The Health Service Executive (HSE) West North West is seeking dedicated Clinical Nurse Specialists to join our innovative SCAN (Suicide Crisis Assessment) Traveller Health service. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in mental health crisis intervention for the Traveller community across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
About the Role
The Clinical Nurse Specialist in SCAN Traveller Health provides expert, culturally-sensitive mental health assessment and intervention for individuals in suicide crisis within the Traveller community. Based initially in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, this specialist role requires flexibility to deliver high-quality crisis response services across the region. You’ll work as part of a dedicated team focused on suicide prevention and mental health support for this priority population.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments for Travellers experiencing suicide crisis, utilizing evidence-based assessment tools and clinical judgment
- Provide immediate crisis intervention and develop safety plans in collaboration with service users, families and the multidisciplinary team
- Deliver culturally appropriate mental health education and suicide prevention programs within the Traveller community
- Apply expert knowledge of the Mental Health Act 2001 (as amended) including relevant regulations, rules and codes of practice in all clinical decisions
- Build and maintain effective partnerships with Traveller organizations, primary care teams, and community mental health services
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation and contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement initiatives
- Provide consultation, clinical supervision and education to healthcare staff regarding Traveller mental health and suicide crisis assessment
Required Qualifications
Essential Requirements
- Registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
- Post-registration specialist qualification in mental health nursing or related area
- Minimum 5 years post-registration experience in mental health nursing, including specialist experience in crisis intervention or suicide prevention
- Demonstrated high level of mental health clinical knowledge with in-depth understanding of psychiatric clinical presentations and evidence-based treatment interventions
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Mental Health Act 2001 (as amended) including associated regulations, rules and codes of practice
- Full clean driving licence and access to own transport for travel across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon
Preferred Qualifications
- Higher diploma or Master’s degree in mental health, suicide prevention, or related specialty
- Experience working with Traveller communities or other marginalized populations
- Training in suicide risk assessment frameworks (e.g., ASIST, safeTALK)
- Experience in cultural competence and trauma-informed care approaches
- Understanding of social determinants of health affecting Traveller mental wellbeing
- Previous experience in community mental health or crisis response services
What We Offer
- Competitive salary: €60,854 – €76,897 per annum (11-point Clinical Nurse Specialist scale with Long Service Increments)
- Permanent wholetime contract providing job security and career stability
- Comprehensive public service benefits including generous annual leave entitlement and defined benefit pension scheme
- Opportunities for continuing professional development including access to specialist training in suicide prevention, cultural competence and crisis intervention
- Supportive multidisciplinary team environment with regular clinical supervision
- Flexible working arrangements to deliver responsive community-based services
- Opportunity to shape and develop this innovative new service for the Traveller community
- Access to HSE employee assistance program and wellbeing supports
Ready to Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to bring your mental health expertise to a specialized role that makes a real difference in suicide prevention and crisis support for the Traveller community. We currently have 2 permanent wholetime vacancies available, and a panel may be formed for future vacancies across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
Application deadline: 15 October 2025
Applications must be submitted via the Rezoomo recruitment platform. CV submissions will not be accepted. Informal enquiries are welcome – contact Helen Earley, Area Director of Nursing, Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services at helen.earley@hse.ie or 087 904 8069.
