Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate Nurse with a specialist interest in Autism to join our innovative new service within Sheffield.
This is a newly commissioned and potentially future expanding service to support adults with Autism for whom life is becoming challenging; with an emphasis on making 'real life changes' and preventing hospital admissions.
We are looking for an individual who shares our strong, value-based approach and who has a keen interest in and understanding of the support needs of people with Autism to help develop, shape and deliver this brand-new service.
The post offers an opportunity for you to develop into the clinician you aspire to be; with training, supervision, and an ethos promoting innovative practice. We are proud of our MDT approach to healthcare and the value we place on each staff member's unique knowledge and skills.
We encourage applications from Nurses from both RNLD or RMN backgrounds.
Main duties of the job
You will work intensely with people with Autism to support them at times of crisis and prevent placement breakdown or hospital admission.
You will promote person-centred practice and work creatively to improve people's quality of life.
The work is mainly community based with some in-reach work into hospitals when required. You will be based within our current Single Point of Access service but will work with people with Autism, and with staff teams, across our crisis services. This will include our Single Point of Access, Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment, Liaison Psychiatry and Decisions Unit services.
As the Autism Lead Nurse you will provide a vital role in assessing the care needs and risks of referred individuals and create, implement and evaluate treatment plans and bespoke interventions with a person-centred focus.
You will lead and develop the service offer by sharing your knowledge and skills to create a truly integrated approach to care.
You will work closely with partner agencies, the voluntary sector and the SAANS team (Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service) in the city to ensure a holistic approach to service user care and positive outcomes across all areas of individuals' lives.
The working hours for the post are currently 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday. As the service develops, we may wish to look to extend service provision to include for weekend support at a later date.
About us
We are passionate about providing the very best care to the people we support, and we're looking for amazing people who share this passion to join us.
What is it that makes our Trust such a special place to work? Well, it's all about the people. Our staff, service users, carers and families all come from such diverse backgrounds and all have expertise and stories to share.
It's important that you feel supported in your role, that the people who you work with are as passionate as you are and that your health and wellbeing is taken care of
If you're interested in developing your career, you'll have access to a range of training and education opportunities, including apprenticeships, work experience and placements, as well as the chance to get involved in research.
We are all very proud of the difference we make to people's lives each and every day and if that's something that you'd like to be part of we'd love to have you with us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical/Management
- To work as an effective member of the SPA service within the Crisis pathway undertaking a range of specialist assessments appropriate to the sphere of work
- To manage a highly specialised and time limited caseload for a limited number of autistic service users and to facilitate their safe handover to relevant services.
- To undertake specialist interventions with clients following assessment findings taking in to account the need to assess capacity and gain valid informed consent where possible which often involves a series of complex decisions.
- Have the ability to work in this specialist area where service users experience high levels of communication difficulties or sensory challenges.
- To be able to demonstrate a high level of clinical problem solving and judgement to autistic people, including those individuals who have autism and a learning disability whose needs are being met by mainstream services.
- To formulate care plans, carry out risk assessments and ensure that information is cascaded to other team members.
- To work closely with multi-disciplinary teams in crisis services to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment plans in line with the care pathway.
- To work on a daily basis without direct supervision.
- To liaise and negotiate with other agencies, service users, carers and professionals when planning and evaluating care for individual clients whilst following data protection act and Caldicott principles.
- Ensure appropriate referrals to other agencies are made.
- To Chair and participate in a variety of meetings relevant to service user care, team developments and service developments.
- To have a sound knowledge of the types of medication used with this service user group.
- To participate in the monitoring, administration, storage and maintenance of medication as appropriate in line with Trust medicine code and NMC guidelines.
- To advocate on clients behalf in order to facilitate their use of mainstream services and work to influence the ability of mainstream services to respond to the mental health needs of autistic people in line with the Trusts Green Light Policy for Mental Health.
- To be trauma informed and have a high degree of skill in working with individuals who present with behaviours of concern or highly distressed behaviours.
- To carry out communication in an emotive environment and be able to deal with people sensitively to ensure dignity and respect at all times.
- To overcome barriers to communication using a range of communication methods relevant to autistic people in distress for whom verbal interaction is not possible. (e.g., communication aids, visual timetables, emotion cards).
