Highly Specialised Learning Disability Lead Nurse

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

These exciting new posts (1.6 WTE) have arisen from additional investment and the development of an innovative nurse-led pathway for medication for children/young people with a learning disability. The post holders will work with the rest of the Starfish team as well as colleagues from the ADHD nursing service to ensure a joined-up approach for children/young people, reducing the need for psychiatric intervention. We are looking for experienced nurse prescribers (or nurses willing to work towards their non-medical prescriber qualification) who have an interest and passion for working with children and young people with a learning disability. You will join our hardworking, compassionate, and flexible multi-disciplinary Starfish team based within an "Outstanding" CQC rated NHS Trust.

This post would ideally suit someone who is passionate about working with CYP and their families, and who is innovative and flexible in their approach. Posts are available across Norfolk, including Norwich, Kings Lynn, and Great Yarmouth. Bases are negotiable and flexible working is supported, including agile/home working where relevant.

Main duties of the job

You will work within Starfish to improve the wellbeing and mental health outcomes of children and young people (CYP) with learning disabilities by providing evidence-based specialist mental health and/or behavioural interventions, all of which are child-centred. Where medication is prescribed you will support with ensuring there is a robust plan for medication, including reviews. Medical interventions will support a wider therapy programme delivered by Starfish/Starfish Plus teams.

  • Work independently running clinics and managing own caseload as well as working as part of a team.
  • Have expert knowledge of Learning disabilities and mental health, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for expanded scope of practice.
  • Use highly specialised nursing skills to complete and interpret assessments to inform diagnosis and effectively offer advice and interventions for CYP with Learning disabilities and co-occurring conditions.
  • Apply knowledge of behavioural strategies and evaluate responses to these and medication within clinics.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop services and quality of care delivery, participating in research and audit in line with national and local guidance.
  • Multi professional liaison and act as a specialist advisory and training resource to schools, families and other services.
  • Provide leadership and supervision to nursing colleagues and work closely with the Pathway Lead in the continued development of services.

About us

This is an exciting opportunity to join Starfish, a multi-disciplinary team for children and young people (CYP) with learning disabilities and mental health/behaviour that challenges. Starfish works across the county with CYP with learning disabilities and their families as well as working very closely with others involved, such as schools, social workers, short breaks provisions etc. to understand their strengths and their difficulties and to help support them to thrive.

Starfish are a nurturing, supportive team who value the importance of good supervision, staff wellbeing and reflective practice.We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

Norfolk is famous for the Broads, over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways set in beautiful countryside, with many charming and picturesque towns and villages. We would welcome applicants who are considering relocation and strongly encourage you to arrange a call to discuss the role and ask any questions. Please contact Cherie Clayton (01603 272463) to book a slot.

Apply now to join an organisation that has been awarded an 'Outstanding' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating and the first stand-alone NHS community trust in the country to be awarded the title.

Date posted

03 March 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£41,659 to £47,672 a year per annum (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

