Specialist Community Public Health Nurse

Job summary

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) are seeking to recruit enthusiastic, innovative and forward thinking, Registered Nurses or Midwives with post qualifying experience who are seeking to become qualified Health Visitors.

LCC commit to support individuals engaged in Health Visitor training through funding associated training and development. During this period, alongside the funding provided by Health Education East Midlands [HEEM], we agree to pay the appropriate current rate of the role which will also attract any cost-of-living awards which may be agreed nationally during this period. The salary paid is inclusive of the funding provided by HEEM and an additional element funding by the Council.

Main duties of the job

Once you have acquired a position you will be expected to apply to Sheffield Hallam University. The SCPHN course is 50% practice and 50% theory and you will be expected to complete both aspects in order to qualify. Applicants will find that this is a challenging course and they should ensure that they have the necessary qualities to commit to full time work and study. Also note the placements will be in various locations around Lincolnshire and extensive travelling may be required to bases, for training and when visiting families.

On successful completion of the Health Visitor qualification, individuals will be placed in a role within one of our Childrens Health teams and will be required to remain in employment in a Childrens Services Health Visitor role for a minimum period of 12 months post qualifying. If an individual were to leave prior to the end of this period, they may be required to repay the element of pay funded by the Council. This equates to approximately £5,000. With regards to team allocation of role, wherever possible this will be the same team where training was conducted, but there are circumstances where this could be a different team. This will be indicated in any conditional and formal offers made.

About us

Lincolnshire County Council recognises its employees as being fundamental to our success. We aim to recruit a diverse and consistently high performing workforce. We recruit people with the knowledge and skills needed to help the organisation achieve its goals, in line with our vision and values. We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to ensure that all employees and job applicants are treated fairly.

We are offering a competitive salary, generous annual leave with the opportunity to buy more . Exciting learning and development opportunities. A comprehensive emotional health and well-being package, benefits package including excellent discount schemes, cycle to work, civil service sports council membership and many areas for professional support and development.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PURPOSE OF JOB:

This service includes the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme by Health Visitors, Public Health Nurses and support staff. The service is a separate service but integrated in the Lincolnshire County Council's (LCC), Early Help Teams and is focused on providing a strong universal input to all children and families in the antenatal period and in the early years. Intensive support will be provided to families and children aged 0-6 identified as having greater needs. Students will be required to achieve academic and practical competencies in line with NMC requirements.

The Specialist Community Public Health Nurse student will undertake an academic programme at a University, usually Sheffield Hallam University, who stipulate the course length, usually one academic year. The course is a combination of theory and practice placements. The learning environment for the practice placements will be facilitated by a Long Arm Supervisor and a Community Practice Educator. Other staff members may be expected to act as Long Arm Supervisors. Employment conditions apply to students as they apply to employed staff:

JOB OUTLINE

Assisting in the delivery and evaluation of an efficient and cost effective Health Visiting service for an identified population.

Assisting in delivering the national and local public health agendas in response to identified health and social need.

Working in partnership with other agencies including GPs and Early Help to meet agreed standards, objectives and statutory requirements to keep children healthy and safe.

Under direct supervision assist in managing vulnerable caseloads, attendance at safeguarding meetings and other professional meetings where appropriate.

Developing and maintaining strong, positive working relationships with teams/partners and other professionals aligned to the 0-6 Children's Health Service

SCOPE AND RANGE

To attend all course lectures and access all learning facilities as made available by the university.

To attend practice placement and work with Long Arm Supervisor and Community Practice Educator to develop specialist practitioner skills and access all facilities within the learning environment.

To work with members of the 0-19 Children's Health team in learning the skills of health needs assessment, leadership and management, evidence based practice, nurse prescribing and developing clinical practice.

MAIN DUTIES:

To work under the direction of a long arm supervisor (Health Visitor) and a Community Practice Educator to assist in the delivery of an efficient and cost effective health service for an identified population within Lincolnshire County

Is responsible for accessing all learning facilities, lectures and learning environments, as made available by both the university and practice placement. Adheres and maintains University policies and procedures.

To assist in the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme 0-6 commensurate withstage of training and on completion of training, provide clinical expert advice and guidance as appropriate for own area of expertise within the 6-19 (25 SEND) Childrens Health Service.

To focus early interventions based on timely and comprehensive assessment of a child and their family's needs.

To provide evidence of the skills and competencies required to become responsible for the assessment of health care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care relating to individuals and families.

To undertake health assessments and child development reviews under the direction of a Health Visitor, identifying any deviations from the norm and taking appropriate action

To utilise specialist clinical skills using evidence based practice to identify any risks and needs in protecting children and adhere to agreed safeguarding policies and procedures identify children in need and children in need of protection and work in partnership with all partner agencies to support families and protect children

To profile the health needs of an identified population, target services to meet the needs of disadvantaged groups and evaluate the outcomes of any intervention

Support and empower individuals, families and communities to take appropriate action to influence health care and health promotional activities by means of a community development approach.

