Learning disabilities and Autism specialist Nurse

The Methodist Church in Britain; East Ham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust is seeking a Lead Learning Disability and Autism Nurse to act as the expert clinical resource across all services. You will advise patients, families and staff, and lead initiatives to improve experience and outcomes, ensuring reasonable adjustments and high-quality, person-centred care throughout outpatient, inpatient and discharge pathways.

Applicants must have Part 2 NMC registration (adult or learning disabilities) and post‑registration CPD in

Qualifications

• Part 2 NMC registration as an adult or learning disabilities nurse.
• Post-registration CPD in learning disabilities and policy/practice.
• MSc or willingness to undertake MSc-level study.

Responsibilities

• Act as expert clinical resource, advising patients, families, and staff.
• Provide leadership to ensure safe, equitable, person-centred care.
• Identify and implement reasonable adjustments for individual needs.
• Lead service improvement initiatives across Trust services.
• Monitor care effectiveness using audits and patient feedback.
• Coordinate information across pathways (outpatient, inpatient, discharge).
• Promote awareness of health needs of people with learning disabilities/autism.

Skills

Communication and listening

Autonomous practice

Leadership in clinical settings

Evidence-based practice

Education

NMC Part 2 Register RN2/RN6

MSc in related field

Job description

This is a lead role for a learning disability and autism nurse across all services at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust. The post holder is the expert clinical resource on care for people with a learning disability or autism, advising patients, families and staff and making sure reasonable adjustments are in place. They also lead improvement work, using audit and patient feedback to drive change across outpatient, inpatient and discharge pathways. Applicants need part 2 NMC registration as an adult or learning disabilities nurse.

What the job involves

• Act as the expert clinical resource, advising patients, families, carers, Trust staff and partner organisations
• Provide specialist leadership so people with a learning disability or autism receive safe, equitable, person-centred care
• Identify and implement reasonable adjustments to meet individual needs
• Identify, develop and lead initiatives to improve experience and outcomes across all Trust services
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of care using data, audit, patient feedback, incident reviews and national benchmarks
• Coordinate information between patients, carers, clinical teams and partner agencies across outpatient, inpatient and discharge pathways
• Promote awareness of the specific health needs of people with a learning disability or autism
• Support staff to deliver person-centred care in line with national standards and statutory requirements
• Act as a highly visible specialist nursing resource across the organisation
• Lead on the Trust's strategy for the management of adults with a learning disability or autism
• Work independently and as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team

What’s required

Qualifications

• Part 2 NMC registration as an adult nurse (RN2) or learning disabilities nurse (RN6)
• Post-registration CPD in learning disabilities, policy and practice, and a professional portfolio
• MSc, evidence of MSc-level study, or willingness to undertake further study

Experience

• Leading service change and leading within a team
• Applying evidence-based practice at service user-facing level
• Working alongside statutory and voluntary organisations

Skills & knowledge

• Good communication and listening skills with all levels of staff and agencies
• Working autonomously and supporting staff in decisions in complex circumstances
• Expert theoretical and practical knowledge of supporting people with a learning disability or autism in NHS services
• Sound knowledge of the national learning disabilities strategy, LeDeR, and local and national policy
• Understanding of audit processes and improvement methodology

Other

• Leadership and line management skills, with the ability to empower, enthuse and motivate others
• Understanding of and engagement with equality, diversity and inclusion and health inequalities in policy, service development and staff management
• Responds positively to change, manages time effectively and stays calm under pressure
• Role models Trust values and exemplary personal conduct, with a positive, patient-centred approach
• Maintains positive professional relationships with Trust colleagues and the Hertfordshire safeguarding MDT

Nice to have

• Teaching and assessing in clinical practice qualification

What’s offered

• Flexible working requests considered formally, with support where service needs allow