Mental Health/Learning Disability Nurse

Job summary Are you someone looking for a career in one of the UK's most respected mental health and learning disability trusts?
Would you like to be part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference to peoples lives to enjoy a better future?An exciting opportunity to join the team initially at the Additional Support Unit (ASU) in Exeter for Adults with a Learning Disability and then at the new Regional Learning Disability and Autism Unit in Dawlish from mid 2025 (The Brook).The job offers a challenging yet rewarding environment with opportunities to consistently learn.The ASU Ward provides high quality care and treatment for people who have learning disabilities and complex mental health needs.
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the assessment and treatment of adults with a learning disability on the unit.We are committed to the ongoing training and development of all our staff and offer a range of opportunities for career progression.The new regional service based in Dawlish will offer inpatient support to both adults with a learning disability and autistic adults.
The building and environment will be state of the art and the service aims to become a centre of excellence.Shortlisting will be carried out on a regular basis prior to the close date and interviews will be held at regular intervals prior to the vacancy closibg so please do not delay in submitting your application.
Main duties of the job To assess care needs, develop, implement and evaluate individual care plans.
To provide named practitioner role to people who use our service.
To promote and improve quality of service provided.
To manage the unit in the absence of Ward Manager / Team Leader To participate in the internal rotation system including weekend working About us About Devon Partnership TrustWe provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally.
We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing.
We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we doOur valuesWe not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values.
These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion.
We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010.
Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible.
We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities.
We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description Job responsibilities Job PurposeTo assess care needs, develop, implement andevaluate individual care plans.To provide named nurse role to people who use ourservice.To promote and improve quality of service provided.To be the nurse in charge of the ward in theabsence of Service Manager / seniorstaff nurseTo participate in the internal rotation systemincluding weekend working and nights.
Duties andResponsibilitiesThe Unit providesassessment and treatment to people with a Learning Disability and / or AutisticPeople who have a Mental Health condition and/or demonstrate distress throughtheir behaviour.
The role exists toprovide the Learning Disability and Autism Inpatient unit with a RegisteredNurse who has the professional knowledge and skills to ensure safe and highquality care.
The Registered Nurse will usethe framework of Positive Behavioural Support to provide assessment,interventions and evaluation for health & wellbeing needs The Registered Nursemay also be responsible for the leadership and management of the inpatient unitover a span of duty.The Registered Nursewill assist in the management and clinical supervision of the junior teamincluding staff well-being and manage the unit in the absence of the ServiceManager and senior staff nurses.
The Registered Nursewill work a 24 hour flexible rota.
Work within NICE andNMC Guidelines and Standards, to be aware of and work within all relevant TrustPolicies and Procedures.
Towork in line with agreed safeguarding protocols at all times.
To be aproactive, skilled member of the ward Multi-Disciplinary team.
To demonstrate aworking knowledge of the legal requirements of the Mental Health Act 1983(including 2007 updates), Mental Capacity Act 2005 (to include Deprivation ofLiberty safeguards) and Care Act (2014).Communication& Working RelationshipsEnsure clinicalrecords are accurate, timely, and complete.Communicate difficultand sensitive information that some people may find upsetting Communicate clinicalinformation to people who use the service, their families and carers, and othermembers of the Multi-Disciplinary TeamForm positive workingrelationships with all professionals within the Multi-Disciplinary Team andwith wider stakeholders.Maintaining contactwith family and carers.
Information gathering and sharing with community staff,social workers and other relevant stakeholdersAccurately recordfindings of assessments, therapeutic interventions, care plans, riskassessments and information that meet the needs of the target audience.Compilingcomprehensive discharge reportsProvide trainingsessions with new service providers to enhance understanding of the patient andtheir needs.Communicateeffectively with patients that have complex communication difficulties andbehavioural distress.Form and maintaintherapeutic relationships with all patients, their families and carers.Ensure allcommunication meets National and Local Information Governance Guidance andPolicies; including Confidentiality Guidance & Policies.Planning& OrganisationEnsure all your own Training requirements are up-to-dateCheck the staff rota ensuring correct skill mix, gender mix, safe numberson shift, ensuring that all staff on shift work the correct hours and recordany variation on staff hours.Actively participate in all relevant meetings.When requested, organise and invite relevant professionals and othersfrom the patients circle of support to attend meetingsUndertake clinical leadership during a span of duty, allocating duties toother ward staff - organising assessments, therapeutic and clinical activitiesthat adhere to plans of care, risk assessments, local and DPT policies.Responsibilityfor Patient/Client Care, Treatment & TherapyCarry out pre-admission assessments in a variety of settingsEnsure admissions are carried out in line with DPT and local policies and proceduresTo act as Named Nurse.
