SHSCT Community Adult Learning Disability Lead Nurse (Band 7)

Job details

• Branch: Newry & Mourne area (SHSCT)
• Location: Carrickore-Drumcashel House
• Directorate: Mental Health & Disability Services
• Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 07/09/26
• Closes: Tue, 22 September 2026 @ 4:00 PM
• Interview Dates: To Be Confirmed

Notes

Important Information : If you are submitting a manual application, please post it to: Recruitment Shared Services, Rosewood Villa, Longstone Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7PR. Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week. Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Community Learning Disability Nurse Lead

DIRECTORATE Mental Health and Disability

LOCATION: Drumcashel House, Newry

Band: 7

REPORTS TO: Team Leader

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head Of Community Disability Services

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be accountable for the provision of Community Adult Learning Disability Team nursing services and will:

Promote and monitor safe and effective nursing practice

Enhance safe, effective and high quality patient/service user experience

Provide effective nursing leadership and management

Contribute to the delivery of the organisation’s corporate and divisional objectives

The post holder will work as part of the community learning disability multidisciplinary team covering a defined locality and will carry professional and practice management responsibility including leadership, management, supervision and the continuous professional development needs of community learning disability nursing staff.

The post holder will assess, plan and implement programmes of care most suited to meet the needs of service users and carers to promote health and well-being and independence.

He/she will be required to adopt a flexible approach to the management of this developing team.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical/Professional/Specific Managerial Responsibilities

The post holder will focus and lead on the following key areas, within the organisation’s governance framework:

Ensure safe and effective practice

Clinical, Professional, ethical and legal

Assist the Team Leader and Head of Service with practice and professional development and the operational management of Community Learning Disability Nursing staff.

Take the lead in undertaking evidenced based nursing assessments nursing, clinical and risk assessments and co-producing, implementing and evaluating nursing care plans with service users and their carer’s.

Undertake relevant clinical/therapeutic activities, nursing procedures and prescribed treatments following appropriate training and assessment in a safe and professional manner. E.g. venepuncture; enteral feeding; catheterisation: depot injections; medication monitoring.

Monitor interventions undertaken by the nursing team based on evidenced based practice and clinical effectiveness.

Ensure nursing procedures, protocols policies, standards and guidelines are in accordance with National, Regional and Trust policies and procedures.

Provide professional nursing advice, support, practical assistance and clinical leadership using person centred principles.

Work in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team colleagues, specialist and primary care services in the completion of specialised assessments for service users with complex care needs including mental health, epilepsy, dementia, forensics, autism and/or behaviours which challenge. Initiate and lead on subsequent follow up, referral, treatment care plans and supports, which aim to maintain the service user in their home where possible.

Liaise with the Learning Disability Consultant Nurse and Lead nurse on professional issues that are new or emerging.

Ensure current policies and procedures in relation to the ordering, storage and administration of medicines and controlled drugs and transcribing procedures are adhered to by the nursing team.

Participate in Adult Safeguarding procedures as directed by the Team Leader, undertaking and completing Investigating Officer training (IO) following appropriate training.

Ensure the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 where appropriate. This will include supporting members of the multi-disciplinary team to determine when it is appropriate to apply for a Deprivation of Liberty and participating in the Deprivation of Liberty application process, undertaking the role of Trust Panel member as required and the completion of relevant capacity assessments as required following appropriate training and experience.

Maintain own professional and personal development in accordance with the NMC (2015) The Code: Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses and establish. Contribute to the development of the Trust’s policies and strategies, where appropriate.

Ensure that organisational goals are reflected in the teams’ objectives and in community team plans.

Ensure appropriate systems are developed and operational to facilitate dissemination of information within the community learning disability team.

Adhere to the Data Protection Act (1998).

Maintain effective records management ensuring all documentation written or electronic is managed as per HSC Trust and NMC Code.

Adhere to the Code of Conduct for HSC Managers, as per Human Resource policies and procedures. Ensure risk management arrangements are in place within the department.

Complete accurately the required statistical returns for the community nursing service.

Evidence-based practice

Promote a culture of research and evidence-based practice within the community team to enhance person-centred care.

Ensure evidence-based care is provided to agreed standards within the community team.

Support the acquisition of specialist training for nursing staff, optimising sophistication within teams to deliver evidenced based interventions.

Act as a change agent, developing clinically effective practice through the effective utilisation and integration of evidence.

Participate in developing, implementing and monitoring policies, procedures and protocols.

Create an environment, which supports a culture of life-long learning and reflective practice for all staff.

Ensure systems and processes are in place to support effective mentoring of relevant staff.

