Hospital at Home Clinical Practitioner

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Essex; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package (£8K)

Flexible working

Job share available

Season ticket loans

NHS pension

Job summary

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Band 6 Clinical Practitioner for the Hospital at Home Service in West Essex. The post involves autonomous nursing/clinical practice in patients' homes and via remote monitoring within a multidisciplinary team.

You will undertake comprehensive assessments, develop care plans, and respond to deterioration, with induction and ongoing professional development provided. Service operates seven days a week with flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Registered nurse or allied health professional with post‑registration experience.
• Experience in community or acute care settings desirable.
• Ability to work autonomously within professional scope and policies.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive home assessments and virtual reviews.
• Develop and evaluate individualised care plans.
• Monitor patients using face‑to‑face assessments and remote monitoring tech.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to avoid admission and support discharge.
• Support junior colleagues and contribute to service development.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Decision making

Communication

Organisational skills

Autonomy

Education

Registered nurse (RN) or Allied Health Professional

Tools

Electronic health records (EHR)

Remote monitoring systems

Job description

Please be aware that, due to current allocation constraints, Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) are being prioritised for registered roles at this time.

Our Trust cares for more than 100,000 patients at any one time across our community health, mental health and learning disability services across Essex and parts of Bedfordshire and Suffolk.

We want you to be part of our journey of transformation, where our patients and their families are at the heart of everything we do and to achieve our vision to be the leading health and wellbeing service in the provision of mental health and community care.

You’ll be part of a Trust where you will be supported to be your authentic self and be the best you can be, where we will help you to grow, develop and thrive.

The Trust is recognised by the University of Essex and is a top provider of apprenticeships for people looking to be an assistant practitioner, senior health care support worker (CAP). Our trailblazing CAP apprenticeship won a national HSJ Award.

We are also recognised as a Veteran Aware Trust and holder of gold accreditation from the Ministry of Defence Employment Recognition Scheme. Our services are highlighted as an exemplar of good practice, producing the best care for more than 3.500 armed forces veterans in the past seven years.

We have been shortlisted and won national awards.

We are an inclusive organisation and Level 3 Disability Confident Leader Trust.

We are constantly innovating and looking for new ways to deliver care, such as using technology to enhance patient care and working with partners to launch new services such as the Basildon Mental Health Urgent Care Department, virtual hospitals and falls response cars.

Join us and you’ll do the best work of your life - and make a difference to other people's lives. What we do together, matters.

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Band 6 Clinical Practitioner to join the West Essex Hospital at Home Service.

Hospital at Home provides safe, effective and person-centred care to patients who would otherwise require admission to an acute hospital or who can be supported to leave hospital earlier. Care is delivered through a combination of face-to-face clinical assessment, treatment and remote monitoring, supported by a multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will work autonomously within their professional scope of practice, managing patients with a range of acute and complex health needs in their own homes. You will undertake comprehensive assessments, develop individualised care plans, deliver clinical interventions and recognise and respond to deterioration.

We are looking for a compassionate and forward-thinking practitioner with strong clinical decision-making, communication and organisational skills. Community or acute‑care experience would be beneficial, although appropriate induction, training and ongoing professional development will be provided.

The service operates seven days a week, and the postholder will be required to work flexibly across the service's operating hours, including weekends and bank holidays.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake comprehensive and holistic clinical assessments in patients' homes and virtually.
• Manage a delegated caseload of patients with acute, complex and changing healthcare needs.
• Develop, implement and evaluate person‑centred treatment and care plans.
• Monitor patients through face-to-face assessment and remote‑monitoring technology.
• Recognise clinical deterioration and initiate appropriate escalation or emergency intervention.
• Deliver clinical interventions in accordance with professional competence and local policies.
• Work collaboratively with medical staff, senior practitioners, pharmacists, therapists, primary care, community services and acute hospital teams.
• Support admission avoidance and timely discharge from hospital.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records using the Trust's electronic systems.
• Participate in daily multidisciplinary discussions, clinical handovers and safety huddles.
• Support junior colleagues, students and newly appointed staff through supervision and role modelling.
• Contribute to clinical audit, quality improvement, incident learning and service development.
• Work in accordance with professional standards, safeguarding requirements and Trust policies.

Working for our organisation

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us (Subject to T&Cs)
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The postholder will be a registered nurse or allied health professional with post‑registration experience and broad clinical knowledge.

