Job summary
Would you like to be part of an innovative and developing Memory Assessment Service?
We are seeking a motivated and experienced clinician to join our Buckinghamshire Memory Assessment Service as a Band 7 Advanced Practitioner. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a progressive service delivering a 'one-stop shop' model of dementia assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
You will play a key role in enhancing our clinical pathway by providing timely, high-quality assessments and diagnostic outcomes within a single patient contact, supporting improved patient experience and service efficiency.
Main duties of the job
About the role
As an Advanced Practitioner, you will:
- Undertake comprehensive assessments for suspected dementia, including history taking, cognitive assessment, and review of investigations
- Diagnose dementia within agreed protocols and communicate this sensitively to patients and familie
- Act as an independent prescriber and manage medication in line with best practice
- Provide post-diagnostic support and advice, promoting patient choice and understanding
- Work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Access and contribute to clinical supervision, case discussions and service development
- Support and supervise junior staff and contribute to team learning
This role is central to delivering a streamlined, patient-centred pathway, particularly for individuals with non-complex presentations, while ensuring appropriate escalation for more complex cases.
About us
Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.
As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
o Excellent opportunities for career progressiono Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and developmento 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous serviceo NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailerso Competitive pension schemeo Lease car schemeo Cycle to work schemeo Employee Assistance Programmeo Mental Health First Aiderso Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply)o Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Job description
Job responsibilities
About you
You should be:
- A Registered Mental Health Nurse
- An independent prescriber
- Experienced in dementia assessment and diagnosis, including use of psychometric tools
- Knowledgeable in psychopharmacology and dementia care
- Confident in clinical decision-making and risk assessment
- Skilled in communication, particularly delivering sensitive information
- Able to work autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team
You will also have completed (or be willing to complete) a relevant postgraduate qualification in dementia practice, such as the Advanced Practice in Dementia module.
We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the supporting statement element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application.
The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview, and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values.
Job description
Job responsibilities
About you
You should be:
- A Registered Mental Health Nurse
- An independent prescriber
- Experienced in dementia assessment and diagnosis, including use of psychometric tools
- Knowledgeable in psychopharmacology and dementia care
- Confident in clinical decision-making and risk assessment
- Skilled in communication, particularly delivering sensitive information
- Able to work autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team
You will also have completed (or be willing to complete) a relevant postgraduate qualification in dementia practice, such as the Advanced Practice in Dementia module.
We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the supporting statement element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application.
The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview, and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Registered
- NMP qualification
Desirable
- Evidence of Further Study
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of working with Older Adults
- Evidence of working with memory clinics
Desirable
- Evidence of formulation and delivery of diagnosis
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of Dementia
- Knowledge of diagnosing and ongoing support
- Ability to Build rapport
- Knowledge of dementia medication/care/NICE
Desirable
- Knowledge of Prescribing in Dementia/Older Adults
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Registered
- NMP qualification
Desirable
- Evidence of Further Study
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of working with Older Adults
- Evidence of working with memory clinics
Desirable
- Evidence of formulation and delivery of diagnosis
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of Dementia
- Knowledge of diagnosing and ongoing support
- Ability to Build rapport
- Knowledge of dementia medication/care/NICE
Desirable
- Knowledge of Prescribing in Dementia/Older Adults
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).