Multi-professional working

Establish systems and processes to ensure effective communication and continuity of service user care, liaising with multi-disciplinary/multi-agency teams.

Work in collaboration with the Team Leader

Monitor and make accurate observations of both physical / psychological and social conditions of service users and share these observations as appropriate with other members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team.

To attend and participate in case conference including those, which may be held in hospitals, nursing or residential settings, including supported living.

2. Enhance the patient/service user experience

2.1 Person-centred care

Develop and maintain a culture of person-centred care within the community team.

Maintain relationships based on mutual respect and develop strategies for communication between staff, service users and their carers, showing awareness of barriers to understanding.

Promote a caring environment where equality and diversity issues are respected and service users and their carers are enabled to be partners in their care.

Undertake a wide range of person-centred risk assessments and formulate risk management plans to the required level dependent on the risks identified relevant to the service users assessed needs e.g. Division’s Care and Risk Management Plan or Promoting Quality Care: Good Practice Guidance on the Assessment and Management of Risk (2009) as required.

Undertake Carer assessments as required through use of the Carers Conversation Wheel / NISAT Carers Assessment of needs.

Participate in the review process with service users and their carer’s as appropriate in line with the Trust case management arrangements and other statutory requirements.

Facilitate communication between all members of the multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team, and across care settings.

Develop and monitor the delivery of health and wellbeing initiatives for service users so they are encouraged and supported to look after their own physical and mental health and wellbeing

Assess and coordinate appropriate packages of care in conjunction with the team leader and case manager

To support, monitor and review the quality of commissioned care provision within Independent sector nursing/residential working in collaboration with the nominated contracts owner where required.

2.2 Coordination of the service user journey

Screening and triage of nursing referrals and allocation to appropriately trained band 5 or band 6 nursing staff, depending on presenting complexity/acuity.

Ensure the safety and quality of the service user’s journey by effective planning and co-ordination of the episode of care, including the smooth transition to other settings.

Ensure effective admission/discharge planning with relevant multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams as required.

Regular monitoring of nursing referrals ensuring the efficient completion and review of nursing assessments, care plans and records.

2.3 Service user involvement

Identify opportunities for meaningful involvement of service users and carers’ in relation to the development of care and services.

Ensure effective systems are in place to gain service user and carers’ feedback on their experience of care.

Ensure compliments and complaints are managed in line with HSC Trust policy including the dissemination of shared learning

3. Provide effective leadership and management

3.1 Role model

Act as a visible leader within the community team.

Provide leadership that enables professional decision-making and effective team working.

Empower and enable staff to contribute to the delivery of high quality person-centred care.

Support clinical expertise of nurses within the community team by role modelling evidence-based person-centred care.

3.2 Develop team performance

Promote, develop and facilitate a learning culture within the community team.

Promote equality of opportunity for all, in accordance with HSC Trust Equality Opportunity Policy.

Lead and provide professional Nursing supervision and Revalidation for nursing staff within the team

Lead and participate in annual staff appraisal/development review, ensuring effective implementation of the Knowledge and Skills Framework (DH, 2004).

Lead and participate in learning needs analysis and facilitate annual personal development plans for the nursing team.

Lead and participate in the training and induction of nursing staff including the supervision of clinical practice to facilitate the delivery of optimum service user care.

Ensure the NMC Education standards and processes are embedded for pre and post registration students and registered nurses, facilitating the teaching and assessing of nursing students meeting the requirements of the role of practice supervisor, and practice assessor as required.

Promote a person-centred culture to facilitate good staff relationships and morale among staff.

Contribute to the education commissioning process for nursing staff.

In conjunction with the team leader, manage poor performance and practice of staff in line with HSC Trust policies.

Work in partnership with Higher Education Institute staff in conjunction with the Practice Education Team.

3.3 Manage the community team environment

Assist the team leader to manage the duty rota/annual leave and study leave to ensure that at all times there is adequate nursing cover and appropriate skill mix.

Delegate safely in accordance with NMC Code and NIPEC Delegation Framework (2019) and Ensure appropriate delegation to the nursing team and health care support workers and monitoring of outcomes for effective care/service delivery.

Challenge appropriately and confidently where standards of care fall below that which you would expect.

Undertake office duty, where required

Participate in multi-professional procurement processes to ensure appropriate selection of products which meet relevant quality and safety standards.

3.4 Effective use of resources

Deliver a safe and effective service within allocated resources, ensuring the resources are used to maximum effect.

Adhere to HSC Trust financial controls and fraud awareness principles (e.g. verification of authenticity / accuracy of the Staff-in-Post records).

