Mental Health Unit