Community Practitioner

NHS; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Community Practitioner within the NHS in Sunderland, working with individuals with learning disabilities. The role involves providing high-quality nursing assessments, managing complex caseloads, and collaborating with healthcare providers to enhance service delivery. Candidates should possess relevant nursing qualifications and a passion for making a difference in mental health care.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification and registration as a nurse or equivalent.
• 12 to 24 months band 5 qualified nurse experience.
• Proven track record in clinical experience relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

• Identify health needs of individuals with learning disabilities.
• Provide high standard nursing assessment and care planning.
• Maintain communication in complex situations with clients and carers.

Skills

Risk Assessment

Mental Health Understanding

Communication

Leadership

Education

First Level Registered Nurse (RNMH, RMN, RNLD) or equivalent

Training in CPA, Safeguarding, MAPPA

Job description

Go back Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Community Practitioner

The closing date is 01 July 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Community Practitioner to work within the Mental Health Pathway of the Learning Disability Community Treatment Team in Sunderland.

The role will suit candidates who thrive in roles which include variety, complexity and challenge.

The applicant will ensure a high-quality service is offered at all times, by having specialist skills, knowledge and competencies in understanding, formulating and working with adults with learning disabilities.

The successful applicant will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of Service Users, families and carers, which may include working extended and flexible hours over 7 days a week if required.

It will also be necessary to contribute to 'scaffolding' other teams and staff within other pathways who may require advice and support.

All staff should comply with the Trust's Anti-Discriminatory Statement, Employee Charter, Trust Policies and Procedures, Code of Conduct and Equality and Diversity.

Please refer to the attached job description for more information.

Main duties of the job

To identify the health needs of people with a learning disability referred to the service, using specialist clinical skills and knowledge in areas such as challenging behaviour, mental health and complex health needs.

To provide a high standard of specialist nursing assessment, formulation and care planning, nursing intervention and evaluation, including assessment and management of risk and crisis situations.

To empower clients to access other health services by developing working relationships with relevant professionals.

To work with primary and secondary care on integrating pathways for delivering and improving access to health care for people with a learning disability.

To educate people with a learning disability about treatment and general health issues in conjunction with other health providers.

To work autonomously on a day-to-day basis and be responsible for the management of a complex caseload, which is agreed and reviewed through clinical and managerial supervision.

To maintain a high level of communication within very complex and highly sensitive situations with clients and carers.

To provide and be involved with individual and group and work jointly with relevant services where appropriate.

About us

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.

Job responsibilities

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 24th June 2025

Closing date : 1st July 2025

We welcome your application.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

• Professional Qualification and current Professional Registration as, a First Level Registered Nurse (RNMH, RMN, RNLD) or equivalent as an AHP, Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist
• Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post.
• Training in CPA (Care Programme Approach), Safeguarding, MAPPA (Multi Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and Child Protection.
• Up-to-date knowledge/experience of relevant legislation.

Knowledge and Experience

• 12 to 24 month band 5 qualified nurse experience dependent upon service need.
• Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, NMC standards and other local and national initiatives.
• Experience of working with Complex Clients

Skills and Competencies

• Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex mental health needs.
• Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others).
• Ability to adapt within a changing environment.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience of managing own time/ working autonomously

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.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust