Mental Health Nurse

Senior Mental Health Nurse at University of Sussex (Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available)

The University of Sussex is inviting applications for the position of Senior Mental Health Nurse to join its dedicated Wellbeing Services Team in Brighton, England. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Registered Mental Health Nurse looking to make a meaningful impact by supporting students experiencing mental health challenges while working in one of the UK’s leading universities.

The role offers a competitive Grade 8 salary of £47,389–£56,535 per year and may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to UK immigration requirements.

Job Summary

About the University of Sussex

The University of Sussex is one of the UK’s leading research universities, recognized internationally for academic excellence and student support. Through its Student Experience Division, the University provides comprehensive wellbeing and mental health services to help students thrive academically and personally.

The successful candidate will become part of a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering high-quality mental health support across the university community.

About the Role

As a Senior Mental Health Nurse, you will provide specialist mental health assessments and interventions for students experiencing complex or urgent mental health concerns.

You will play an important role in ensuring students receive timely, appropriate, and coordinated care while working closely with NHS services and other healthcare professionals.

This role requires an experienced professional capable of making informed clinical decisions while supporting colleagues with specialist mental health expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Your duties will include:

• Conduct urgent mental health assessments.
• Carry out mental capacity assessments.
• Complete comprehensive risk assessments.
• Develop and coordinate care plans for students with complex mental health conditions.
• Liaise with NHS Primary Care services.
• Work alongside NHS Secondary Mental Health Services.
• Coordinate support with statutory agencies.
• Participate in daily mental health triage.
• Respond to crisis referrals.
• Make crisis intervention calls.
• Maintain regular follow-up with students requiring ongoing support.
• Deliver staff training on mental health awareness and interventions.
• Provide specialist advice to University colleagues.
• Visit students on campus when necessary.
• Attend multidisciplinary meetings.
• Chair crisis and case management meetings when required.
• Maintain accurate clinical records.
• Contribute to improving student wellbeing services.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) qualification.
• Current professional registration.
• Post-qualifying mental health training.
• Minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience.
• Experience working in:
  • A&E Liaison Services
  • Crisis Resolution Teams
  • Community Mental Health Teams
  • Acute Mental Health Services
  • Urgent Care Services
• Excellent assessment skills.
• Strong clinical judgement.
• Experience managing high-risk cases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Strong organizational abilities.
• Flexibility and resilience under pressure.

Desired Skills

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• Compassionate leadership.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Sound safeguarding knowledge.
• Professional decision-making abilities.
• Crisis intervention experience.
• Ability to build relationships with external healthcare providers.
• Commitment to student wellbeing.
• Confidence in delivering training sessions.

Salary and Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Salary between £47,389 and £56,535 per annum.
• Grade 8 employment package.
• Excellent pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Ongoing training.
• Inclusive working environment.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Access to University employee benefits.
• Supportive multidisciplinary team.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

This position may be eligible for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Sponsorship Information

• Visa Route: Skilled Worker
• SOC Code: 2235
• Occupation: Registered Mental Health Nurses
• Going Rate: £37,338

Visa sponsorship eligibility will depend upon:

• Salary offered.
• Meeting UK Home Office Skilled Worker requirements.
• Right to work eligibility.

DBS Requirement

Because this position involves working with students, including vulnerable individuals, the successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before employment.

Working Pattern

This is an on-site position based in Brighton, England.

Working hours are:

• Monday to Friday
• 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• 37.5 hours per week

Flexible or part-time working arrangements are not available due to service requirements.

Why Join the University of Sussex?

Working at the University of Sussex offers an opportunity to:

• Support students during critical moments of their lives.
• Work within a respected UK higher education institution.
• Collaborate with NHS professionals.
• Enhance your clinical expertise.
• Deliver meaningful mental health interventions.
• Access excellent professional development.
• Build a rewarding long-term career.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare:

• Updated CV.
• Proof of Nursing qualification.
• Professional registration details.
• Supporting documents requested by the University.

For informal enquiries:

Amanda Griffiths
Email: a.griffiths@sussex.ac.uk

Applications should be submitted through the University of Sussex recruitment portal before the closing date.

Important Information

• Sponsorship is not guaranteed and depends on meeting UK immigration requirements.
• Applicants must be qualified Registered Mental Health Nurses.
• The successful applicant must be able to undertake duties within the UK.
• An enhanced DBS check is required.