839-5045522-KW

Job locations

Norwich Community Hospital

Bowthorpe Road

Norwich

NR2 3TU


Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical

  • The post holder will be expected to work independently running their own clinics and managing their own caseload as well as working as part of a team.
  • The post holder will have an expert knowledge base of Learning disabilities and mental health conditions, complex decision-making skills, and clinical competencies for expanded scope of practice.
  • The post holder, utilising highly specialised advanced nursing skills, will undertake clinical interviews, complete, and interpret assessment tools to inform diagnosis and effectively treat/ initiate treatment /offer advice and interventions for children and young people with Learning disabilities and other co-morbidities and accompanying mental health difficulties conditions.
  • The post-holder will apply knowledge of behavioural management strategies and evaluate responses to both these and medication within nurse led clinics.
  • The post holder will communicate orally, electronically and in writing with children, young people, and families. This will involve imparting sensitive information with clients, colleagues, and other professionals on a daily basis.
  • The post holder will work collaboratively and co-operatively with clinical colleagues to develop services and quality of care delivery, participating in research and audit work within the Community CAMHS service pathway in line with national and local guidelines.
  • Liaison with various multi professional agencies is essential and the post holder will act as a specialist information, advisory, and training resource to schools, families, and other voluntary and statutory services.
  • To provide leadership and clinical supervision to nursing colleagues and to work closely with the Pathway Lead in the continued development of the services offered within the pathway.
  • The post holder will have a job plan developed once the post holder is in place (within 6 months). The post-holder will be expected to:
  • Support community psychiatry outpatient clinics every week to assess and manage children/young people with behavioural difficulties which may be due to learning disabilities and/or emerging mental health.
  • To develop parent training and parenting courses to support parents of children with learning disabilities and other co-morbidities.
  • Attend and contribute to pathway multiagency meeting, as required.
  • To attend educational and business meetings as required.
  • Conduct visits to the childs educational settings and home to perform clinical observations of behaviour as required and liaise with other agencies in complex cases.
  • To offer consultation and psycho-education to schools as necessary.
  • Participate in audit and training of the department.
  • Complete initial assessments and utilise and interpret standardised screening questionnaires for those children referred with potential Neurodevelopmental conditions in line with the National Standards and NICE guidelines.
  • Manage and coordinate independently a community LD nurse led clinics and share with the Community Psychiatrist the management of any pharmaceutical interventions, to prescribe and adjust drug treatment appropriately working within agreed protocols and guidelines with the recommendation of continued prescribing by GPs.
  • Perform clinical observations of behaviour in both clinical and educational settings, when necessary, to clarify appropriate care pathways in complex cases.
  • Design, implement and evaluate non-pharmaceutical treatment plans, coordinate reviews as necessary and signpost/refer to other agencies when appropriate.
  • Offer a range of therapeutic approaches which may include parenting advice, sleep advice, behaviour modification strategies, and social empowerment when appropriate.
  • Deliver group parent training that has been identified for the needs of the children/young people who have learning disabilities and mental health difficulties and other related behavioural problems and lead on development of child training programmes.
  • Work in close collaboration with medical personnel regarding prescribing protocols and policies.
  • Work with families in clinics, in schools and in their own homes if necessary to assess and support children, young people and families with behaviour difficulties.
  • Act as an expert nursing resource within the service in respect of this client group working autonomously to support families and other health care professionals. To attend various multi-agency meetings including safeguarding to advise, write reports and plan care, acting as the patient advocate when appropriate and to work in accordance with safeguarding childrens policies.
  • Liaise actively with colleagues in Education, Social Care, etc. for diagnosis and management of behavioural problems [may involve school observations, family support plan (FSP) meetings.
  • Promote patient and public involvement activities in the specialist area, by involving patients, parents/relatives in the planning and delivery of care and development of services leading to service improvement.
  • Provide specialist knowledge, support and training to clinical colleagues, children, families and carers, schools, and other relevant agencies.
  • Contribute to the development of leaflets and information regarding Starfish LD CAMHS for children, families, and professionals.
  • Participate in training new staff.
  • Ensure the effective and efficient use of physical and financial resources.
  • Collect, collate, evaluate, and report information and maintaining accurate patient records.
  • Ensure the service is monitored on a regular basis and data is available as a record to provide statistical information to Starfish LD CAMHS Lead and others.

Professional

  • Maintain active status on NMC Register.
  • Act always in accordance with NMC Code of Conduct and guiding documents.
  • Adhere to Trust Policy and Procedures.
  • Maintain up to date skills and knowledge and maintain awareness of professional issues.
  • Maintain a professional portfolio and evidence for re-validation.

Organisational

  • Ensure own compliance and compliance of others with regards to mandatory training, competencies and NMC requirements
  • Participate in own annual Personal Development Review.
  • Undertake Personal Development Plans and management supervision for more junior staff members.
  • Take part in clinical supervision as per Trust Policy.
  • Follow all Trust policies, local procedures, and use discretion in interpreting them according to the setting and circumstances.
  • Implement policies for the service, proposing changes to these, and advising other external agencies about these changes or developments.
  • Ensure absence reporting is undertaken as determined by Team Leader and Trust Policy.
  • Identify need for, and undertake, research and clinical audit, in order to improve effectiveness of patient care, service delivery identifying areas for improvement and initiate change.
  • Complete the staff survey as required.
  • Complete risk assessments and incident forms as required.
  • Understand the Governance agenda and contribute as required.
  • Be aware of contractual arrangements, local and national, ensuring targets are met.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical

  • The post holder will be expected to work independently running their own clinics and managing their own caseload as well as working as part of a team.
  • The post holder will have an expert knowledge base of Learning disabilities and mental health conditions, complex decision-making skills, and clinical competencies for expanded scope of practice.
  • The post holder, utilising highly specialised advanced nursing skills, will undertake clinical interviews, complete, and interpret assessment tools to inform diagnosis and effectively treat/ initiate treatment /offer advice and interventions for children and young people with Learning disabilities and other co-morbidities and accompanying mental health difficulties conditions.
  • The post-holder will apply knowledge of behavioural management strategies and evaluate responses to both these and medication within nurse led clinics.
  • The post holder will communicate orally, electronically and in writing with children, young people, and families. This will involve imparting sensitive information with clients, colleagues, and other professionals on a daily basis.
  • The post holder will work collaboratively and co-operatively with clinical colleagues to develop services and quality of care delivery, participating in research and audit work within the Community CAMHS service pathway in line with national and local guidelines.
  • Liaison with various multi professional agencies is essential and the post holder will act as a specialist information, advisory, and training resource to schools, families, and other voluntary and statutory services.
  • To provide leadership and clinical supervision to nursing colleagues and to work closely with the Pathway Lead in the continued development of the services offered within the pathway.
  • The post holder will have a job plan developed once the post holder is in place (within 6 months). The post-holder will be expected to:
  • Support community psychiatry outpatient clinics every week to assess and manage children/young people with behavioural difficulties which may be due to learning disabilities and/or emerging mental health.
  • To develop parent training and parenting courses to support parents of children with learning disabilities and other co-morbidities.
  • Attend and contribute to pathway multiagency meeting, as required.
  • To attend educational and business meetings as required.
  • Conduct visits to the childs educational settings and home to perform clinical observations of behaviour as required and liaise with other agencies in complex cases.
  • To offer consultation and psycho-education to schools as necessary.
  • Participate in audit and training of the department.
  • Complete initial assessments and utilise and interpret standardised screening questionnaires for those children referred with potential Neurodevelopmental conditions in line with the National Standards and NICE guidelines.
  • Manage and coordinate independently a community LD nurse led clinics and share with the Community Psychiatrist the management of any pharmaceutical interventions, to prescribe and adjust drug treatment appropriately working within agreed protocols and guidelines with the recommendation of continued prescribing by GPs.
  • Perform clinical observations of behaviour in both clinical and educational settings, when necessary, to clarify appropriate care pathways in complex cases.
  • Design, implement and evaluate non-pharmaceutical treatment plans, coordinate reviews as necessary and signpost/refer to other agencies when appropriate.
  • Offer a range of therapeutic approaches which may include parenting advice, sleep advice, behaviour modification strategies, and social empowerment when appropriate.
  • Deliver group parent training that has been identified for the needs of the children/young people who have learning disabilities and mental health difficulties and other related behavioural problems and lead on development of child training programmes.
  • Work in close collaboration with medical personnel regarding prescribing protocols and policies.
  • Work with families in clinics, in schools and in their own homes if necessary to assess and support children, young people and families with behaviour difficulties.
  • Act as an expert nursing resource within the service in respect of this client group working autonomously to support families and other health care professionals. To attend various multi-agency meetings including safeguarding to advise, write reports and plan care, acting as the patient advocate when appropriate and to work in accordance with safeguarding childrens policies.
  • Liaise actively with colleagues in Education, Social Care, etc. for diagnosis and management of behavioural problems [may involve school observations, family support plan (FSP) meetings.
  • Promote patient and public involvement activities in the specialist area, by involving patients, parents/relatives in the planning and delivery of care and development of services leading to service improvement.
  • Provide specialist knowledge, support and training to clinical colleagues, children, families and carers, schools, and other relevant agencies.
  • Contribute to the development of leaflets and information regarding Starfish LD CAMHS for children, families, and professionals.
  • Participate in training new staff.
  • Ensure the effective and efficient use of physical and financial resources.
  • Collect, collate, evaluate, and report information and maintaining accurate patient records.
  • Ensure the service is monitored on a regular basis and data is available as a record to provide statistical information to Starfish LD CAMHS Lead and others.

Professional

  • Maintain active status on NMC Register.
  • Act always in accordance with NMC Code of Conduct and guiding documents.
  • Adhere to Trust Policy and Procedures.
  • Maintain up to date skills and knowledge and maintain awareness of professional issues.
  • Maintain a professional portfolio and evidence for re-validation.