They will have experience working showing the clinical competence, leadership skills and professional development required to progress into the role.

The postholder will work autonomously as part of the Hospital at Home multidisciplinary team, providing assessment, treatment and monitoring for patients in their own homes. This will include using digital and remote‑monitoring technology to support clinical decision‑making and identify deterioration.

• Undertake comprehensive and holistic assessments of patients with acute, complex and changing healthcare needs.
• Develop, implement and evaluate individualised, evidence‑based programmes of care.
• Manage a delegated caseload autonomously, with access to senior and medical support when required.
• Identify patients suitable for admission avoidance or supported early discharge from hospital.
• Recognise clinical deterioration and initiate appropriate treatment, escalation or emergency pathways.
• Deliver clinical interventions within professional scope of practice and demonstrated competence.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary care and allocate patient visits according to clinical priority, complexity, geography and staff competence.
• Provide clinical expertise, advice and day‑to‑day support to other members of the team.
• Work closely with medical staff, GPs, acute hospitals, community services and wider integrated‑care partners.
• Use remote‑monitoring systems and other technology to review patients and support clinical decision‑making.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records in accordance with professional and Trust standards.
• Contribute to clinical supervision, reflective practice, audit, quality improvement and service development.
• Promote equality, diversity, dignity and the rights of patients, carers and colleagues.
• Practise in accordance with the relevant professional code and all applicable ethical, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Work flexibly across the service's operating hours, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Travel independently throughout the service area to provide care in patients' homes and other community settings.

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate care from admission through to discharge.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments incorporating physical, psychological, functional, social and environmental needs.
• Obtain and document informed consent, ensuring that patients understand the assessment, treatment and monitoring process.
• Undertake clinical observations, interpret findings and take appropriate action.
• Use advanced clinical judgement to assess complex presentations where a range of management options may exist.
• Develop and regularly review care plans, adjusting interventions in response to changes in the patient's condition.
• Undertake clinical interventions consistent with evidence-based practice and within professional competence.
• Prepare and administer medicines, including intravenous therapies where appropriately trained and assessed as competent.
• Safely assemble, use and monitor relevant clinical equipment, devices and infusions.
• Analyse clinical information and investigation results, escalating or acting upon findings within professional scope of practice.
• Initiate emergency procedures when required and ensure timely escalation to appropriate services.
• Coordinate and participate in multidisciplinary case discussions.
• Refer patients to other professionals or services when their needs or risks are beyond the postholder's scope of practice or require longer‑term support.
• Support patients and carers to participate in decisions and develop confidence in managing their health and wellbeing.
• Ensure that privacy, dignity, cultural needs and individual preferences are respected throughout care.
• Maintain the health, safety and security of patients, colleagues and others within the working environment.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients, families and carers.
• Communicate complex, sensitive or distressing information in a compassionate, clear and appropriate manner.
• Adapt communication to meet individual needs, including those relating to cognitive impairment, learning disability, sensory impairment, language barriers or emotional distress.
• Use reassurance, negotiation and de‑escalation skills when patients or carers are anxious, distressed, challenging or reluctant to engage.
• Agree and document communication arrangements with patients, families and carers while maintaining confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team when considering complex clinical issues and making care decisions.
• Liaise regularly with consultants, GPs, acute hospital teams, community services and other partner organisations.
• Ensure that essential information regarding patients' conditions, treatment and progress is recorded and communicated promptly.
• Provide clear clinical handovers and participate in multidisciplinary meetings, safety huddles and case reviews.
• Escalate professional, clinical or operational concerns to the appropriate senior clinician or manager.

LEADERSHIP AND TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day‑to‑day clinical leadership and act as a positive professional role model.
• Coordinate the clinical team and allocate work according to patient need, service priorities and staff competence.
• Prioritise their own workload and support colleagues to manage competing clinical demands.
• Monitor progress, recognise changing priorities and take corrective action within their level of authority.
• Provide clear, constructive and timely feedback to team members.
• Support the induction, supervision and development of new staff, junior colleagues and students.
• Act as a practice supervisor or practice assessor where appropriately prepared.
• Participate in clinical supervision, appraisal and competency assessment.
• Contribute to the development of a supportive learning environment.
• Identify and accelerate concerns regarding competence, conduct or performance through appropriate management processes.
• Support the sensitive management and de‑escalation of challenging situations.
• Participate in recruitment, selection and workforce planning when required.
• Lead the clinical team and coordinate the work area in the absence of the senior practitioner or service manager, within agreed limits of authority.

