Senior Practitioner

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated individual to join our Learning Disability team as a Qualified Practitioner. The successful candidate will work within a multi-disciplinary service supporting people with learning disabilities with care and support needs.

• Manage an allocated caseload of clients from across the LD service, living in community supported living placements or in their own/family home.
• Review the current DoLS order, in conjunction with the key worker, to identify the current care and support in place, the restrictions placed upon the individual, the person's capacity to understand their care needs and consent to the care they receive.
• Discuss and agree with all relevant stakeholders whether the care remains in the person's best interests and is the less restrictive option available to meet the person's needs.
• Completing the DoLS application paperwork – DOL11, DOL3, DOL24. Liaise with providers to gather signed care plans, risk assessments, PRN protocol etc, and liaise with the Key Worker to gather up to date Needs Assessments/Care Plans/Risk Assessments. To liaise with GPs to gather medical evidence and liaise with housing providers to gain copies of tenancy agreements where applicable.
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings.
• Work with families to understand the purpose and process of DoLS, support families to understand the role and responsibilities of the Rule 1.2 representative and complete referrals to independent advocacy services where appropriate. Communicate with individuals and their families in ways which are appropriate to their needs.
• Work within expected time frames, understanding the legal framework and building effective working relationships with LCC Legal services.

We are looking for a candidate who holds either a Social Work or Nurse qualification and is able to show that their registration with SWE/NMC is in date. The nurse qualification does not need to be specific to Learning Disability.

Suitable candidates will need the following skills/qualities:

• A positive approach with self-motivation, enthusiasm and resilience.
• Respect, we work in people's homes; it is essential we treat people with dignity.
• Excellent communication skills, we need to 'hear' what is being said AND not said, with the confidence to know when to demonstrate professional curiosity.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Function well in high pressure/emergency situations.

We celebrate our Teams achievements and share our experiences. It is important that Practitioners feel appreciated and supported – our staff are our most valued asset. We provide 1-1 meetings and monthly team meetings.

Along with a competitive salary we offer:

• A generous pension scheme.
• Reimbursement for professional registration fees.
• Career progression opportunities including Practice Educator/AMHP and management training where appropriate.
• A generous annual leave entitlement.