Job summary
This is a development post and the expectation will be to undertake the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) training in September 2027
The Community Public Health Staff Nurse will work in partnership with children & families in addition to other agencies and multi-disciplinary teams to support delivery of evidence-based care programmes in line with the Healthy Child Programme (updated February 2026). To an identified population within a variety of settings, including home, school, clinic and community venues.
To contribute to the Public Health agenda, meet Public Health targets and reduce health inequalities in partnership with key agencies meeting National agendas.
The post includes identification, monitoring and support to vulnerable children, including those whose welfare and safety may be at risk, working within child protection procedures and in collaboration with other agencies.
To work under the supervision of a band 6 Specialist Community Pubic Health Nurse (SCPHN)
Main duties of the job
Work as an integrated member of 0 to 19 Torbay, provide current high quality services, support and interventions to families and carers with children aged 0 to 19 years, 25 if SEND. Empower families, enabling them to make decisions that affect their family's future health and wellbeing within Torbay. Undertake the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme under the direction of the School Nursing workforce and need to be aware of the impact of trauma on children's life outcomes.
Collaborate with the wider multi-disciplinary team in offering public health services and family support to the community. Working in a variety of settings, including home visits, clinic settings, schools, children's centres and other community venues.
Under the direction of the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) work with the multi-agency team to support those children, young people and their families in need of additional support and those at risk of significant harm, including participating in Team Around the Family meetings, and supporting Child Protection Meetings (where appropriate). This includes undertaking the role of lead professional or key worker for children and their families with the most complex needs.
Is aware of and complies with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust's policies, protocols, guidelines, and procedures.
About us
The 0 to 19 Torbay Public Health Nursing team works in collaboration with Action For Children, to provide preventative and supportive healthcare to children, young people and their families within Torbay. This includes the monitoring and provision of targeted support to vulnerable children and those whose welfare and safety may be at risk.
The post holder works as a member of the 0 to 19 Torbay Public Health Nursing team maintaining a public health focus under the supervision of a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse to deliver the Healthy Child Programme in a variety of settings including the home and community settings.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Maintain clear and accurate records as per standards and guidelines, ensuring clear analysis and outcomes for the child.
To undertake clinical activities within the scope of professional practice.
Plan implement and evaluate health enhancing activities to meet health needs of the local population within the scope of the role, and the commissioned service through home visits, community development, clinics, workshops, support groups, antenatal and parenting programmes.
Develop a work profile, identifying needs as Universal, Universal Plus and Universal Partnership Plus.
To identify children and families in need of Early Help through an Early Help assessment. To act as Lead Professional as required.
Support the SEND pathway, and support SEN workstreams.
To identify when children and young people may require a Individual Health Care Plan and complete these yearly in conjunction with parents, educational establishments and the multi-professional team.
Co-work agreed caseloads with the allocated Health Visitor/School Nurse.
Undertake transfer in visits under the direction of the line manager and allocated Health Visitor/School Nurse.
Deliver Public Health messages, and support health education sessions.
Act in accordance with current local and Trust guidelines/policies to protect children at risk. Take professional responsibility and accountability in the joint decision-making process within the Child Protection arena. Communicates effectively with people who may themselves have communication difficulties, including a willingness to seek out and use resources to help those whose first language is not English or those with sensory or learning difficulties.
Communicates in such a way as to empower, motivate and/or support individuals, families and other members of staff, judging which approach is most likely to be effective in addressing the current health need or situation.
Is aware of, and respects responsibilities involved in the confidential nature of the work and has an awareness of the complex issues surrounding confidentiality and consent for children and young people eg. Contraception, teenage pregnancy and parental responsibility.
This is a challenging post where you will work with a variety of people from differing backgrounds who will require effective communication skills to understand and manage their individual needs.
You will be required to see children, young people, and families in a variety of settings. You will need to be confident and competent to manage distressing and complex situation and maintain your professional integrity.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Maintain clear and accurate records as per standards and guidelines, ensuring clear analysis and outcomes for the child.
