Mental Health Charge Nurse

NHS Scotland

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who We Are

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.

In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Home (nhsaaa.net)

Position

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Mental Health Charge Nurse based at HMP Kilmarnock. This post is offered on a permanent basis.

Hours

36 hours per week over 4 shifts a week.

4 week rolling roster.

From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.

What You Will Do

This will be a diverse and challenging role, providing mental health care to a very vulnerable population, many of whom have suffered significant trauma. You will be responsible for the direct line management of a team of Registered Mental Health and Learning Disability Nurses and support the Clinical Team Leader and Clinical Service Manager alongside the Addiction Charge Nurse and Charge Nurse (Adult Nursing).

For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description.

Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post

You will be educated to degree level and have significant experience related to the job purpose. This post will require a motivated and enthusiastic individual with excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will be able to work flexibly and adapt to the dynamic nature of the prison setting. You will have well-developed knowledge of mental health problems and appropriate interventions coupled with excellent organisational skills. The ability to work as part of a team as well as autonomously are essential.

In this role you will be integral to service improvement and will support with the shaping of Mental Health Services within HMP Kilmarnock. An up to date knowledge of current policies in regards to development and promoting attendance are essential.

For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Heather Johnston at ***email_hidden*** or on 01563 548901.

RIGHT TO WORK / CERTIFICATES OF SPONSORSHIP

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks.

Please visit here for further information.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.

Additional Information For Candidates

• You should apply for this post by completing the application process on NHS Jobs Scotland.
• DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
• Posts close at midnight on the indicated date. Late applications will not be accepted.
• For help to complete an application on NHS Jobs Scotland, please follow this link: https://www.careers.nhs.scot/how-to-apply/application-process/
• To view our accessibility statement, please follow this link: https://www.eess.nhs.scot/jobtrain-accessibility-statement/
• Please note that our correspondence method is by email, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.
• Please check your email regularly (including junk folders) and your NHS Jobs Scotland account for updates.
• Please contact JobTrain Candidate Support Hub: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home - for advice and support with any system issues.
• We recommend using the Internet Browser “Google Chrome” or “Microsoft Edge” when using JobTrain.
• Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.
• Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a staff member, please ensure you update your NHS Jobs Scotland account profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
• Please note, for all vacancies where a driving licence is required this must be a full UK/EU/EEA licence.