HMP Forest Bank Band 6 Mental Health Nurse (Primary Mental Healthcare)

HMP Forest Bank Band 6 Mental Health Nurse (Primary Mental Healthcare)Date posted: 01 September 2025

Job Summary

You must have been in the UK for 12 months prior to applying for this post and be able to provide a 6 year address history to be able to complete the prison clearance. This role is subject to an additional recruitment and retention premia of £1542 per annum.

An opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 mental health nurse to work within the primary care mental health service at HMP Forest Bank. HMP Forest Bank is a Category B prison which houses male prisoners aged 18 upwards. The prison is operated by Sodexo Justice Services who work in partnership with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust to provide a high standard of mental health care to those in their custody. The model of care used by the service is the stepped care model, and the post holder will contribute to it at entry level by utilising assessment skills.

Main duties of the jobThe post holder will assist in the delivery and development of effective needs based, modern mental health services within the prison which achieves equivalence to healthcare services in the community. The post holder will need to demonstrate knowledge, skills and understanding of mental health issues and treatment options to provide clinical guidance to service users and colleagues on matters relating to mental health and wellbeing. The post holder carries continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care and the setting of standards of care within a secure environment. To provide a comprehensive mental health service as part of the Primary Care Mental Health service provision at HMP Forest Bank. The service works within the stepped care model of primary mental health care provision. To operate as part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing the role of a practitioner to undertake assessments, provide and evaluate a range of health interventions, to meet prisoner healthcare needs and contribute to the wider continuous development of prison healthcare services.

About UsGreater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7,000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations. We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester and beyond. Greater Manchester is a dynamic region with opportunities for learning and development. We welcome applicants who have a genuine interest in working within the Health and Justice setting in prison. The successful applicant will receive regular clinical and managerial supervision along with excellent training and development opportunities within GMMH.

Staff Benefits

Pay Enhancements: 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years

Excellent pension

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Wellbeing programme

Blue Light Card Discounts

Person SpecificationQualifications

Essential: RMN registration

Essential: Evidence of continued professional development

Desirable: Mentorship / Practice assessor or equivalent

Desirable: Training in psychological interventions

Experience

Essential: Demonstrable post registration experience in acute mental health nursing, criminal justice or forensic mental health nursing; proven experience of working with clients with complex needs.

Desirable: Experience of working in offender health or within a forensic setting; experience of working within an emotionally challenging environment.

Knowledge

Essential: Good knowledge and experience of risk assessment and management; knowledge of Mental Health Act and other mental health legislation including CPA; evidence of professional/clinical knowledge based on research through continued professional development.

Desirable: Involvement in development of protocols/pathways and clinical audit; involvement and leadership in teaching and mentorship.

Skills

Essential: Ability to manage own workload; effective member of a clinical MDT; self-motivated, robust and resilient.

Desirable: Excellent organisational/time management skills; ability to deal with emotionally distressing situations.

Disclosure and SponsorshipThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to be made to the DBS. Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered. For further information, see the UK Visas and Immigration website. UK registration with the appropriate professional body is required.

Employer: Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Address: HMP Forest Bank, Agecroft Road, Salford, M27 8FB. Website: https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/

Notes: This is a full-time permanent position within the Band 6 pay scale, working within the Primary Care Mental Health service at HMP Forest ..... full job details .....