Community Learning Disability Nurse

Job responsibilities

Clinical / Professional

1. To identify the health needs of people with a learning disability referred to the service.

2. To hold an autonomous caseload using specialist clinical skills and knowledge in areas such as behaviours that challenge, epilepsy, sexual health and wellbeing, end of life, transition, dementia and complex health needs.

3. To provide/contribute to specialist person-centred nursing assessments, formulation and care planning to deliver responsive, safe and effective care.

4. To utilise a range of specialist assessment tools to inform appropriate intervention plans within an individuals episode of care

5. To facilitate and empower people with a learning disability to access other healthcare settings. This may include use of reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act (2010).

6. To work with in collaboration with stakeholders within the Integrated Care System to improve delivery and access to health care for people with a learning disability.

7. To support people with a learning disability within a range of settings to take control of their own health, through close partnership working and health education. This may include creating or updating health passports and attendance at annual LD Health checks.

8. As part of the NMC revalidation process, to ensure that skills and knowledge are kept up to date in order to provide expert advice and guidance relating to the needs of people with learning disabilities.

9. To undertake assessment of risk and facilitate effective risk management strategies.

10. To work with the rest of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure a holistic approach to an individuals assessments and care plans.

11. Where additional health and social care needs have been identified as part of the nursing assessment, to complete timely and appropriate referrals to the relevant specialists/services.

12. To support parents who have a learning disability in line with all relevant guidance and legislation (such as attendance at child protection meetings).

13. To follow the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) when assessing capacity to gain valid informed consent. Where people lack the capacity to consent to treatment, to work within a legal framework.

14. As part of the MDT, to take responsibility in supporting the organisation, chairing and minuting of meetings relating to a persons care and support.

Professional

15. In line with the NMC code, to maintain accountability and responsibility for the delivery of a safe and efficient service.

16. To regularly attend nurses meetings relating to referrals, waiting times and the development of clinical practice.

17. Provide regular clinical supervision and mentoring, with support as required, to junior nursing staff and students.

18. To participate in service-wide clinical effectiveness and governance conversations, research and development, and audit activities as required by the Health Team Manager and/or Lead Nurse.

19. To inform the Health Team Manager of any changes to service delivery, priorities and needs that may require a review of existing practices.

20. To assist in keeping assessment, treatment and information materials and equipment up-to-date, of sufficient supplies and in safe working order. To inform the Health Team Manager when replacements are required.

21. To actively participate in the development and review of clinical standards, policies and procedures.

22. In line with the NMC and Trust medicines management policies, as a community nurse, to administer prescribed medication as indicated and to monitor its efficacy and any potential side effects. To maintain safe custody of medication whilst in the community

23. To ensure that up to date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with the NMC and NCHC/NCC record keeping standards, and that these are reviewed regularly as part of clinical supervision sessions.

Management and Leadership

24. To represent the nursing team at appropriate meetings as requested, with support as required.

25. To uphold the organisations value, vision and behaviours when representing the Community LD Service in all settings.

Communication

26. To promote, establish and maintain effective communication with people who have a range of communication difficulties, using alternative forms of communication where required.

27. To establish good communication networks with people who use the service, carers and other health workers and agencies.

28. To develop accessible information specific to an individuals needs, using recommendations from a Speech and Language Therapist.

29. To promote positive, professional relationships with team colleagues in order to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.

30. To be able to communicate effectively using a number of mediums, including electronically, and possess the digital skills required to provide high quality reports. To be competent in the use of presentation packages such as PowerPoint.

31. To have awareness and sensitivity when communicating sensitive information with people and their family/carers.

Qualifications

Essential

• oRelevant degree/Diploma within nursing or equivalent experience.
• oNMC Nursing registration and adherence to the NMC Code

Desirable

• oPostgraduate studies related to the field of Community LD Nursing or relevant experience

Experience

Essential

• oExperience of the nursing process (APIE) in practice.
• oExperience with safe medication administration, and/or successful completion of medication competencies as part of Nurse training.

Desirable

• oExperience working with adults who have a learning disability.
• oLeadership experience.
• oExperience of community working.
• oExperience holding an autonomous caseload.
• oExperience of providing mentorship and/or clinical supervision.
• oExperience with clinical risk management.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

• oDocumented evidence of continuing professional development.
• oAwareness of legislation and policy relevant to the provision of health and social care for those with learning disabilities.
• oAbility to work autonomously, in an organised manner, and set own priorities to ensure patient safety at all times.
• oAbility to reflect on and critically appraise own performance.
• oProficient IT skills as required for the role.

Desirable

• oSuccessful completion of post-registration preceptorship, in line with the NMC Principles of preceptorship.
• oCompletion of the NHS LD Nursing CPD Award programme (Foundation and Pathway 2 modules).
• oKnowledge of the STOMP/STAMP agenda and the ability to support with medications management in line with these.
• oKnowledge and application of standardised assessments and outcome measures relating to LD Nursing.
• oExperience working in partnership with stakeholders across the health and social care setting.
• Knowledge of the four pillars of NHS nursing practice (clinical practice, education, leadership, research and development).

Communication

Essential

• oProficient communication skills using the English language in both verbal and written forms.
• oAbility to communicate effectively within an MDT environment.

Desirable

• oAwareness of the Accessible Information Standard (2016) and the application of this in practice.

Other

Essential

• oCommitment to providing person centred, non-discriminatory care
• oMaintain awareness of the importance of your wellbeing in being able to fulfil the requirements of the role.
• oAn awareness of the hazards associated with lone working in the community.
• oDBS clearance check.
• oMust hold full and valid and driving licence, and have access to a vehicle or independent travel

Desirable

• oAble to identify with the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults with learning disabilities.

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).