Adhere to HSC Trust systems for effectively managing stock and safeguarding fixed assets.

Display managerial and organisational skills to ensure that products required for patient/service user care/treatment are procured in timely fashion and demonstrate value for money.

Show a commitment to effectively manage resources and achieve statutory financial targets.

4. Contribute to the delivery of the organisation’s objectives

4.1 Continuous Quality improvement, development and modernisation quality and improvement

Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement through the use of audit, service user feedback and reflection on practice by self and other members of the team.

Work in partnership with a range of professionals and managers in the planning or development of own service promoting the involvement of service users and carers.

Review processes /practices including those within the community team to support service users to improve their own health and well-being.

Review processes/practices to ascertain if there are better ways of working within the community team to enhance service user care, service delivery and deliver required efficiencies

Contribute to the maintenance of a culture of curiosity in relation to service development and latest best practice guidance

Participate in practice development and quality improvement initiatives including the implementation and measurement of Nursing Quality Indicators in the community team.

4.2 Staff Management

Ensure nurses working in the community team are professionally qualified and registered with the NMC.

Ensure nurses working in the community team to achieve compliance with statutory and mandatory training requirements.

Liaise with Consultant Nurse, Directorate Lead Nurse and Lead Nurse on all professional nursing issues.

Analyse workload, identifies and specifies the volume, quantity and combination of nursing services required to meet need in conjunction with the Team Manager.

Analyse nursing workloads and ensure fair allocation across nursing staff.

Support the team lead in assuring processes is in place to manage sickness/absenteeism and take appropriate action in line with HSC Trust policies.

Promote the health and well-being of staff and observe for any signs of ill health or stress factors in staff assigned to the area and take appropriate action in line with HSC Trust policies and NMC guidelines.

Support the team lead to manage annual leave and study leave to ensure adequate nursing cover and appropriate skill mix.

Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff.

Deputise in absence of Team Leader as appropriate.

4.3 Environment

Maintain a safe and clean environment for staff, service users and visitors by ensuring compliance with legislation, policies and protocols including health and safety, healthcare associated infection, risk management and critical incident reporting.

Ensure staff awareness of environmental issues and take appropriate action as per HSC Trust policy.

Participate in the analysis, assessment and management of actual and potential risks to health and well-being.

Monitor and ensure the safe and effective use of equipment and aids within the department and the service user’s home as per HSC Trust policy and in conjunction with the occupational therapist as required.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trust supports and promotes a culture of collective leadership where those who have responsibility for managing other staff:

Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the required performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the services they deliver.

Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and support.

Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning.

Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision-making.

Adhere to and promote Trust policy and procedure in all staffing matters, participating as appropriate in a way, which underpins Trust values.

RAISING CONCERNS – RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency.

The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

PERSONAL AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES (PPI)

Promote and support the implementation of the Trust’s PPI Strategy and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities as appropriate to their job role.

Staff must maintain high standards of personal accountability and abide by the Code of Conduct.

Members of staff are expected at all times to provide a caring service and to treat those whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be required to

Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example

Smoke Free policy

IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct

standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Trust including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND Community Learning Disability Nurse

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Disability, Mental Health and Disability

SALARY

HOURS 37.5

Ref No: <to be inserted by HR> <Month & Year>

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Qualifications

Learning Disability Nurse registered on Part 1 of the NMC live register OR a Registered Learning Disability Nurse pending NMC registration as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse (RNLD) on Part 1 of the Live NMC Register

Have successfully completed or be willing to undertake a Community Learning Disabilities Specialist Programme.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Experience

A minimum of 5 years post basic qualification

to include a minimum of two years’ experience

working at Band 6 or above working with

people with a learning disability.

Other

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment.

This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Knowledge/

Skills / Abilities

Be conversant with current professional issues in relation to Learning Disability nursing.

Evidence of continuous personal and professional development.

.

Ability to provide effective nursing leadership to meet the needs of the post in full.

Ability to effectively manage the nursing team to ensure positive outcomes for service users.

Provide evidence of maintaining and monitoring standards which have enhanced the service user experience of care.

Ability to influence and manage change, including the promotion of evidence based practice.

Have effective communication skills to meet the needs of the post in full.

Demonstrate ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted

Experience working in/with community learning disability teams

Previous management experience

Shortlisting

A shortlist of candidates for interview will be prepared on the basis of the information contained in the application form. It is therefore essential that all applicants demonstrate through their application how and to what extent their experience and qualities are relevant to this post and the extent to which they satisfy each criterion specified

THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times