Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Specialist Clinical Practitioner

The closing date is 05 January 2026

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced registered nurse to come and work with our Community Learning Disability Teams in South Devon for a Fixed Term / Secondment period until 31st January 2027 covering maternity leave.

We are keen to hear from people who want to make a positive difference for people with learning disabilities in relation to their physical and mental health. You will be providing care for the presenting patient from initial history taking, clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care. You will demonstrate safe, competent clinical decision-making and expert care, including assessment and diagnostic skills and prescribing for patients within the service.

Experience of working with people with learning disabilities who present with distressed behaviours is advantageous and have a working knowledge of positive behavioural support.

Main duties of the job

The main duties will include:

Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate treatment/interventions and care for patients presenting with an undifferentiated diagnosis.
Clinically examine and perform complex assessments for patient needs from a physiological and psychological perspective, and plan clinical care accordingly
Assess, diagnosis, plan, implement and evaluate interventions/treatments for patients with complex needs
Prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols, and within scope of practice

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We 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 do

Our values

We 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.

Date posted

08 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

1 years

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0976

Job locations

Plymouth Road

Totnes

Devon

TQ9 5NE

Devon Partnership Nhs Trust

Collett Way

Newton Abbot

Devon

TQ12 4PH

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person specification for the job role which gives of the criteria.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person specification for the job role which gives of the criteria.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Clinical based Degree
A minimum of 60 credits at masters level in relevant subject (e.g. Advanced psychosocial assessment and formulation, Enhancing the Care and Support of the Person with Dementia and their Carer). Or demonstrable equivalent experience/competence at the specialist practitioner level; If a minimum of 60 credits at masters level in relevant subject is not already obtained, this will need to be completed within 2 years of commencing employment as training availability allows
Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
Current registration with the NMC or HCPC

Desirable

Post basic qualification in speciality Application Non-Medical Prescriber (V300)

Experience

Desirable

Experience with working with people who have a learning disability and distressed behaviours.

Skills

Essential

High level communication skills including: Presentation and facilitation skills; Consultation and engagement skills.
An ability to adjust communication effectively to meet the needs of a diverse group including internal and external stakeholders.
Good organisational and interpersonal skills, tact and sensitivity. Ability to gain trust.
Ability to influence significant changes in service delivery through motivation and encouragement which may be highly complex and sensitive and include some barriers to understanding.
Ability to contribute to the supervision and development of others.
Confidence to deliver sometimes contentious and difficult messages to a broad range of stake holders.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Clinical based Degree
A minimum of 60 credits at masters level in relevant subject (e.g. Advanced psychosocial assessment and formulation, Enhancing the Care and Support of the Person with Dementia and their Carer). Or demonstrable equivalent experience/competence at the specialist practitioner level; If a minimum of 60 credits at masters level in relevant subject is not already obtained, this will need to be completed within 2 years of commencing employment as training availability allows
Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
Current registration with the NMC or HCPC

Desirable

Post basic qualification in speciality Application Non-Medical Prescriber (V300)

Experience

Desirable

Experience with working with people who have a learning disability and distressed behaviours.

Skills

Essential

High level communication skills including: Presentation and facilitation skills; Consultation and engagement skills.
An ability to adjust communication effectively to meet the needs of a diverse group including internal and external stakeholders.
Good organisational and interpersonal skills, tact and sensitivity. Ability to gain trust.
Ability to influence significant changes in service delivery through motivation and encouragement which may be highly complex and sensitive and include some barriers to understanding.
Ability to contribute to the supervision and development of others.
Confidence to deliver sometimes contentious and difficult messages to a broad range of stake holders.

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.