Specialist Nurse for Children in Care

Job overview

Are you a registered nurse with experience supporting vulnerable children and young people and a strong understanding of their complex physical and emotional health needs?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a flexible, friendly and supportive team working with Children in Care and Care Leavers, helping to improve their health, wellbeing and outcomes.

We are looking for a registered nurse who has significant experience working with children and young people, particularly those who have experienced trauma, adversity or significant vulnerability. You will have a good understanding of the health needs of young people who may have experienced complex life circumstances, and be confident in building trusting relationships and advocating for their health and wellbeing.

Whilst a SCPHN qualification is welcomed, this is not essential, you just need to demonstrate relevant experience and skills that are required for this role.

The post holder will need to be resilient, compassionate and confident in managing a complex caseload, working collaboratively with children, young people, carers and a wide range of professionals. A trauma-attuned approach is essential, alongside the ability to recognise and respond to the often complex physical, emotional and wider health needs of Children in Care.

This is a fixed term post for 12 months, if you currently work within Dorset Healthcare, this would be offered as a secondment, please gain permission from your line manager when applying.

Main duties of the job

To have excellent communication skills with children between the ages of 5-18 to conduct statutory Children in Care Review Health Assessments which includes the developmental and emotional wellbeing of Children in Care in accordance with national and local guidance and policy. This may be in home, clinic or other setting.

To contribute to the implementation of healthcare plans following the identification of health need.

Take appropriate action when further support, advice or intervention is needed in relation to health needs, signposting and referring to other services where necessary.

As a Specialist Nurse we would expect some experience in leadership and management as there will be some supervisory responsibilities to other members of the team as part of this role.

To be able to take responsibility for a defined caseload and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the caseload is managed effectively and safely.

We welcome informal enquiries before you submit your application. Please contact:

Hayley Matthews, Team Lead – Dorset: 07500 993364 Emily Garner, Team Lead – BCP: 07770 736050

About the role

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Base: Dorchester

Travel: Pan-Dorset and neighbouring counties will be required

Support: You will be supported by the Team Lead and Named Nurse for Children in Care, with regular supervision, training and opportunities for professional development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate’s individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.