Job summary
Post Title: Deputy Ward Manager
Reports To: Ward Manager, Inpatient Lead
Directorate/Department: Clent ward, Bushey Fields Hospital, Dudley, Mental Health Adult Inpatient Services
Salary Range: Band 6

Main duties of the job
The Deputy Ward Manager will support the Ward Manager in the day-to-day clinical and operational management of the ward, deputising in their absence.

The post holder will provide visible clinical leadership, oversee high-quality care planning and risk management, and support the delivery of safe, person-centred care to adults experiencing serious mental illness.

They will work closely with the multidisciplinary team, patients, carers and partner agencies to support recovery and effective discharge planning.

The role will also include supervising and supporting staff, coordinating shifts, contributing to clinical governance and service improvement, and acting as the senior nurse on site when required.

About us
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health, learning disability, and community healthcare services for the population of the Black Country.

Across the whole of the region, we provide:

• Adult and older adult mental health services.
• Specialist learning disability services.
• Mental health services for children and young people.
• Community healthcare services for children, young people and families in Dudley.

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was formed on 1 April 2020, after NHS England and NHS Improvement approved the merger of Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

Combining resources, strategies and talented workforce enable us to deliver a wider variety of outstanding services that are based on best practice and are continually improving.

Job responsibilities
Clinical Practice and Patient Care

• Practise at all times in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code and relevant professional standards.
• Contribute to the assessment of patients physical, psychological, social and emotional needs.
• Support the development, implementation, evaluation and review of individualised, recovery-focused programmes of care within the Care Programme Approach framework.
• Maintain oversight of care planning, risk assessments and clinical documentation, ensuring that records are accurate, timely and completed in line with Trust policy.
• Monitor patients mental and physical wellbeing and respond appropriately to any deterioration, increase in risk or safeguarding concern.
• Promote the involvement of patients, carers and relatives in assessment, care planning, treatment and discharge planning wherever appropriate.
• Provide patients and carers with clear information and education regarding mental health conditions, treatment options, medication and health promotion.
• Administer, store and order medication in accordance with Trust policy, reporting and escalating any concerns regarding effectiveness, side effects or adverse reactions.
• Work within the Mental Health Act 1983, the Code of Practice and other relevant legislation, including the correct receipt and scrutiny of statutory documentation.

Clinical Leadership and Ward Management

• Provide visible clinical leadership and act as a positive professional role model to the nursing team.
• Take charge of the ward and assume responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of the Ward Manager.
• Deputise for the Ward Manager as required, supporting the safe and effective day-to-day operation of the ward.
• Coordinate shifts, allocate duties and ensure that staffing resources are deployed appropriately in response to patient need, risk and ward acuity.
• Provide clinical advice, direction and support to registered nurses, healthcare support workers, students and other members of the team.
• Provide supervision and clinical leadership to junior nursing staff to support the effective delivery of care.
• Monitor standards of care and address concerns regarding practice, performance, conduct or competence through the appropriate management processes.
• Act as the senior nurse on site when required, providing leadership, advice and support across inpatient services.

Communication and Multidisciplinary Working

• Maintain effective communication with patients, carers, relatives, the multidisciplinary team and partner agencies regarding routine and complex aspects of care.
• Work collaboratively with medical, psychological, occupational therapy, social care and community colleagues to promote coordinated care and safe discharge planning.
• Contribute actively to ward rounds, multidisciplinary meetings, care reviews, handovers and other clinical forums.
• Ensure that relevant information is communicated promptly, accurately and appropriately, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Promote respectful, inclusive and therapeutic relationships with patients, carers and colleagues.

Governance, Safety and Quality Improvement

• Maintain confidentiality and manage information in accordance with data-protection legislation, information-governance requirements and professional standards.
• Promote and monitor best practice in relation to health, safety, security and infection prevention within the clinical environment.
• Identify and report service limitations, clinical risks, staffing concerns and opportunities for service development to senior colleagues.
• Contribute to the management and investigation of incidents, complaints, safeguarding concerns and other clinical-governance matters.
• Support the implementation of learning from incidents, audits, complaints and patient feedback.
• Contribute to quality-improvement initiatives, clinical audits, Essence of Care and other service-development activity.
• Support the development and monitoring of clinical standards based on current research, national guidance and evidence-based practice.
• Take an active role in developing knowledge, sharing learning and promoting evidence-based improvements in care.

Staff Development and Professional Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, support, coaching and guidance to members of the nursing team.
• Contribute to staff induction, appraisal, performance development and the identification of learning and training needs.
• Support students and newly appointed staff to develop their clinical knowledge, confidence and competence.
• Maintain personal professional development and ensure mandatory and role-specific training remains current.
• Reflect on practice and contribute to a culture of continuous learning, openness and improvement.
• Promote equality, dignity, respect and compassionate care in all aspects of practice.

Person Specification
Essential

• Years of experience - 12 months
• NMC registration

Desirable

• Leadership Course

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.