With the health visiting team, participate in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of child health promotion programmes in order to promote health and wellbeing and prevent adverse effects.

Work towards being able to offer support and advice to parents and carers, especially those of vulnerable children utilising an early help approach and by working closely with other agencies and voluntary organisations, and through home visiting and other interventions as required.

Ensure the voice of the child is incorporated into all aspects of Health visiting

To maintain accurate contemporaneous and comprehensive records in accordance with LCC guidelines and NMC standards

Delegate and co-ordinate the work of skill mix practitioners, ensuring that work delegated is carried out correctly, safely, effectively and efficiently.

Act in accordance with the NMC code of professional conduct.

Health and safety. The post holder is required to take reasonable care for his/her own safety and that of other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions.

The post holder is also required to cooperate with Supervisory and Managerial staff to ensure that all relevant statutory regulations, policies, codes of practice and departmental safety procedures are adhered to, and to attend relevant training programmes.

DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

Works under the supervision/guidance of the Long Arm Supervisor and Community Practice Educator

Works within professional guidelines.

Works at all times in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.

LCC promotes the opportunity to participate in Clinical Supervision and reflection from colleagues.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Building confidence and competence to facilitate and lead, team around the child meetings whilst communicating effectively with colleagues, other agencies, children and caregivers.

Community groups/ forums. To work with these groups in identifying needs and presenting information.

Represent LCC at national/ regional conferences.

Work with sub groups and working groups.

Students and lecturers

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Work within clients homes of all different socio/economic circumstances.

Variety of housing and community environments.

Varying access to housing.

Clinic conditions, space and facilities.

Carrying clinical equipment

Using IT and VDU equipment

Access to transport and the ability to travel within the required geographical area.

Some home working which would entail utilising home furniture.

MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

Amount of academic assessment and practice assessment.

Exposure to distressing circumstances difficult family situations, childrens safeguarding,

Domestic abuse, and working with families where there is a deteriorating or life limiting condition.

Balance of managing clinical teams, professional development and service delivery.

KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

RGN or equivalent

Appropriate demonstrable post registration experience. Practice Supervisor/Practice Assessor

Demonstrate leadership qualities

Be adaptable and flexible in order to meet changing situations as they arise.

Have a positive attitude/approach to all members of the general public needing health input, regardless of their personal situation.

Demonstrates an ability to correctly interpret and respond to information.

Demonstrates good documentation skills.

Demonstrates the capacity to learn organizational skills, as necessary to manage a caseload, and to be able to prioritise.

Be able to take responsibility of a caseload and other staff.

Demonstrate an ability to be self-motivated, work individually and within a team.

Have the understanding of the philosophy of primary care and the value of health in order to promote greater understanding of health amongst the community and reduce health inequalities

Demonstrate good communications skills

Be up to date with Public Health and Community Nursing issues Demonstrates a knowledge of the wider public health issues for Children, Young

People and Families Access to transport and the ability to travel within the required geographical area

Have current NMC Registration.

GENERAL

The postholder is required to take personal responsibility for contributing to organisational transformation and changes in ways of working, maximising the benefits and efficiencies for both internal and external customers, including the promotion and use of selfservice to achieve maximum cost effectiveness.

The postholder is expected to work to the Lincolnshire County Council Core Values and Behaviours and to carry out the duties in accordance with Lincolnshire County Council policies.

Other Duties - The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties within the general scope of the post. Any such duties should not substantially change the general character of the post. Duties and responsibilities outside of the general scope of this grade of post will be with the consent of the post holder.

Safeguarding -. All employees need to be aware of the possible abuse of children and vulnerable adults and if you are concerned you need to follow the Lincolnshire County Council Safeguarding Policy. In addition employees working with children and vulnerable adults have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults during the course of their work.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Motivated to become a Health Visitor Awareness of the demands of the SCPHN course Empathetic, non-judgemental, and client/patient focused Registered Nurse or Midwife 2 years post qualifying experience and evidence of continued professional development Evidence to meet the University entry requirements for SCPHN Member of a professional body and active membership of NMC Excellent written and verbal communications and the ability to complete presentations Excellent interpersonal skills (self-awareness, body language, listening, clarifying, tact and diplomacy, ability to make themselves understood, sensitivity to others) Leadership skills Critical Analysis and reflective skills Effective clinical problem solving abilities (ability to analyse associated factors, prioritise needs for action, initiate an action plan and review/reflect on outcomes) The ability to develop credible relationships across partner and external agencies Awareness of local, regional and national health visiting policies Awareness of safeguarding issues/experience Practice Assessor/Practice Supervisor Computer Literacy DBS Status Access to transport and the ability to travel as course requirements demand

Desirable

Understanding about issues relating to equality and diversity Involvement in the preparation of statements/reports for formal purposes ( case review meetings, court hearings) Problem solving skills in the community Experience of audit/evaluation/research

Experience

Essential

2 years post qualifying experience and evidence of continued professional development

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