Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities Specialist

Transformation Unit; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Car leasing scheme

Free parking

Staff networks

Job summary

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in Exeter is seeking a Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities Specialist on a fixed-term, part-time basis (12 months, job share). The role focuses on improving care for adults and children with learning disabilities, autism and dementia, within the safeguarding team.

You will lead LD, autism and vulnerability initiatives, advise on safeguarding reviews, and help embed dementia-friendly practices across the Trust, promoting independence and

Qualifications

• Registered nurse with RMN or RNLD qualification.
• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Leadership qualification or evidence of leadership training.

Responsibilities

• Implement Trust wide Learning Disability and vulnerable patient policies to improve experiences.
• Lead LEDER for the Trust in collaboration with safeguarding and deaths reviews.
• Champion LD, Autism and vulnerabilities and educate staff on improving experiences.
• Provide guidance on safeguarding reviews for LD, autism, dementia or other vulnerabilities.
• Improve care for people with learning disabilities, autism and dementia.
• Support dementia-friendly employment and communities within SWASFT.

Education

Registered Mental Health Nurse or Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse

Master’s Degree or equivalent level experience in relevant field

Additional leadership qualification

Job description

Main area Learning Disabilities, Vulnerabilities, Mental Health Grade NHS AfC: Band 7 Contract Fixed term: 12 months (Ability to work across the SWAST area) Hours Part time - 15 hours per week Job ref 202-8365233

Employer South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Trust HQ Town Exeter Salary £49,387 - £56,515 / pro-rata per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 15/11/2026 23:59

Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities Specialist

NHS AfC: Band 7

Job overview

We are looking for a passionate and experienced individual who has demonstrable knowledge and experience working with people with a learning disability, autism and/or dementia on a part time, fixed term basis (job share).

The Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities specialist will be based within the SWAST safeguarding team and will guide and support all areas of the Trust to meet the needs of adults and children with Learning Disabilities (LD), Autism (A), Dementia and other vulnerabilities.

Ensuring staff have the knowledge and ability to empower, advocate for, and support individuals to maintain their independence, promoting their physical and mental health

This is an exciting time to be joining the SWAST following the publication of our new Trust Learning Disability and Autism plan 2025-2028. If you are you looking for an incredible challenge that will stretch you, both professionally and personally, and if you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference across a wide range of settings then please get in touch.

For an informal discussion please contact Lerryn Udy, Head of Safeguarding via [e-mail]

Main duties of the job

Implement Trust wide Learning Disability and vulnerable patient policies and procedures, to improve the experiences of patients and staff with vulnerabilities.

Lead on LEDER for the Trust. Working closely with the safeguarding team and learning from deaths team.

Be the lead and champion LD, Autism and vulnerabilities and use skills to educate and colleagues of the importance of improving experiences of vulnerable patients.

Provide advice and guidance on area of expertise, supporting safeguarding reviews into patients with a LD, Autism, dementia, or other vulnerability.

Improve patient care for people living with a learning disability, autism and dementia or other vulnerability.

Make the SWASFT a dementia friendly employer and support dementia friendly communities.

Working for our organisation

Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.

We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.

The role is based in Exeter, one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England, with excellent transport links and a great mix of independent shops, cafes and bars.

If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples’ lives, then we would love to hear from you.

In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.

You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.

• A standard working week of 37.5 hours
• Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
• Career and salary progression
• Car leasing scheme
• Free parking across Trust sites
• Staff networks
• Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification.

Person specification

Previous Experience

• Substantial demonstrable specialist experience working with people with a learning disability, autism and/or dementia or other vulnerabilities in a similar role or setting
• Demonstrable current experience and knowledge in vulnerabilities and health inequalities, including attending multidisciplinary team meetings
• Previous or current experience of working in ambulance Trusts, other NHS settings or social care
• Recent Leadership experience
• Experience of participating in LEDER reviews
• Experience in participating in patient/public forums

Education and Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse or Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse
• Master’s Degree or equivalent level experience in relevant field
• Additional leadership qualification

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.