- To produce accurate evidence based written reports.
- Have a working knowledge of trauma informed, person-centred and strengths-based approaches and how to use them to promote positive outcomes for the individual.
- To advise providers of packages of care about autism inclusive support on an individualised basis.
- To seek to diffuse situations of aggression and abusive behaviour guided by care plans, risk assessments, good practice and established precedents, using a degree of initiative where necessary.
- To appropriately record incidents and report to the MDT/ Operational Manager.
- To enable service users to acknowledge their need for support (Advocacy) and enable them to access this support as required.
- To share knowledge and skills with carers in an attempt to facilitate greater understanding of mental health problems in Autistic people as agreed and within the scope of the care plan.
- To promote leisure and therapeutic activities building on each service users preferences and unique strengths and skills.
- Due to the broad geographical area, ability to travel distances, transporting service users as necessary.
- Adhere to the trust working lone policy.
- To support autistic individuals from diverse backgrounds and ensure inclusive practice for all autistic people accessing services with additional protected characteristics.
- If at such a time the Trust increases the number of autism specialist nurses, and shift work is required, the post holder will take a lead role in the 24-hour crisis resolution component of the service providing specialist support out of hours, working collaboratively with other agencies (Mental Health Teams, Police, Social Services).
Clinical Governance
- To keep accurate and up-to-date records of clients progress and interventions in accordance with the Trust policies and national standards.
- To adhere to policies of Sheffield Health and Social Care Foundation Trust and NMC policies relating to professional conduct and standards. To comment upon and contribute to the development of relevant new policy.
- To demonstrate a sound understanding of the clinical governance framework to ensure a high standard of clinical care.
- To manage clinical and non-clinical risk within own area.
- To be involved in risk assessment and adult protection recording.
Educational Development
- To maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant documents, policies, strategies and Acts of Parliament relating to autism.
- To maintain and develop awareness of underserved groups within the autism cohort including females, people from ethically minoritised communities and people with co-existing protected characteristics who are vulnerable to stigma and barriers to care.
- To promote an increased awareness of autism inclusive practices and the need for positive approaches to support the diverse representations within this client group.
- To attend mandatory training courses and relevant training as required meeting individual needs identified through PDR and with use of yearly appraisals.
- To supervise Student Nurses and Assistant Practitioners as appropriate and complete PDRs for these staff.
- To participate in clinical supervision and individual staff guidance and development and caseload management.
- Develop and encourage a culture of lifelong learning and commit to ongoing training.
- To participate in the change management agenda taking into account local and national policy directives.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical/Management
- To work as an effective member of the SPA service within the Crisis pathway undertaking a range of specialist assessments appropriate to the sphere of work
- To manage a highly specialised and time limited caseload for a limited number of autistic service users and to facilitate their safe handover to relevant services.
- To undertake specialist interventions with clients following assessment findings taking in to account the need to assess capacity and gain valid informed consent where possible which often involves a series of complex decisions.
- Have the ability to work in this specialist area where service users experience high levels of communication difficulties or sensory challenges.
- To be able to demonstrate a high level of clinical problem solving and judgement to autistic people, including those individuals who have autism and a learning disability whose needs are being met by mainstream services.
- To formulate care plans, carry out risk assessments and ensure that information is cascaded to other team members.
- To work closely with multi-disciplinary teams in crisis services to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment plans in line with the care pathway.
- To work on a daily basis without direct supervision.
- To liaise and negotiate with other agencies, service users, carers and professionals when planning and evaluating care for individual clients whilst following data protection act and Caldicott principles.
- Ensure appropriate referrals to other agencies are made.
- To Chair and participate in a variety of meetings relevant to service user care, team developments and service developments.
- To have a sound knowledge of the types of medication used with this service user group.
- To participate in the monitoring, administration, storage and maintenance of medication as appropriate in line with Trust medicine code and NMC guidelines.
- To advocate on clients behalf in order to facilitate their use of mainstream services and work to influence the ability of mainstream services to respond to the mental health needs of autistic people in line with the Trusts Green Light Policy for Mental Health.
- To be trauma informed and have a high degree of skill in working with individuals who present with behaviours of concern or highly distressed behaviours.
- To carry out communication in an emotive environment and be able to deal with people sensitively to ensure dignity and respect at all times.