PLANNING AND ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and organise a complex and changing workload, responding appropriately to urgent clinical priorities.
• Coordinate patient visits and ensure that available resources are used safely and effectively.
• Contribute to safe admission, transfer and discharge planning.
• Work autonomously within agreed policies, clinical pathways and professional guidelines.
• Manage a delegated caseload and maintain oversight of patients requiring review or escalation.
• Participate in service meetings and contribute to operational decision‑making.
• Ensure the safe and efficient use of clinical equipment, supplies and other physical resources.
• Contribute to the responsible use of financial resources within their area of practice.
• Identify potential capacity, safety or service‑delivery concerns and expedite these promptly.

QUALITY, SAFETY AND CLINICAL GOVERNANCE

• Work in accordance with Trust policies, clinical procedures and evidence‑based guidance.
• Identify, report and respond to clinical and non‑clinical incidents, risks and near misses.
• Safeguard vulnerable adults and children, escalating concerns in accordance with Trust procedures.
• Participate in the investigation of incidents, complaints and health and safety concerns when required.
• Contribute to clinical audit, service evaluation, quality improvement and the implementation of learning.
• Review existing practices and propose changes that improve patient safety, clinical outcomes and experience.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of service changes in collaboration with colleagues.
• Undertake accurate data collection using agreed clinical and performance systems.
• Maintain accurate, complete and contemporaneous clinical records.
• Maintain confidentiality and process personal information in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, professional standards and Trust information‑governance policies.
• Maintain professional registration and demonstrate continuing professional development.
• Participate in regular clinical and managerial supervision.

PHYSICAL AND WORKING REQUIREMENTS

• Able to travel independently throughout the service area.
• Able to work in a range of community environments, including patients' own homes.
• Physically able to support patients with activities of daily living and undertake moving and handling in accordance with assessed competence and Trust policy.
• Able to undertake clinical observations and use relevant equipment safely and accurately.
• Able to perform clinical procedures requiring accuracy and manual dexterity.
• Able to work flexibly across the service's operating hours, including weekends and bank holidays, according to service requirements.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• NMC registration or AHP registration
• 2 years+ registration

Desirable criteria

• Community or acute nursing experience
• Competence in delivering IV therapy, phlebotomy, wound care, or oxygen therapy in the community.
• Knowledge of remote monitoring technologies and digital tools used in home-based care.
• Additional qualifications in urgent care, frailty, long-term conditions, or leadership.
• Evidence of professional development

Managerial Experience

Essential criteria

• Ability to coordinate workload and supervise members of the team, ensuring high quality, safe and effective patient care

Desirable criteria

• Ability to identify staff development needs and conduct staff appraisal and supervision
• Practice Assessor/Mentorshop experience

Other requirements

Essential criteria

• Willingness to uphold the Trust's and provider's values
• Eligible to live and work in the UK.
• Be an effective team member who is able to relate to colleagues at all levels of the Trust with tact and diplomacy
• Possesses a valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle for work purposes

Please be aware that, due to current allocation constraints, Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) are being prioritised for registered roles at this time.

As a newly appointed employee, you are responsible for incurring the cost of your initial DBS check relevant to your post; the amount will be deducted from your first salary with the Trust.

Our Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience of using mental health services. We also hold the Disability two tick symbol and have made the pledge to commit to employing more people with learning disabilities, we encourage people with a disability to apply. If you require this application form in another format i.e. Braille or audio tape etc, please contact the Recruitment Department on 01375 364513 or email [e-mail] and we can arrange for this to be dispatched to you.

The Trust has the right to expire vacancies prior to the closing date if they so wish.

The Trust makes every attempt to contact all applicants and we strongly advise that you check the email account which is registered with NHS Jobs regularly, we would advise however due to the high number of applications we receive that if you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to robust safer recruitment processes.

Important Notice: Recently the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021 (the Regulations) which amended on 22 July 2021 and come into force on 11 November 2021 that anyone directly employed to work in a Care Home or who are required as part of their role to be deployed to a CQC registered care home are required to have had both their COVID vaccinations, unless they are exempt. This is therefore a requirement of this role and will form part of our pre-employment checks.