Nurse Practitioner: Sponsorship Available

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Job summary

The Children’s Learning Disability Service provides support to children and young people between the ages of 5-18 years who have a learning disability (falling within the moderate to severe range) and who display behaviours which challenge their support network or which impact on their quality of life.

We are currently seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Learning Disability or Mental Health Nurse to join our established team of Nursing and Occupational Therapists.

The team is operational across Essex, Southend and Thurrock, and is divided into two sub-teams, providing localised support and interventions. This vacancy is for the North and Mid Essex Team.

The successful candidate will confidently deliver short term assessments and interventions, with the aim of supporting children and their families to thrive within their communities.

A range of evidence based assessments and interventions will be offered based on need, but will include Functional Assessments of Behaviour, Sensory Assessments and Sleep Assessments, as well as the delivery of direct work including bespoke Relationships and Sex Education, and person centred Emotional Wellbeing interventions.

Main duties of the job

  • Under the guidance of the team’s Clinical Lead, the appointee is responsible for managing a defined caseload of children with behavioural difficulties associated with their learning disability diagnosis, using evidence-based / client-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions adhering to Nursing models and framework, whilst also working as part of a wider MDT of Occupational Therapists and Nurse Practitioners
  • To be an active member of the Children’s Learning Disability Service. To provide a person-centred Nursing Service for Children with Learning Disabilities, based on the direction given through Trust values and identified local need.
  • To use evidence based/client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
  • To regularly supervise Nursing students on practice placement.
  • To provide leadership, supervision and day-to-day management for qualified and non-qualified staff within the multi-disciplinary team.
  • To contribute to the ongoing development of the service and to participate in the planning, development and evaluation of services within the team.
  • To work collaboratively with key partner organisations, service users, carers, clinicians and other practitioners within the multi-disciplinary team in delivering services.
  • In delivering your duties you are expected to display behaviours that are aligned with the Trust values and as required in accordance with the NHS Constitution at all times.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Relevant Qualification (Nursing, OT)
  • Relevant registration with professional body

Desirable

  • Significant practical skills/experience in the field of learning disabilities and behaviour management

Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of Child Protection issues and the principles of working with people with LD
  • Knowledge of relevant legal frameworks. e.g. Mental Health Act, Children Act, Human Rights Act, Every Child Matters,
  • Learning Disability assessment skills, including observation, assessment of behaviours which challenge, and experience with understanding the function to such behaviours.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of specialist intervention/treatment, i.e. ABA / sensory integration
  • Application and understanding of child development theories, attachment theories and practice and growth of the child in the family

Skills

Essential

  • Good oral communication skills based on fluency on the English language
  • Literate in IT/Computer Skills
  • Skill in producing high standard of written reports

Desirable

  • Significant experience of direct clinical assessment and treatment sessions within the field of learning disabilities.
  • Experience with Positive Behaviour Support Plans

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Current driving licence
  • Ability to travel across trust sites

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Closing Date: 26 October 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.