Job summaryThe post holder will take responsibility for the Daily coordination and leadership of the clinical element of the substance misuse service within a secure environment. As Lead Nurse, they will provide expert clinical oversight, support best practice, and ensure safe, effective, and person-centred care is delivered to patients experiencing substance misuse and associated physical and mental health needs.
Working as part of an integrated Clinical and Psychosocial Recovery Team, the post holder will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care, offering clinical advice and intervention in accordance with national guidance and local policy. They will act as a point of clinical escalation and provide supervision, mentorship, and support to nursing staff and allied professionals.
Main duties of the job- Strong clinical nursing skills with the ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for complex substance misuse cases.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills, including the ability to motivate, support, and develop staff.
- Able to communicate efficiently and effectively.
- Demonstrate a high level of personal and professional autonomy and an understanding of professional accountability.
- Ability to work independently, use initiative, and make sound clinical and operational decisions within a secure environment.
About usBE THE DIFFERENCE IN HEALTHCAREJoin our teamWe're looking for passionate individuals to join our diverse and innovative team.
Whether you are starting out in your healthcare journey or are an experienced healthcare professional looking for a new challenge we've got a role for you!
- Access to NHS Pension
- Time for you day (additional day off)
- Welcome payment for some posts
- Refer a friend scheme
- Training and Development opportunities
- Flexible Working
- Access to Employee Assistance and Health and Wellbeing programmes
- Up to 33 days annual leave
We have an ambition to become a truly lived experience inclusive employer, changing how we approach staff experience and value personal stories our colleagues bring with them.
We welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who belong to LGBTQIA+ Community and are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and Asexual, people with a disability, neurodivergent applicants and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
Spectrum Community Health CIC provides a range of award-winning healthcare services on behalf of the NHS, Local Authority Public Health services, and other partners across substance misuse, sexual health, and health and justice settings. As a not-for-profit social enterprise and Community Interest Company our focus is centred on people - our patients, service users, staff and partners.
DetailsDate posted: 25 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 847-RM-26-V957
Job locations: HMP Low Newton, Brasside, Durham, DH1 5YA, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesThe Lead Nurse will demonstrate advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in substance misuse and physical healthcare, contributing to the development of care pathways, protocols, and service improvements. They will maintain effective partnerships with internal clinical teams, the prison operator, NHS and community services, and other key stakeholders to ensure seamless care and continuity across settings.
This role requires excellent leadership, a high level of professional judgement, and a proactive approach to service development, with a clear focus on improving outcomes, supporting recovery, and reducing harm within the prison population.
Person SpecificationRegistered nurseEssential- Registered General Nurse (level 1) or Registered Mental Health Nurse
- Evidence of competence in the Health and Justice Framework
- Evidence of on- going CPD
- Willingness to undertake Independent Nurse Prescribing
Desirable- RCGP Cert 1/2
- Independent Nurse /Supplementary/ Non-Medical Prescriber (or willingness to undertake)
- Mentorship qualification
KnowledgeEssential- Post registration experience within clinical recovery setting
- Experience delivering clinical care to individuals with complex needs, including co-occurring physical and mental health issues.
- Experience of working as an autonomous practitioner ? Change management expe
- Developed skills across the integrated services
Desirable- Experience of working within primary care/substance misuse/acute care
- Understanding of local and national key documents and their impact on health care delivery in a prison setting
- Experience of leading a team
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: Spectrum Community Health CIC
Address: HMP Low Newton, Brasside, Durham, DH1 5YA, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:Interim Head of healthcare
Denise French
denise.french@spectrum-cic.nhs.uk
01913764222
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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
