Clinical Nurse Specialist, Learning Disability And Autism

Imperial College Healthcare Nhs Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking an experienced Band 7 Learning Disability and Autism Clinical Specialist Nurse to lead LD/A care across the safeguarding team. The role champions equitable access, delivers training, and embeds personalised care to reduce health inequalities in acute hospital settings.

The post requires RNLD/RMN/RGN with NMC registration, extensive LD/Autism experience, and strong MCA/Equality Act knowledge.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RNLD, RMN, or RGN) with current NMC registration.
• Extensive post-registration experience in learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation (MCA, Equality Act, Autism Act).
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
• Experience delivering training and supporting organisational change.
• Flexible, compassionate and proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Act as the lead specialist nurse for learning disability and autism across the Trust.
• Provide clinical advice and support to staff working with patients with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Coordinate and promote reasonable adjustments to ensure person-centred care.
• Offer consultation, supervision, and training to colleagues across departments.
• Develop and review care pathways and quality improvement initiatives.
• Build relationships with patients, families, carers and external agencies for safe, inclusive care planning.

Skills

NMC registered

LD/Autism expertise

Communication skills

Advocacy

Training delivery

Education

Nursing degree

Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Learning Disability and Autism (LD/A) Clinical Specialist Nurse to join LD/A team under the safeguarding team at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced nurse who will champion the care and support of individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism across our acute hospital settings. You will be at the forefront of promoting equitable access to care, delivering training, and embedding personalised approaches to reduce health inequalities.

What We're Looking For

• Registered Nurse (RNLD, RMN, RGN with relevant experience) with current NMC registration.
• Extensive post-registration experience working with people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Mental Capacity Act, Equality Act, Autism Act).
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
• Experience of delivering training and supporting organisational change.
• A flexible, compassionate, and proactive approach.

We are fortunate to work with in a large integrated safeguarding team. The team consists of Named Nurses for Children and Adults, a Consultant Nurse, Named Midwife, Named Doctor, Safeguarding midwives, Safeguarding nurses for both children and adults, learning disability/autism staff and administrators.

The working days are Monday to Friday 9-5.

Main duties of the job

• Act as the lead specialist nurse for learning disability and autism across the Trust.
• Provide clinical advice and support to staff working with patients with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Coordinate and promote the implementation of reasonable adjustments to ensure person-centred care.
• Offer consultation, supervision, and training to colleagues across departments.
• Develop and review care pathways and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with patients, families, carers, and external agencies to ensure safe and inclusive care planning.

About us

At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.

Become part of a vibrant team living our values - expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You'll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career. Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part time or job share. Please talk to us at interview.

Environmental sustainability: Climate change and poor air quality is a health emergency that harms people's health and wellbeing and widens health inequalities. The Trust is also committed to reducing its impact on the environment by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2045. All our employees have a role to play, and we have an active green network that supports staff to act in ways that ensures that our services are efficient, sustainable and reduce our impact on the environment www.imperial.nhs.uk/about-us/our-strategy/green-plan.

Details

Date posted: 21 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £58,133 to £65,261 a year pa inclusive pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 11 months
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 290-CR-2109

Essential Person Specification

• Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse
• Educated to a degree level in relevant subject area or evidence of equivalent
• Minimum 2 years' relevant post registration experience in same specialty in the NHS
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Experience of working within an acute hospital setting with people with learning disabilities and/or autism
• Experience of team working and liaison with other agencies collaboratively and autonomously
• Experience and expert knowledge of the MCA and DoLS and advocacy
• Experience of formal/informal teaching of patients and staff

Desirable Person Specification

• Master's Degree in relevant subject
• Recognised teaching certificate
• Experience of applying research evidence to clinical practice

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. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Address: St Marys Hospital, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, United Kingdom
For questions about the job, contact: Frank Ungani, Named Nurse Safeguarding adults, [e-mail]