- To overcome barriers to communication using a range of communication methods relevant to autistic people in distress for whom verbal interaction is not possible. (e.g., communication aids, visual timetables, emotion cards).
- To produce accurate evidence based written reports.
- Have a working knowledge of trauma informed, person-centred and strengths-based approaches and how to use them to promote positive outcomes for the individual.
- To advise providers of packages of care about autism inclusive support on an individualised basis.
- To seek to diffuse situations of aggression and abusive behaviour guided by care plans, risk assessments, good practice and established precedents, using a degree of initiative where necessary.
- To appropriately record incidents and report to the MDT/ Operational Manager.
- To enable service users to acknowledge their need for support (Advocacy) and enable them to access this support as required.
- To share knowledge and skills with carers in an attempt to facilitate greater understanding of mental health problems in Autistic people as agreed and within the scope of the care plan.
- To promote leisure and therapeutic activities building on each service users preferences and unique strengths and skills.
- Due to the broad geographical area, ability to travel distances, transporting service users as necessary.
- Adhere to the trust working lone policy.
- To support autistic individuals from diverse backgrounds and ensure inclusive practice for all autistic people accessing services with additional protected characteristics.
- If at such a time the Trust increases the number of autism specialist nurses, and shift work is required, the post holder will take a lead role in the 24-hour crisis resolution component of the service providing specialist support out of hours, working collaboratively with other agencies (Mental Health Teams, Police, Social Services).
Clinical Governance
- To keep accurate and up-to-date records of clients progress and interventions in accordance with the Trust policies and national standards.
- To adhere to policies of Sheffield Health and Social Care Foundation Trust and NMC policies relating to professional conduct and standards. To comment upon and contribute to the development of relevant new policy.
- To demonstrate a sound understanding of the clinical governance framework to ensure a high standard of clinical care.
- To manage clinical and non-clinical risk within own area.
- To be involved in risk assessment and adult protection recording.
Educational Development
- To maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant documents, policies, strategies and Acts of Parliament relating to autism.
- To maintain and develop awareness of underserved groups within the autism cohort including females, people from ethically minoritised communities and people with co-existing protected characteristics who are vulnerable to stigma and barriers to care.
- To promote an increased awareness of autism inclusive practices and the need for positive approaches to support the diverse representations within this client group.
- To attend mandatory training courses and relevant training as required meeting individual needs identified through PDR and with use of yearly appraisals.
- To supervise Student Nurses and Assistant Practitioners as appropriate and complete PDRs for these staff.
- To participate in clinical supervision and individual staff guidance and development and caseload management.
- Develop and encourage a culture of lifelong learning and commit to ongoing training.
- To participate in the change management agenda taking into account local and national policy directives.
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills - both written & verbal.
- Ability to effectively manage a caseload.
- Leadership, time management & organisational ability.
- Teaching and mentorship skills.
- Computer skills.
- Display a wide range of specialist clinical skills, relevant to supporting autistic individuals.
- Ability to respond effectively to crisis situations in relation to mental health and /or challenging behaviours.
Qualifications
Essential
- RNLD/RNM
- Post registration experience/qualification in Autism.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people with Autism.
- Experience of working with people with mental health needs.
- Experience of working with people whose behaviour may challenge.
- Experience of working within the Transforming Care Agenda.
- Experience in developing and leading staff.
- Good understanding of current nursing & national issues.
- Advanced assessment skills.
- Ability to carry out both planned and unplanned clinical work.
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills - both written & verbal.
- Ability to effectively manage a caseload.
- Leadership, time management & organisational ability.
- Teaching and mentorship skills.
- Computer skills.
- Display a wide range of specialist clinical skills, relevant to supporting autistic individuals.
- Ability to respond effectively to crisis situations in relation to mental health and /or challenging behaviours.
Qualifications
Essential
- RNLD/RNM
- Post registration experience/qualification in Autism.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people with Autism.
- Experience of working with people with mental health needs.
- Experience of working with people whose behaviour may challenge.
- Experience of working within the Transforming Care Agenda.
- Experience in developing and leading staff.
- Good understanding of current nursing & national issues.
- Advanced assessment skills.
- Ability to carry out both planned and unplanned clinical work.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
