Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Job summary
The Specialist Health Community Learning Disability Team (SHCLDT) is a multidisciplinary service for adults with learning disabilities. SHCLDT accepts referrals for adults with learning disabilities aged 18 and above. We recognise that people with learning disabilities may have additional diagnoses such as Autism and/or additional communication and complex health needs.
We may provide consultation and advice regarding people with learning disabilities approaching transition to adult services.
The role of Nurse Practitioner is part of a multidisciplinary specialist health community team for people with learning disabilities.
We provide specialist health assessment and treatment for people with learning disabilities who are unable to access mainstream services.
We support mainstream health services to provide treatment for people with learning disabilities by supporting/liaising with them to support reasonable adjustments.
Main duties of the job
We support adults with learning disabilities experiencing distress. When the primary need is mental health we will support people with a learning disability to access mental health services with reasonable adjustments.
We can deliver intensive assessments and support for those at risk of placement breakdown, utilising person-centred assessments to identify distress triggers. Collaborating with the individual and their carers, we develop positive behaviour support plans to help manage challenging situations.
We support adults with learning disabilities who have complex health needs in determining eligibility for continuing health care (CHC) NHS funding. A nurse collaborates with the individual or their representative to gather health evidence to assess health needs.
People admitted for mental health needs may be entitled to Section 117 aftercare (a funding stream aimed at preventing readmission following discharge) following discharge from hospital. Our team review their health and package of care to ensure that it continues to meet their needs.
Our team supports people aged 18 or over in accessing mainstream health services through reasonable adjustments and desensitisation around health tests and procedures. We can provide advice and support and signpost to appropriate services when required.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- RNLD or Equivalent RN Qualification Professional, clinical knowledge acquired through training to degree/diploma level.
- Experience of working with people who have a learning disability.
Experience
Desirable
- Understanding of managing own workload.
- Understanding of Assessment, Planning, Intervention and Evaluation of Nursing Care.
- Understanding of dealing with violence & aggression.
- Understanding of mainstream health and social care services.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic computer skills.
- Able to provide and receive complex sensitive information in relation to staff, service users, families and carers.
- Openness Shares information and good practice appropriately.
- Mutual respect Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times.
- Accountability Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working.
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- An awareness of diversity and equality.
- Ability to be mobile across a geographical area.
- Computer literacy.
Desirable
- Able to problem solve and assist others in this process.
- Ability to assess and manage risk effectively.
- Able to work across professional team and organisational boundaries.
- Able to analyse situations and assist in the planning of interventions to meet identified needs.
- Ability to delegate and prioritise workload of band 3 & 4 where applicable.
- Ability to manage various demands within the workplace.
- Effective time management.
Knowledge
Essential
- Good knowledge of Learning Disability Services.
- An understanding of Mental Health Act/ MH Capacity Act.
- Understanding of recovery principles in Learning Disability Services.
- Understanding of professional and current issues in learning disabilities nursing.
- Understanding of the health needs of people with learning disability and the health inequalities of people with a learning disability.
- Working Knowledge of equality and diversity.
- Working knowledge of Clinical Governance.
- Knowledge of safeguarding adult services, Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act including DOLS; Continuing Health Care Framework
Other
Essential
- Ability to manage change in a positive manner.
Desirable
- Good clinical assessment skills.
Closing Date: 20 November 2026
To apply for this job please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk.