Mental Health/Learning Disability Nurse

Islet Systems; Dawlish; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a compassionate Registered Nurse to join their Regional Learning Disability and Autism Unit in Dawlish. This role involves assessing care needs, managing care plans, and providing leadership in a state-of-the-art facility. The ideal candidate will be a registered nurse focused on delivering high-quality care within a supportive environment. This position offers competitive salary and a flexible working pattern.

Qualifications

• Must hold current UK professional registration.
• Experience with named nursing and care planning for learning disabilities.
• Proficient in computer literacy including email and word processing.

Responsibilities

• Assess care needs and develop individual care plans.
• Lead the unit in absence of senior staff.
• Provide clinical supervision and manage staff well-being.

Skills

Compassionate care

Leadership skills

Clinical assessment

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Registered Nurse (RNLD/RNMH)

Degree/HE Diploma

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a drive and compassionate Registered Nurse to join our new Regional Learning Disability and Autism Unit in Dawlish (The Brook). This is an exciting opportunity within one of the UK’s most respected mental health and learning disability trusts.

The unit provides inpatient support to adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults in a state‑of‑the‑art environment and aims to become a centre of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess care needs, develop, implement and evaluate individual care plans.
• Act as named nurse for service users.
• Promote and improve quality of service provided.
• Lead the unit in the absence of Service Manager or senior staff nurse.
• Participate in the internal rotation system including weekend and night shifts.

About Us

Devon Partnership NHS Trust delivers mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services across the South West of England.

We are passionate about promoting good mental health and wellbeing and deliver high‑quality, safe, people‑centred care.

Our Values

We recruit based on qualifications, experience and the behaviours underpinning our core values: quality of care, commitment, respect, dignity, compassion, openness to new ideas and inclusive practice.

Employment Details

• Post type: Permanent
• Band: Band 5
• Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 per year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Flexible working, 24‑hour rota
• Reference number: C9369‑25‑0852
• Location: The Brook, Learning Disability and Autism Unit, Langdon Hospital, Dawlish, Devon, EX7 0NR

Job Description – Core Duties

The Registered Nurse will use the Positive Behavioural Support framework to assess, intervene and evaluate health and wellbeing needs for people with learning disabilities and autism, some of whom may also have mental health conditions.

Key duties include:

• Clinical assessment and care planning using current evidence and best practice.
• Leadership and management of the inpatient unit during duty periods.
• Clinical supervision of junior staff and management of staff well‑being.
• Ensuring compliance with NICE, NMC, Trust policies and relevant legislation (Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act).
• Accurate, timely completion of clinical records and discharge reports.
• Providing training to new staff and external service providers.

Communication & Working Relationships

• Maintain accurate, timely records.
• Communicate difficult information sensitively to service users, families and the multi‑disciplinary team.
• Build positive relationships with the multidisciplinary team and external stakeholders.
• Ensure information governance and confidentiality policies are respected.

Planning & Organisation

• Ensure personal training is current and complies with Trust standards.
• Manage staff rota for correct skill mix and shift compliance.
• Lead meetings and invite relevant professionals when required.
• Organise and allocate duties to ward staff during duty periods.

Care, Treatment & Therapy

• Carry out pre‑admission and ongoing assessments.
• Develop and review Positive Behaviour Support plans and care plans.
• Involve patients, families and carers in planning.
• Manage infection control, medication administration and safety.

Policy, Service, Research & Development

• Stay informed on national professional developments.
• Pursue ongoing education and CPD.
• Participate in audit, research and pilot projects.
• Act as Link Practitioner for quality and safety.

Finance and Resources

• Follow Trust policies for handling money and property.
• Manage equipment and environment safely.

Supervision, Leadership & Management

• Provide supervision and career conversations to staff.
• Act as practice supervisor for students and preceptor for newly qualified staff.

Administration

• Complete daily administrative tasks and report maintenance issues.
• Ensure all record‑keeping guidance and forms are completed.
• Provide reports for other professionals.

Additional Tasks

• May assist with Unit vehicle insurance for community leave.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe therapeutic environment.
• Take on duties assigned by the Line Manager.
• Maintain fitness and training for physical intervention techniques if required.
• Act swiftly to protect safety if a colleague or service user is unfit to continue duties.

Person Specification – Qualifications

• Essential: Registered Nurse (RNLD/RNMH), Degree/HE Diploma, evidence of training completion, computer literacy (email, internet, word‑processing).
• Desirable: Post‑registration teaching, practitioner/supervisor training, managerial qualification.

Experience (Essential)

• Primary/named nursing, shift management, assessment and care planning for learning disability/autism populations.
• Experience with incident management, safety, and psychological and physical care needs.
• Clinical supervision and managerial responsibilities.

Legal & Recruitment

Applicants must hold current UK professional registration and be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The post is also eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship. Applications from people with lived experience of mental health, neurodiversity or learning disabilities are encouraged.

Employer Details

Devon Partnership NHS Trust
The Brook, Learning Disability and Autism Unit
Langdon Hospital, Exeter Road
Dawlish, Devon, EX7 0NR

Website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/