To undertake clinical activities within the scope of professional practice.
Plan implement and evaluate health enhancing activities to meet health needs of the local population within the scope of the role, and the commissioned service through home visits, community development, clinics, workshops, support groups, antenatal and parenting programmes.
Develop a work profile, identifying needs as Universal, Universal Plus and Universal Partnership Plus.
To identify children and families in need of Early Help through an Early Help assessment. To act as Lead Professional as required.
Support the SEND pathway, and support SEN workstreams.
To identify when children and young people may require a Individual Health Care Plan and complete these yearly in conjunction with parents, educational establishments and the multi-professional team.
Co-work agreed caseloads with the allocated Health Visitor/School Nurse.
Undertake transfer in visits under the direction of the line manager and allocated Health Visitor/School Nurse.
Deliver Public Health messages, and support health education sessions.
Act in accordance with current local and Trust guidelines/policies to protect children at risk. Take professional responsibility and accountability in the joint decision-making process within the Child Protection arena. Communicates effectively with people who may themselves have communication difficulties, including a willingness to seek out and use resources to help those whose first language is not English or those with sensory or learning difficulties.
Communicates in such a way as to empower, motivate and/or support individuals, families and other members of staff, judging which approach is most likely to be effective in addressing the current health need or situation.
Is aware of, and respects responsibilities involved in the confidential nature of the work and has an awareness of the complex issues surrounding confidentiality and consent for children and young people eg. Contraception, teenage pregnancy and parental responsibility.
This is a challenging post where you will work with a variety of people from differing backgrounds who will require effective communication skills to understand and manage their individual needs.
You will be required to see children, young people, and families in a variety of settings. You will need to be confident and competent to manage distressing and complex situation and maintain your professional integrity.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Part 1 NMC Registration
- Evidence of Continued Professional Development
Desirable
- Assessor in practice
- Experience of working with children and young people
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Knowledge of the role of the health visitor & school nurse
- Competent IT skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to use reflective tools in practice
- Presentation skills demonstrated
- Good time management skills
- Team player
- Knowledge of how diversity, inequality and cultural issues impact on health and wellbeing
Desirable
- Comprehensive Child Protection knowledge
- Leadership skills
- Knowledge of the Healthy Child Programme 0 to 5 years and 5 to 19 years
- Knowledge of normal child development
- Awareness of the importance of the child's voice in care delivery
- Knowledge of the National immunisation programme
- Knowledge of the UNICEF responsive feeding guidance
- Experience in participating in health promotion activities
Specific skills
Essential
- Working with children, young people & families
- Working with children, young people & families
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Aware of a range of emotions in self and others and demonstrates empathy for the concern of others
- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to move between tasks
Desirable
- Experience of working in a community setting
- Delivering public health messages
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Part 1 NMC Registration
- Evidence of Continued Professional Development
Desirable
- Assessor in practice
- Experience of working with children and young people
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Knowledge of the role of the health visitor & school nurse
- Competent IT skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to use reflective tools in practice
- Presentation skills demonstrated
- Good time management skills
- Team player
- Knowledge of how diversity, inequality and cultural issues impact on health and wellbeing
Desirable
- Comprehensive Child Protection knowledge
- Leadership skills
- Knowledge of the Healthy Child Programme 0 to 5 years and 5 to 19 years
- Knowledge of normal child development
- Awareness of the importance of the child's voice in care delivery
- Knowledge of the National immunisation programme
- Knowledge of the UNICEF responsive feeding guidance
- Experience in participating in health promotion activities
Specific skills
Essential
- Working with children, young people & families
- Working with children, young people & families
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Aware of a range of emotions in self and others and demonstrates empathy for the concern of others
- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to move between tasks
Desirable
- Experience of working in a community setting
- Delivering public health messages
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).
