Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities Specialist

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; Hampstead; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Car leasing scheme

Free parking across Trust sites

Staff networks

Discounts across the UK

Job summary

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in Exeter seeks a part-time Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities Specialist. You will lead LD, autism and dementia initiatives, guide safeguarding, and educate staff to empower vulnerable patients across the Trust.

Join during the new LD and Autism plan 2025-2028 for an opportunity to make a real difference in diverse settings while benefiting from professional development and a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Substantial demonstrable specialist experience working with people with a learning disability, autism and/or dementia in a similar role.
• Experience in vulnerabilities and health inequalities, including attending multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Previous or current experience in NHS settings or social care and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Implement Trust wide Learning Disability and vulnerable patient policies and procedures.
• Lead on LEDER for the Trust and collaborate with safeguarding and deaths team.
• Act as lead champion for LD, Autism and vulnerabilities and educate colleagues.
• Provide advice and guidance on safeguarding reviews for LD, autism and dementia.
• Improve patient care for people living with LD, autism and dementia.
• Promote dementia-friendly workplaces and communities.

Education

Registered Mental Health Nurse

Master's Degree or equivalent level experience

Additional leadership qualification

Job description

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities Specialist

The closing date is 15 November 2026

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.

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.

About us

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.

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

Job 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

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.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

£49,387 to £56,515 a year/ pro-rata per annum