Intensive Support Community Learning Disabilities Nurse

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual who wants to make a positive difference to those we work with.

The Intensive Support Team works with individuals who have a learning disability, with additional and complex needs who may require a crisis intervention and intensive support to prevent placement breakdown, an admission to hospital or to support discharge following a hospital stay.

The team works alongside the community adult LD teams in Norfolk to provide this service predominantly 9-5, 7 days a week with the occasional need to work outside of these core hours.

Main duties of the job

Working with the Team Leader ensuring the delivery of high quality, focused service for people with learning disabilities and mental health and associated needs in partnership with the community learning disabilities team(s) as appropriate. Responsible for the assessment planning, implementation, evaluation/ monitoring and discharge (as appropriate) of people with learning disabilities in partnership with the community learning disabilities team. To offer advice and specialist knowledge around the holistic, pro-active and reactive (as required), care of a person with a learning disability such as mental health needs, behaviours that challenge and Positive Behaviour Support in conjunction with the person's learning disability. Offer problem solving advice and appropriate response to those individuals active to the AST, to maintain safety during out of hour's periods. Acting up for Team Leader in their absence as required Provide appropriate intensive interventions, role modelling, advice, telephone support, shadowing, observations, information gathering, formulations, care planning and risk management of needs. Work flexibly and innovatively with partner agencies to focus assessment and support in a timely fashion and avoid unnecessary deterioration in quality of life. Offer training and awareness of supporting patients with behaviours that challenge (through approaches such as; Positive Behaviour Support and mental health issues.

About us

Apply now to join an organisation that has been awarded an 'Outstanding' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating and the first stand-alone NHS community trust in the country to be awarded the title.

If you are aged 16-30 and not currently in education, employment or training, our colleagues at the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (supported by the Princes Trust), can provide application and interview coaching. To request this support please contact

New employees of the Trust undertake a full induction programme and support is given to those seeking professional development in line with identified areas.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To be responsible for a defined caseload of referred patients as delegated by AST - Intensive Support Team, Team Leader. To have responsibility for assessing patient need using a range of assessment tools. To formulate care plan and interventions to meet the needs of the person with a learning disability and mental health needs. This may include initial screenings for eligibility in line with local policies. To deliver specific therapeutic interventions to people with learning disabilities in line with their needs including; behaviour that challenges and mental health. To undertake evaluation and review of care plans and interventions. To be actively involved in health promotion and a holistic approach to intensive/ crisis health care planning and support. To offer specialist advice and support to people with learning disabilities living in the community or returning to live in the community around the management of their learning disability, behaviour that challenges, mental health and any other associated needs and or co-morbidities. This may involve devising or input into risk assessments, care plans, protocols, guidelines, local policies, management plans, person specific training/ presentations, staff facilitation sessions and many other forms of specialist interventions. To offer specialist advice and guidance through a pro-active and holistic approach to learning disabilities nursing. Complete specialist assessments quickly in a focused and timely way according to presenting needs and risks. Provide direct observational assessments, monitoring, information gathering and sharing as appropriate within the national legal frameworks and local policies and procedures. Role model delivery of specially designed care plans alongside existing carers/ professionals/ providers and transition to services that may be without intensive support in place. Support and facilitate teaching skills related to health needs, advice and support. Provide additional support when issues may be challenging. To forge and develop networks and professional working relationships with people with Learning Disabilities, families and carers, other multi-disciplinary professionals, agencies, private providers, charities, voluntary organisations and advocacy services. To promote and work with an integrated approach to services as agreed locally between NCHC and Norfolk County Council via the agreed operational policy. To supervise, guide, support, educate and advise other members of the team and students as required. To ensure that nursing care is based on reliable, valid and current research and evidence-based practice. To facilitate all QIPP requirements and developments. To liaise closely with members of the multi-disciplinary team in developing integrated care pathways. To take a lead role in monitoring the patient pathway experience through to discharge as appropriate. To maintain all patient records; documenting accurately and legibly ensuring that information systems are maintained in a timely manner in line with local policies, procedures and NMC professional Code of Conduct. To ensure safe control and custody of drugs at all times as appropriate as per the Trusts policy. To ensure that any AST - Intensive Support Team equipment used is correct and in working order, ensuring cleanliness after use and reporting defects promptly to the appropriate person, ensuring that the repairs are undertaken. To ensure any staff using said equipment do so, also as required. To attend and participate in meetings and help to promote new ideas and methods for the delivery of care and assist in their implementation as appropriate.

