Safeguarding Practitioner

Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the individuals. The post holder will work as a part of the multi-agency working to co-ordinate the provision of specialist services to patients, both within hospital and/or in the community setting, effectively liaising with multidisciplinary colleagues. The post holder will direct, support, encourage and advise clinical teams, by the provision of specialist knowledge and advice in the care of patients within the area. The post holder will participate in the promotion of patient centred care, and establish and maintain a supportive relationship with the patient and their family during the period of Safeguarding enquiries, mental capacity assessments and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards as necessary.

The post holder will support and enable patients and carers to make informed decisions relating to their treatment and management. The post holder will promote high quality clinical care, and assist in the development of the specialist service, through the use of evidence based practice and clinical standards The post holder will participate in the promotion of the specialist service through dissemination of specialist knowledge, both locally and nationally. The post holder will act as a role model, demonstrating high standards of care and providing clinical leadership in the specialist areas. The post holder will establish, develop and maintain effective working relationship between clinicians, practitioners and managers within the specialty, across the Trust and in the community The post holder will participate in local and national networking to maintain and develop expert level of knowledge in the specialty as part of their personal and professional development and the service delivery.

The post holder will provide a seamless, quality service from referral through to assessment, diagnosis, treatment and discharge as appropriate. The post holder will act as patient advocate as appropriate, respecting patient confidentiality and privacy with respect for diverse cultural backgrounds and requirements. In the absence of the Adult Safeguarding lead or Named Nurse for Children the post holder will take responsibility of the safeguarding workload, escalating as necessary to the Head of Safeguarding. Quality The post holder will support the safeguarding leads to facilitate a high quality, cost effective specialist service through monitoring and audit and other quality initiatives agreed by the Trust Under the supervision of the Adult Safeguarding lead the post holder will participate in key developments relating to the specialty so that high quality patient focused services are promoted.

Attend and participate in multi-professional team meetings where appropriate. Identify and intervene where circumstances contribute to an unsafe environment for patients and staff. To bring instances to the attention of the ward sister / Matron / Head of Nursing for the area, escalating further as necessary. Education and Training Act as a facilitator/mentor/preceptor to student nurses and others.

Assess own educational needs and take steps to keep up to date with clinical and nursing developments in line with requirements of the Nursing & Midwifery Council. Ensure that the learning environment and specialist training is appropriate for both pre and post registration learners and participate in the development of appropriate programmes Deliver and participate in education and training programmes within the speciality service, and collaboratively develop training packages as required. Motivate, support and identify training needs for department staff. Participate in appraisals and the setting of objectives for junior staff in the department to enable them to achieve optimal effectiveness and to understand their contribution to the organisation.

Ensure that appropriate written induction programmes are available and utilised for all new staff within the department Research and Development Promote and undertake nursing research where appropriate and publish the outcome, updating own knowledge to promote excellence in clinical practice. Utilise research findings in the delivery of specialist patient care, developing new ways of working and to disseminate relevant information to staff. In conjunction with the safeguarding leads the post holder will contribute to audit and research within the specialty in collaboration with colleagues, developing action plans and disseminating information. Management and Leadership The post holder will be a role model and demonstrate expert knowledge and high standards of clinical practice.

The post holder will develop the role according to changing needs and legislation affecting the service within the resources available. Maintain accurate records of the safeguarding service and ensuring that confidentiality of information is adhered to Organise own work and manage own caseload and practice, identifying and maint