Specialist Nurse - Learning Disabilities and Autism
Job overview
The post holder (Specialist nurse in Learning disabilities and Autism) is a key member of the Nursing and Patient Experience team with a responsibility to contribute to wider service delivery.
The primary purpose of the role is to ensure that patients with learning disabilities and or Autism who use Trust services receive the highest possible standard of care. In addition, the role includes advocating for equity of care for the patients that the service supports.
The post-holder will work within the Learning Disability and Autism team, with whom they will provide reciprocal cross cover to ensure continuity of a quality service for all patients.
Main duties of the job- Provide expert support and advice to the multidisciplinary team in the management of patients with learning disabilities and, or Autism.
- Ensuring that systems and processes are in place to identify patients with learning disabilities and or Autism and that their pathways of care are reasonably adjusted to meet their needs.
- Ensuring the availability of a comprehensive range of patient information, designed for patients or parents with learning disabilities and, or Autism.
- Ensuring that families and carers of patients with learning disabilities and, or Autism are supported, informed, and engaged.
- Developing and delivering an effective training strategy for Trust staff in relation to learning disabilities and Autism alongside the Practice Educator for learning disabilities and Autism.
Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion.All of our staff networks are open to any employee.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential criteria- Our Always values
- Knowledge and understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace.
- Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria- Current registration with the NMC as a Learning Disability or Children’s Registered Nurse
- Evidence of on-going, dynamic continuing professional development within the specialty, linked to demonstrable clinical competencies
- Student Practice Assessor
- Possession of a relevant honours degree
- Relevant Postgraduate education
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria- Sufficient experience at band 5 level or equivalent, including within relevant clinical environment
- Expert knowledge relevant to the speciality/field or practice
- Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and its application within a Paediatric Hospital Setting
- Experience of managing clinical incidents
- Experience of working with children and young people to develop information designed to meet their needs
- Understanding of professional and current issues in children’s nursing, learning disability nursing and healthcare
- Understanding of resource management, health and safety, clinical risk, and quality issues
- Knowledge of child protection procedures
- Knowledge of nurse revalidation requirements
- Experience of audit, benchmarking and/or research
- Understanding of audit and research methodologies
- Experience of working as a Specialist Nurse
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria- Excellent relevant clinical skills, specialist skills and abilities for the post
- Excellent managerial, leadership and organisational skills
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with children and young people with a learning disability and or Autism, their families and with colleagues
- Strong documentation skills
- Ability to work as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to problem solve and prioritise tasks based on clinical need.
- Influencing and negotiating skills
- Teaching and training skills
- Understanding of the management of Sensory Processing disorders
- Ability to triage and manage a varied and complex workflow
- Demonstrates Compassion in Practice
- Able to work across professional teams and organisational boundaries
- Able to work with patients with learning disabilities and or Autism to support a fully inclusive approach to participation in patient involvement and experience events
- Good I.T. skills
- Ability to manage and de-escalate conflict situations
- Experience working clinically within a ward setting
- Appraisal and supervision skills
Please be advised that:
The recruitment process for all admin and clerical roles at Bands 2-4 will be a two stage recruitment process whereby shortlisted candidates will undertake an online literacy, numeracy, ICT and typing test. Only those candidates who pass the competency test will proceed to a formal interview.
The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification criteria for this post will be shortlisted. Please note that where high volumes of applicants have been received, additional criteria may on occasion be used to determine the final shortlist.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.