Specialist Learning Disability Nurse

NHS; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Specialist Learning Disability Nurse within the NHS based in Barnsley. The ideal candidate will work with adults facing learning and mental health challenges, contributing to assessments and interventions in a dynamic team setting while promoting positive health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Substantial post registration experience working in learning disabilities.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage individual caseload for service users, providing assessments and treatment.
• Work collaboratively as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team.
• Empower families to support individuals with learning disabilities.

Skills

Communication

Clinical assessment

Teamwork

Leadership

Education

RNLD or BSc/BA, MA Occupational Therapy

Positive behaviour support postgraduate qualification

Job description

Req#: C9378-B2161?language=en&page=138&sort=publicationDateDesc

Job summary

37.5 hours per week

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Learning Disability Nurse to join our friendly and welcoming Intensive Support Team (IST) in Barnsley. We are looking for a Specialist Learning Disability Nurse to work with adults with a learning disability and mental health problems and/or behaviours of concerns, who are at risk of placement breakdown or hospital admission.

This post will be based at the Mapplewell Centre, which has a specialist sensory room and a rebound therapy room. The service is open Monday to Friday 9 to 5. We can offer flexible working hours and an agile working policy.

Professional development is actively encouraged, and we would be able to offer the successful candidate opportunity to train upon applicant preference and service need.

The IST is part of the Community Learning Disability Health Team, and we place a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary working. We have strong and effective links with our partner agencies including the local authority and ICB as well as local care providers. The IST aim to work with individuals and their carer's/services proactively to provide specialist assessments and interventions.

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward to receiving your application.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Specialist Learning Disability Nurse is to work collaboratively with the service user, their carers and wider multidisciplinary team to assess and support people with their physical and mental health needs and to advocate for reasonable adjustments to be made to ensure service users are able to access mainstream services for their health needs.

You will be an integral part of the IST and contribute towards assessments, formulations and interventions based on your clinical experience, assessments and observations.

You will also be required to work independently and to make autonomous decisions. In this role you will be given freedom to use your own initiative and we will welcome candidates with a can do attitude.

You will receive clinical supervision from Advance Nurse Practitioner whilst also having the opportunity to link in with colleagues in the other ISTs and community teams.

A key aspect of the post is the role of care coordination and working closely with other agencies to bring about successful outcomes for our service users.

There will also be opportunities to contribute to the leadership and development of the Intensive Support Team and support junior staff and students where appropriate.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

26 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-B2161

Job locations

Mapplewell Health Centre

276 Darton Lane

Mapplewell

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 6AJ




Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be part of a cohesive and enthusiastic multi-disciplinary team and work closely with the other parts of the locality health team and In-Patient team where required. You will be involved in providing specialist assessment, support and treatment for individuals receiving intensive support and care, enabling service users to engage in a wide range of individual and group based treatment activities.

The post holder witll promote a positive behavioural approach which will be underpinned by professional skills and additional training as required.

The post holder will be part of a well recognised service that places emphasis of staff support and professional development and you will be expected to participate in staff training and supervision.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Clinical

1. To manage an individual caseload, providing assessments for service users receiving in-patient care and withinthecommunity, prioritising clinical needs and providing an effective service.

2. To work with service users to identify goals as part of the overall care plan, using appropriate assessment tools based on current evidence based best practice.

3. To plan and implement a client centred treatment programme on an individual and/or group basis, to achieve therapeutic goals.

4. To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.

5. To demonstrate a broad level of understanding of the effect of disability and provide training and advice on lifestyles changes and adaptations to the clients social and physical environment.

6. To be responsible for providing advice in the multidisciplinary team assessment of service users and carers to ensure that an integrated approach to assessment and treatment is achieved and maintained.

7. To work proactively alongside ward staff, community agencies and voluntary agencies to provide a seamless service for service users.

8. To maintain an effective communication network within the team, and to liaise with other agencies and disciplines from the voluntary and statutory sectors to ensure that service user needs are met.

9. To maintain up to date service user records and activity data in accordance with professional and Trust standards.

10. To provide and contribute to multi-disciplinary team meetings, ward rounds, clinics and case conferences as required.

11. To provide reports (as prequired) on assessment and treatment by written and verbal reports to Consultants, GP's and other agencies involved, and to ensure that all correspondence relating to caseload is dealt with promptly.

12. To empower families and carers to support individuals with learning disabilities.

13. To involve clients in all aspects of assessment, treatment and evaluation of treatment programmes.

14. To promote the positive health and well being of the individual.

Managerial1. To manage own caseload and day-to-day activities, managing and responding to patient crisis in a timely manner and as per protocols of the service.2. To co-ordinate the day-to-day activities of junior staff in the service area.

3. To provide effective guidance and supervision for junior staff.

4. To take responsibility for risk management within the service area.

5. To co-ordinate statistical collections in line with Trust policies.6. To ensure responsible management of Trust equipment and supplies.

7. To participate in the recruitment, appointment and induction of staff, ensuring that practice in these areas are anti-discriminatory.

Leadership

1. To promote the benefits of the service to the people and organisations affected by it.

2. To work effectively as a team member, sharing skills and knowledge and collaborating with other team members.

3. To act as a role model to all staff, demonstrating and encouraging healthy working relationships.

4. To demonstrate open and honest communication and to seek to develop dialogue in times of difficulty, working towards consensus decisions.

5. To promote awareness of the role of the Intensive Support service within the team, negotiating priorities where appropriate.

6. To participate in development and improvement of the Learning Disability service and develop evidence-based practice in the service.

7. Ensure the Operational Manager/Intensive Support Lead is kept informed of all aspects of the work, especially the development needs of the service.

Policy and Service Development

1. To contribute to the appraisal of Learning Disability services and to identify appropriate developments in the services provided making recommendations to the Intensive Support team Lead/Operational Manager.

2. To contribute to agreed developments in Learning disability service provision.

3. To be responsible for ensuring that the policies and procedures of the relevant Code of Professional Ethics and Professional Conduct and local and national standards of practice are properly implemented.

4. To take a role, in collaboration with other senior staff, in the development of services, including operational planning, and implementation of policy and service development.

5. To be aware of national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care in your specialist service area.

Training/Education

1. To participate in regular clinical and managerial supervision..

2. To be involved in providing support, guidance and supervision of junior staff within the specialist service, as delegated by the Intensive Support team Lead/Operational Manager.

3. To undertake regular performance review with the Intensive Support team Lead/operational Manager in accordance with the Trust appraisal process.

4. To be directly involved in the clinical training placements for students within Learning Disability disciplines as required within the area of work and as qualifications allow.

5. To contribute to the induction and training of students and other staff from other disciplines.

6. To promote the role of the Intensive Support Team to other professions and trainees from other professions, participating in teaching sessions.

7. To participate in departmental staff meetings, training, appraisal and supervision sessions.

8. To participate in continuing professional development within own specialist area.

Research/Development

1. To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.

2.

3. To apply skills and knowledge in order to establish professional competence and fitness to practise as a qualified health care professional

4. To remain informed of current research, to ensure that own practice is up to date and evidence based.

5. Review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal in line with local guidelines.

6. Monitor standards of clinical practice within the team and advise the Intensive Support team Lead/Operational Manager how to make changes where necessary.

7. To contribute to the Trusts, Directorates and teams clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda.

8. To broaden research and development skills by contributing to evaluation of the Learning Disbility service in the specialist service area by participating in service related evaluation, audit and research projects to promote evidence based practice.

Communication

1. To use effective interpersonal skills to encourage service users and carers active participation in the Learning disability service development.

2. To use effective interpersonal skills to communicate complex or sensitive information to service users where persuasion, negotiation, empathy or re-assurance is required and where there are barriers to understanding such as hostile, antagonistic, vulnerable or at risk service users.

3. To maintain the goodwill and confidence of staff, service users and the general public, carrying out duties at all times in a courteous and sympathetic manner.

4. To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other team members, characterised by open communication, trust and respect.

5. To establish robust communication networks with service users, carers and other health workers and agencies.

For full details of the role please see the supporting documents attached.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be part of a cohesive and enthusiastic multi-disciplinary team and work closely with the other parts of the locality health team and In-Patient team where required. You will be involved in providing specialist assessment, support and treatment for individuals receiving intensive support and care, enabling service users to engage in a wide range of individual and group based treatment activities.

The post holder witll promote a positive behavioural approach which will be underpinned by professional skills and additional training as required.

The post holder will be part of a well recognised service that places emphasis of staff support and professional development and you will be expected to participate in staff training and supervision.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Clinical

1. To manage an individual caseload, providing assessments for service users receiving in-patient care and withinthecommunity, prioritising clinical needs and providing an effective service.