Organisational

  • Ensure own compliance and compliance of others with regards to mandatory training, competencies and NMC requirements
  • Participate in own annual Personal Development Review.
  • Undertake Personal Development Plans and management supervision for more junior staff members.
  • Take part in clinical supervision as per Trust Policy.
  • Follow all Trust policies, local procedures, and use discretion in interpreting them according to the setting and circumstances.
  • Implement policies for the service, proposing changes to these, and advising other external agencies about these changes or developments.
  • Ensure absence reporting is undertaken as determined by Team Leader and Trust Policy.
  • Identify need for, and undertake, research and clinical audit, in order to improve effectiveness of patient care, service delivery identifying areas for improvement and initiate change.
  • Complete the staff survey as required.
  • Complete risk assessments and incident forms as required.
  • Understand the Governance agenda and contribute as required.
  • Be aware of contractual arrangements, local and national, ensuring targets are met.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • RN/RN Child/ RMN/RNLD
  • 1st level degree or equivalent experience/qualification
  • Recognised Post Registration Qualification in Relevant Speciality equivalent to Master's Level or equivalent experience
  • V300 Non-medical Prescribing or willingness to work towards
  • Relevant mentorship or teaching and assessing course

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in managing the co-morbidities within learning disability and provision of behavioural advice
  • Experience in assessment and management of children with LD ASD and ADHD and challenging behaviour
  • Experience of working in community and education settings

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

Essential

  • Competent in assessment and management of children and young people with LD ASD and ADHD and challenging behaviour and associated conditions/disorders
  • Competent with screening assessment criteria/tools
  • Experienced and confident to deliver parenting groups
  • Recent evidence of study or knowledge in speciality or related field
  • Sound knowledge of professional accountability of NHS issues
  • Knowledge of equality, diversity and human rights and its importance

Desirable

  • Training in the delivery of accredited parenting courses
  • ADOS Trained
  • Knowledge of CAMHS and Child Development

Personal and People Development

Essential

  • Ability to manage independent clinics and timetable
  • Ability to make evidence-based decisions in highly complex situations within agreed protocols or guidelines

Personal Attributes / Behaviours

Essential

  • Good observational, listening and analytical skills
  • Able to communicate using the English language in both written and verbal forms

Other

Essential

  • Holder of a full and valid UK Driver's Licence with access to a vehicle
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • RN/RN Child/ RMN/RNLD
  • 1st level degree or equivalent experience/qualification
  • Recognised Post Registration Qualification in Relevant Speciality equivalent to Master's Level or equivalent experience
  • V300 Non-medical Prescribing or willingness to work towards
  • Relevant mentorship or teaching and assessing course

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in managing the co-morbidities within learning disability and provision of behavioural advice
  • Experience in assessment and management of children with LD ASD and ADHD and challenging behaviour
  • Experience of working in community and education settings

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

Essential

  • Competent in assessment and management of children and young people with LD ASD and ADHD and challenging behaviour and associated conditions/disorders
  • Competent with screening assessment criteria/tools
  • Experienced and confident to deliver parenting groups
  • Recent evidence of study or knowledge in speciality or related field
  • Sound knowledge of professional accountability of NHS issues
  • Knowledge of equality, diversity and human rights and its importance

Desirable

  • Training in the delivery of accredited parenting courses
  • ADOS Trained
  • Knowledge of CAMHS and Child Development

Personal and People Development

Essential

  • Ability to manage independent clinics and timetable
  • Ability to make evidence-based decisions in highly complex situations within agreed protocols or guidelines

Personal Attributes / Behaviours

Essential

  • Good observational, listening and analytical skills
  • Able to communicate using the English language in both written and verbal forms

Other

Essential

  • Holder of a full and valid UK Driver's Licence with access to a vehicle

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Address

Norwich Community Hospital

Bowthorpe Road

Norwich

NR2 3TU


Employer's website

https://www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Address

Norwich Community Hospital

Bowthorpe Road

Norwich

NR2 3TU


Employer's website

https://www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Lead / Speech & Language Therapist

Laura Wetton

Starfish@nchc.nhs.uk

01603272319

Date posted

03 March 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£41,659 to £47,672 a year per annum (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

839-5045522-KW

Job locations

Norwich Community Hospital

Bowthorpe Road

Norwich

NR2 3TU


Supporting documents

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