Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Community Practitioner

The closing date is 24 February 2026

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for an experienced registered nurse has arisen within The Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service (CNDS). We are looking to recruit into this post and we welcome applications from all nurse registrations.

The post offers a unique opportunity for the nurse to have an active role in a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in a highly specialist clinical service. The MDT consists of staff from a range of different disciplines including Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Nursing, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Education.

CNDS is a specialist tertiary service working in collaboration with local multi-agency servicesto provide second opinions for children and young people across the North East of Englandand North Cumbria, who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other co-occurringmental health or neurodevelopmental concerns. CNDS provides outpatient, day patient andoutreach services, this includes detailed diagnostic second opinion assessments, alongsideconsultation and advice on management. The team is commissioned to provide ASD clinicalskills training to clinicians both locally and nationally. As a clinical academic team, CNDS haveclose working links with Newcastle University and are involved in the delivery of researchstudies and there may be opportunities to for the nurse to become involved in future researchprojects.

Main duties of the job

The post holder would ideally have experience in working with children and young people who have autism and an understanding of, or skills in the diagnostic assessment process. They will have a child centred focus with a creative flexible approach to supporting each child's specific needs. There is an expectation that the post holder will develop their clinical skills to enable them to contribute to the assessment, diagnostic formulation and consultation service that CNDS provides. As part of their clinical skills development, the post holder will complete or have completed the training to administer and co-rate the ADOS-2 assessment.

Please refer to the role descriptor document for more details of skills, competencies and dutieswithin the role.

The selection process involves a formal interview and some service user contact with childrenattending the CNDS hub.

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.

Details

Date posted

10 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year pro rata per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

263-SCG26-014-HN

Job locations

Walkergate Park Hospital

Benfield Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE6 4QD


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 10th February 2026

Closing date : 24th February 2026

We welcome your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 10th February 2026

Closing date : 24th February 2026

We welcome your application.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

  • Professional Qualification and current Professional Registration as, a First Level Registered Nurse (RNMH, RMN, RNLD) or equivalent as an AHP, Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist
  • Mentor Training.
  • Evidence of post-registration training in clinical/ psychological interventions / skills relevant to the post.
  • Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post
  • Training in CPA (Care Programme Approach), Safeguarding, MAPPA (Multi Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and Child Protection.
  • Up-to-date knowledge/experience of relevant legislation

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • 12 to 24 month band 5 qualified nurse experience dependent upon service need.
  • Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, NMC standards and other local and national initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

Essential

  • Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex mental health needs.
  • Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
  • Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others).
Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

  • Professional Qualification and current Professional Registration as, a First Level Registered Nurse (RNMH, RMN, RNLD) or equivalent as an AHP, Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist
  • Mentor Training.
  • Evidence of post-registration training in clinical/ psychological interventions / skills relevant to the post.
  • Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post
  • Training in CPA (Care Programme Approach), Safeguarding, MAPPA (Multi Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and Child Protection.
  • Up-to-date knowledge/experience of relevant legislation

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • 12 to 24 month band 5 qualified nurse experience dependent upon service need.
  • Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, NMC standards and other local and national initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

Essential

  • Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex mental health needs.
  • Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
  • Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others).

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.

UK Registration

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

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

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

Employer details

Employer name

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Walkergate Park Hospital

Benfield Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE6 4QD


Employer's website

https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Walkergate Park Hospital

Benfield Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE6 4QD


Employer's website

https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Team Coordinator

Barry Morgan

barry.morgan@cntw.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

10 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year pro rata per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

263-SCG26-014-HN

Job locations

Walkergate Park Hospital

Benfield Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE6 4QD


Supporting documents

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