Undertake assessment of need and risk anddevelop Positive Behaviour Support Plans, person centred care plans and otherplans of care to meet health and wellbeing needs and manage the risks.Develop, evaluate and review Positive Behaviour Support Plans, care plansand risk management plans to ensure plans are safe, effective and personcentredInvolve the patients and as necessary families, carers and otherprofessionals in assessing needs and developing plans Ensure assessments, interventions and plans are developed with othermembers of the Multi-Disciplinary TeamEnsure assessments and interventions are based on current evidence andgood practiceReview current and future interventions as part of the multi-disciplinaryteam.Ensure accurate clinical observations are available to other members ofthe multi-disciplinary team as required.
To make referrals to other professionals as part of patient assessment,treatment or therapy.Ensure that all care and treatment complies with relevant legislation andupholds the rights of the individual including the Human Rights Act, MentalHealth Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty SafeguardsTo advise on the promotion of patient health and well-being needs (bothphysical and mental health needs)Adjust levels of support to safely and effectively manage risk anddeliver high quality person centred care to individuals undertaking care,treatment and activities within and outside the unitEnsure that all Infection Control and cleanliness standards and measuresare acted upon in line with National, DPT and local guidance.Administer medication in line with professional standards, DPT Policiesand Standard Operating Procedures and protocols.Policy,Service, Research & Development ResponsibilityTo be aware of national and professional developments.To participate in ongoing training and education (including ContinuousProfessional Development).To demonstrate evidence based practice and participate in research/audit/pilotprojects.To be aware of current initiatives in inpatient care.To promote service changes with positive professional attitude and fullyengage in service changes.Act as a Link Practitioner to ensure specific areas of practice adhereto standards of quality and safety.Responsibilityfor Finance, Equipment & Other ResourcesToensure Trust policies and procedures are followed in relation to the handlingof monies, property etc.
belonging to people using the serviceTodemonstrate effective risk management skillsUseTrust resources in a sustainable, costeffective and appropriate wayEnsurethe maintenance and safe use of equipment and the general environmentResponsibility for Supervision, Leadership & ManagementTo demonstrate anddevelop effective leadership/management skills.To provideSupervision and Career Conversations to appropriate/allocated staff.To participate in therole of Practice Supervisor / Assessor for students.
To participate in therole of Preceptor to newly qualified staff (where appropriate)InformationResources & Administrative DutiesEnsure that daily administrative tasks are completed including, reportingany repair /maintenance issues.Ensure all DPT, local and national guidance for record keeping,monitoring forms and checklists are completed during a span of dutyTo participate in formulating and providing reports for other professionalsas required.AnyOther Specific Tasks RequiredWillingness to be added to Unit vehicles insurance to help facilitateCommunity Leave for patients would be welcomed.To contribute to the provision of a safe therapeuticenvironment for individuals, staff and visitors to the unit.To take on responsibility for duties assigned byLine Manager.The post holder should ensure their fitness toundertake the post and demonstrate they have completed the level of general training and personalsafety training appropriate to their role and work area, and keep this trainingup-to-date.If the ability to perform Physical InterventionTechniques or Conflict Management is a requirement of the role, the post holdermust declare physical fitness to undertake such a role.
The post holder shouldact quickly to protect the safety of individuals if they have reason to believethat they or a colleague may not be fit to undertake the duties within theirjob roleAct within competency.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential Level 1 Registered Nurse RNLD/ RNMH Degree / HE Diploma level Evidence of taking responsibility for meeting Compulsory and Essential training in previous post.
Working knowledge of using common computer programmes such as email, internet, word-processing.
Willingness to undertake further training.
Desirable Post qualification Teaching Qualification Completion of Practice Assessor / Supervisor Training Evidence of post registration training Other recognised managerial qualification Experience Essential Primary/Named Nursing Shift management over a span of duty Assessment, care planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care Nursing Care of informal and detained patients Assessing and care planning for individuals who have a learning disability / autistic people who have additional complex communication, health, psycho-social care needs and behavioural distress.
Managing incidents - maintaining health, safety & wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors Receiving and deliver managerial and clinical supervision