Professional

To be professionally responsible for the provision of a high quality of care. To ensure the assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation/ monitoring for people with a Learning Disability to meet their personal needs. Seeking guidance from the Team Leader where appropriate. To practice within the Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust policies and procedures. To work within the Nursing and Midwifery Code of Professional Conduct. To provide high standards of care in line with the Principles of Clinical Governance and participate in the development of quality assurance systems. To deputise in absence of Team Leader as required. To establish and maintain good communications and working relationships with service users, families and carers, colleagues, multi-disciplinary community teams and other agencies. To be conversant with the requirements of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Government directives pertaining to the provision of care for persons with learning disability including those relevant to people with additional mental health needs. To liaise closely with the Consultant Psychiatrist and wider Community Learning Disabilities Teams regarding the assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating/monitoring of care and support for people with learning disabilities, mental health and other associated needs both in the community and in other settings as appropriate. To recognise the need for referral to other professionals/agencies where appropriate. To liaise with and develop networks, locally, regionally and nationally, with Health, Social Services, independent and voluntary sectors on issues relating to the needs of people with a learning disability, mental health and associated needs. To implement and work within the locally agreed care programme approach policy where appropriate. To compile, complete, monitor and review risk assessments specific to the needs of the person with a learning disability, mental health, behaviour that challenges and other needs as required. To adhere to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Professional Code of Conduct, Norfolk Community Health and Care and Norfolk County Council expectations on reporting and management of safeguarding issues as required. This includes out of hours. To undertake all mandatory training re safeguarding and to adhere local safeguarding policies at all times. To be wholly accountable for his/her own actions in accordance with the Nursing & Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct. In conjunction with the Team Leader to provide clear and consistent leadership to a team of nurses and nursing assistants, achieving and maintaining high morale based on sound organisation and clear relationships To assess own educational needs via annual appraisal and PDP and take steps to keep up to date with clinical and nursing development in line with requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council. To maintain a positive learning environment for all grades of nursing staff and students. To maintain Professional Boundaries at all times in line with Nursing and Midwifery Code of Professional Conduct, Norfolk Community Health and Care and Norfolk County Council local Policies and Procedures. To keep abreast of clinical trends and developments within the field of Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, behaviour that challenges and related conditions that are appropriate and relevant both locally and nationally.

Organisational

To report mishaps, accidents and other untoward occurrences in a timely manner in accordance with trust policy and procedure including notifying the Team Leader, completing Datix form and taking any appropriate remedial action. To comply with mandatory training requirements and standards at all times. To report service deficits to the Team Leader. To understand and achieve the required level of care and safety to evidence CQC standards for people with learning disabilities. To exercise a cost effective, high quality approach to patient care. To allocate staff effectively making the best use of resources for effective and cost-efficient service provision. In conjunction with the Team Leader ensure that appropriate written induction programmes are available and utilised for all new staff within the Team. Assist with the implementation of, and work within the Trusts Personnel policies on all staffing matters, including sickness, capability and disciplinary issues. The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to the Trusts policies/protocols. The post holder must ensure all duties are carried out to the highest possible standards and in accordance with current quality initiatives within the area of work Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

One or more of the following; RNLD or RNMH or RMN with credible learning disabilities experience

Desirable

Evidence of continued education and commitment to completing degree or equivalent level of education in learning disabilities or mental health nursing Other qualifications or experience relating to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in people with a learning disability, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Challenging Behaviour, Crisis Management, CAT, DBT etc. Other qualifications or experience relating to behaviour that challenges such as; Positive Behaviour Support, Behavioural Qualifications such as: MSC in Applied Behavioural Analysis Care of the person with Dementia Community Nursing qualification Management or leadership training or qualification Specific qualification / competencies relating to Assessment of Mental Illness in people with a

Experience

Essential

Experience of working at Band 5/6 or equivalent level Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team

Desirable

Experience of managing / leadership within a team Experience of staff supervision and appraisals Community experience working with people with learning disabilities

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

Evidence of pro-active and holistic approach to the care of a person with learning disabilities who may also present with behaviour that challenges or mental health The ability to prioritise effectively to meet deadlines and to work on own initiative

Desirable

Evidence of advanced skills and ability in learning disabilities or mental health nursing Evidence of knowledge, skills and abilities related to Assessment and treatment of behaviour that challenges such as; Positive Behaviour Support, Behavioural Analysis Evidence of knowledge, skills and abilities related to Treatment of mental illness in people with a learning disability, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Challenging Behaviour, Crisis Management, CAT, DBT etc. Care of the person with Dementia Community nursing Management or leadership Competencies relating to Assessment of Mental illness in people with a learning disability, Mini Mental-State, Mini PASSAD or PASSAD Mentorship, coaching and presentation skills

Communication

Essential

Able to communicate effectively in written and verbal English language Able to be assertive in the face of unreasonable opposition and demonstrate skills and diplomacy in difficult situations

Desirable

Experience in dealing with complex and contentious information and communicating this to others

Personal and People Development

Essential

Experience in supervising staff

Desirable

Leadership and managerial experience Experience of planning and implementing staff development activities. Experience and skill in developing individualised training programmes and delivering training using a range of formats

Personal Attributes / Behaviours (linked to the Trust's Behaviour Framework)

Essential

Able to identify with the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults Enthusiastic and able to work under pressure, maintaining judgement and professionalism under pressure Able to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently Committed to personal and team development Reliable and accountable for self and others Ability to empathise, use tact and diplomacy Able to maintain high professional and personal standards including professional boundaries in line with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and local and national policies Confident in approach to all; patients, families

Desirable

Pro-active approach to working with people with learning disabilities Well presented, confident, respectful, selfreliant, aware of boundaries, resourceful, imaginative, enthusiastic, adaptable and affable

Other

Essential

Must hold a full and valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle

Desirable

Evidence of the ability to chair and to take minutes for meetings Experience of clinical audit

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