2. To work with service users to identify goals as part of the overall care plan, using appropriate assessment tools based on current evidence based best practice.

3. To plan and implement a client centred treatment programme on an individual and/or group basis, to achieve therapeutic goals.

4. To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.

5. To demonstrate a broad level of understanding of the effect of disability and provide training and advice on lifestyles changes and adaptations to the clients social and physical environment.

6. To be responsible for providing advice in the multidisciplinary team assessment of service users and carers to ensure that an integrated approach to assessment and treatment is achieved and maintained.

7. To work proactively alongside ward staff, community agencies and voluntary agencies to provide a seamless service for service users.

8. To maintain an effective communication network within the team, and to liaise with other agencies and disciplines from the voluntary and statutory sectors to ensure that service user needs are met.

9. To maintain up to date service user records and activity data in accordance with professional and Trust standards.

10. To provide and contribute to multi-disciplinary team meetings, ward rounds, clinics and case conferences as required.

11. To provide reports (as prequired) on assessment and treatment by written and verbal reports to Consultants, GP's and other agencies involved, and to ensure that all correspondence relating to caseload is dealt with promptly.

12. To empower families and carers to support individuals with learning disabilities.

13. To involve clients in all aspects of assessment, treatment and evaluation of treatment programmes.

14. To promote the positive health and well being of the individual.

Managerial1. To manage own caseload and day-to-day activities, managing and responding to patient crisis in a timely manner and as per protocols of the service.2. To co-ordinate the day-to-day activities of junior staff in the service area.

3. To provide effective guidance and supervision for junior staff.

4. To take responsibility for risk management within the service area.

5. To co-ordinate statistical collections in line with Trust policies.6. To ensure responsible management of Trust equipment and supplies.

7. To participate in the recruitment, appointment and induction of staff, ensuring that practice in these areas are anti-discriminatory.

Leadership

1. To promote the benefits of the service to the people and organisations affected by it.

2. To work effectively as a team member, sharing skills and knowledge and collaborating with other team members.

3. To act as a role model to all staff, demonstrating and encouraging healthy working relationships.

4. To demonstrate open and honest communication and to seek to develop dialogue in times of difficulty, working towards consensus decisions.

5. To promote awareness of the role of the Intensive Support service within the team, negotiating priorities where appropriate.

6. To participate in development and improvement of the Learning Disability service and develop evidence-based practice in the service.

7. Ensure the Operational Manager/Intensive Support Lead is kept informed of all aspects of the work, especially the development needs of the service.

Policy and Service Development

1. To contribute to the appraisal of Learning Disability services and to identify appropriate developments in the services provided making recommendations to the Intensive Support team Lead/Operational Manager.

2. To contribute to agreed developments in Learning disability service provision.

3. To be responsible for ensuring that the policies and procedures of the relevant Code of Professional Ethics and Professional Conduct and local and national standards of practice are properly implemented.

4. To take a role, in collaboration with other senior staff, in the development of services, including operational planning, and implementation of policy and service development.

5. To be aware of national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care in your specialist service area.

Training/Education

1. To participate in regular clinical and managerial supervision..

2. To be involved in providing support, guidance and supervision of junior staff within the specialist service, as delegated by the Intensive Support team Lead/Operational Manager.

3. To undertake regular performance review with the Intensive Support team Lead/operational Manager in accordance with the Trust appraisal process.

4. To be directly involved in the clinical training placements for students within Learning Disability disciplines as required within the area of work and as qualifications allow.

5. To contribute to the induction and training of students and other staff from other disciplines.

6. To promote the role of the Intensive Support Team to other professions and trainees from other professions, participating in teaching sessions.

7. To participate in departmental staff meetings, training, appraisal and supervision sessions.

8. To participate in continuing professional development within own specialist area.

Research/Development

1. To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.

2.

3. To apply skills and knowledge in order to establish professional competence and fitness to practise as a qualified health care professional

4. To remain informed of current research, to ensure that own practice is up to date and evidence based.

5. Review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal in line with local guidelines.

6. Monitor standards of clinical practice within the team and advise the Intensive Support team Lead/Operational Manager how to make changes where necessary.

7. To contribute to the Trusts, Directorates and teams clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda.

8. To broaden research and development skills by contributing to evaluation of the Learning Disbility service in the specialist service area by participating in service related evaluation, audit and research projects to promote evidence based practice.

Communication

1. To use effective interpersonal skills to encourage service users and carers active participation in the Learning disability service development.

2. To use effective interpersonal skills to communicate complex or sensitive information to service users where persuasion, negotiation, empathy or re-assurance is required and where there are barriers to understanding such as hostile, antagonistic, vulnerable or at risk service users.

3. To maintain the goodwill and confidence of staff, service users and the general public, carrying out duties at all times in a courteous and sympathetic manner.

4. To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other team members, characterised by open communication, trust and respect.

5. To establish robust communication networks with service users, carers and other health workers and agencies.

For full details of the role please see the supporting documents attached.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Substantial post registration experience working in /learning disabilities.
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Supervision of staff and students.

Desirable

• Leadership / first line management experience.
• Experience of a range of mental health/learning disabilities settings eg; mental health positive behaviour support, Autism.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Enthusiastic, motivated, professional, resourceful, flexible and adaptable.
• Able to self direct and have good time management skills.
• Able to use tact/diplomacy and common sense.
• Committed to team working and providing the best possible patient care.
• Able to adapt to change and lead others as a positive change agent.
• Act as a positive role model to other members of the team.
• Able to provide leadership to the team and encourage reflection on practice.
• Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.

Training

Essential

• Practice placement educators certificate (or to achieve within 12 months).
• Clinical supervisors training (or willingness to complete).
• To be willing to undertake post graduate training to further skills, knowledge and expertise relevant to clinical area.

Desirable

• Post graduate training relevant to mental health/learning disabilities.

Physical Attributes

Essential

• Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Qualifications

Essential

• RNLD or BSc/BA, MA Occupational Therapy.
• Additional post grad qualification in positive behaviour support at Diploma/Degree level.
• HCPC State Registration/NMC registration.

Desirable

• Evidence of additional academic study at Diploma/Degree level.
• Leadership / first line management certificate.

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

• Specialist knowledge and application of assessments and interventions relevant to learning disabilities.
• Extensive clinical practice skills including individual and group work
• Understanding of outcome measure.
• Detailed knowledge of current legislation/guidance e.g. CPA Care Programme Approach, Risk assessment and management.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Able to work as part of a MDT and independently.
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
• Supervisory / appraisal skills.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
• Ability to organise and respond efficiently to complex information.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to build effective working relationships.
• Detailed knowledge of clinical governance and its application.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues for the Learning Disability Community.
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Substantial post registration experience working in /learning disabilities.
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Supervision of staff and students.

Desirable

• Leadership / first line management experience.
• Experience of a range of mental health/learning disabilities settings eg; mental health positive behaviour support, Autism.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Enthusiastic, motivated, professional, resourceful, flexible and adaptable.
• Able to self direct and have good time management skills.
• Able to use tact/diplomacy and common sense.
• Committed to team working and providing the best possible patient care.
• Able to adapt to change and lead others as a positive change agent.
• Act as a positive role model to other members of the team.
• Able to provide leadership to the team and encourage reflection on practice.
• Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.

Training

Essential

• Practice placement educators certificate (or to achieve within 12 months).
• Clinical supervisors training (or willingness to complete).
• To be willing to undertake post graduate training to further skills, knowledge and expertise relevant to clinical area.

Desirable

• Post graduate training relevant to mental health/learning disabilities.

Physical Attributes

Essential

• Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Qualifications

Essential

• RNLD or BSc/BA, MA Occupational Therapy.
• Additional post grad qualification in positive behaviour support at Diploma/Degree level.
• HCPC State Registration/NMC registration.

Desirable

• Evidence of additional academic study at Diploma/Degree level.
• Leadership / first line management certificate.

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

• Specialist knowledge and application of assessments and interventions relevant to learning disabilities.
• Extensive clinical practice skills including individual and group work
• Understanding of outcome measure.
• Detailed knowledge of current legislation/guidance e.g. CPA Care Programme Approach, Risk assessment and management.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Able to work as part of a MDT and independently.
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
• Supervisory / appraisal skills.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
• Ability to organise and respond efficiently to complex information.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to build effective working relationships.
• Detailed knowledge of clinical governance and its application.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues for the Learning Disability Community.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Mapplewell Health Centre

276 Darton Lane

Mapplewell

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 6AJ




Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Mapplewell Health Centre

276 Darton Lane

Mapplewell

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 6AJ




Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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