Clinical Nurse Specialist – Children & Youth Mental Health (Band 7)

About the role

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will manage a caseload of children and young people under 18 with complex, high‑risk mental health needs, including forensic profiles and Youth Justice involvement. Working across community and secure settings, the CNS provides specialist assessments, risk management and evidence‑based nursing interventions.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of high‑risk young people with complex mental health needs.
• Conduct specialist mental health and risk assessments and develop risk management plans.
• Deliver evidence‑based nursing interventions in community, residential schools and secure settings.
• Collaborate with Boards of origin to ensure safe information sharing and continuity of care.
• Contribute to research, teaching, consultancy and the development of multi‑agency teams.
• Identify training needs and coordinate educational initiatives.
• For trainee posts, complete competencies and achieve final sign‑off before progressing to full Band 7.

Required profile

• Working toward or holding a Non‑Medical Prescribing qualification.
• For trainee CNSs, enrolment in a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Practice.
• Demonstrated competencies for a Band 7 appointment.
• Strong knowledge of high‑risk mental health presentations, forensic mental health and youth‑justice pathways.

Required skills

What we offer

• Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme and bursary scheme.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities.
• Entitlement to a minimum of 27 days annual leave as an NHS Scotland employee.