Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities Specialist
The closing date is 27 August 2025
Job summary
We are looking for a passionate and experienced individual who has demonstrable knowledge and experience working with people with a learning disability, autism and/or dementia or other vulnerabilities to provide maternity cover on a fixed term basis.
The Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities specialist will be based within the SWAST safeguarding team, and will guide and support all areas of the Trust to meet the needs of adults and children with Learning Disabilities (LD), Autism (A), Dementia and other vulnerabilities.
Ensuring staff have the knowledge and ability to empower, advocate for, and support individuals to maintain their independence, promoting their physical and mental health
This is an exciting time to be joining the SWAST following the publication of our new Trust Learning Disability and Autism plan 2025-2028. If you are you looking for an incredible challenge that will stretch you, both professionally and personally, and if you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference across a wide range of settings then please get in touch.
For an informal discussion please contact Lerryn Udy, Head of Safeguarding via Lerryn.Udy@SWAST.nhs.uk
Main duties of the job
- To implement Trust wide Learning Disability and vulnerable patient policies and procedures, to improve the experiences of patients and staff with vulnerabilities.
- To lead on LEDER for the Trust. Working closely with the safeguarding team and learning from deaths team.
- To be the lead and champion LD, Autism and vulnerabilities and use skills to educate and colleagues of the importance of improving experiences of vulnerable patients.
- To provide advice and guidance on area of expertise, supporting safeguarding reviews into patients with a LD, Autism, dementia, or other vulnerability.
- Work with external organisations and groups to learn from them and ensure the patient's voice is heard and implemented.
- To improve patient care for people living with a learning disability, autism and dementia or other vulnerability.
- Make the SWASFT a dementia friendly employer and support dementia friendly communities.
*For full details please refer to the job description
About us
At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) we have a culture where everyone is valued for being themselves. Our aim is to work together to promote the most inclusive environment possible, which attracts people from the widest range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work that we do together, for the benefit of all of our employees, our patients and the communities we serve. We offer flexible working opportunities, inclusive policies and a range of feedback mechanisms to support individuals and to enable a positive, welcoming environment where our people and their careers can thrive in.
We employ over 6,000 employees mainly clinical, operational and emergency response staff as well as supporting roles. We also employ Doctors and volunteers which include community first responders and fire co-responders.
We take all the steps needed to provide the most compassionate patient care possible whilst also providing an enjoyable and safe place to work. We actively promote a positive set of behaviours as being key to our performance both individually and collectively. Our recruitment, selection and screening processes are designed to uphold these standards and we invite all our candidates to actively share with us through these processes how they will bring these behaviours to life.
To view the Trust's Mission, Vision, Values and Goals clickhere
Details
Date posted
20 August 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£43,742 to £50,056 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
202-7389109
Job locations
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Fundation Trust
Abbey Court
Exeter
EX2 7HY
Employer details
Employer name
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Address
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Fundation Trust
Abbey Court
Exeter
EX2 7HY
Employer's website
https://www.swast.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
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