Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Learning Disability and Autism Specialist Practitioner to join the Learning Disability, Autism, Mental Health and Dementia Team within the Safety and Quality Directorate.
The ideal candidate will have a professional registration, have substantive experience of working with people who have a learning disability and / or autism, families, and carers.
You will work across the Acute Hospital Trust and have the ability to enhance services to ensure positive patient experiences, leading the direction of the Learning Disability and Autism strategy and will ensure high quality care.
You will hold autonomy to lead the direction of service improvement and care but be able to work as part of the immediate and wider Safeguarding team, will be organised and innovative to meet any best practice guidance, have the ability to collate data, analyse and produce reports .
You will lead others by providing advice and support, increase the knowledge and skills of our workforce and benchmark performance against standards. You will act as an advocate for our patients with a Learning Disability and / or autism, be part of a wider Multi-disciplinary team, acting in the best interest of patients where required and ensure pathways .
Main duties of the job
The Learning Disability and Autism Specialist Practitioner will sit alongside the workstreams for mental health, dementia, high intensity user and safeguarding.
The successful applicant will be pivotal is ensuring positive patient experience, support for the patient, family and carer, wards and specialist teams across the Trust. The role is diverse and may include-
- Developing social stories and easy read information to promote access to health appointments.
-Ensuring reasonable adjustments
- Educating Champions / teams in relation to resources - i.e. Hospital Passports, communication aids
- Developing and delivering face to face training
- Service improvement and co-production alongside people with lived experience, experts by experience,
-Supporting the SEND agenda
- Working with multi-agency partners including other acute hospital leads, the Learning Disability Partnership Board, Autism Partnership Board, LeDeR Steering Group and local community learning disability teams and providers to ensure supportive pathways into hospital.
- Supporting patients to access healthcare , attending best interest meetings and work across the inpatient and outpatient areas.
-Have the ability to analyse data, consider trends and themes or lessons learned and complete reports as necessary.
About us
We have 9000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients. Whatever your role, you help look after 370,000 people in our local area & give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria.
Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.
You'll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you'd never have done. You'll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path.
You'll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care and enhancing their experience which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.
The Trust is committed to continuous improvement and our Learning Disability Plan and imminent launched Autism Strategy highlight the passion to continue the improvement journey for our patients with a learning disability and / or autism. This role provides the ability to work clinically and operationally to build a skilled workforce and support for patients, families and carers.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The role of Learning Disabilities and Autism Specialist Practitioner is an important position that will ensure excellent standards of Learning Disability and Autism care for all patients at LTHTR.
Provide timely advice and support to clinicians and nursing staff in line with Learning Disability, Autism and safeguarding policies and procedures whilst maintaining professional knowledge and expertise in that area.
Improve the quality of care received by individuals with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism needs who access and are admitted to LTHTR acute hospitals in line with NICE guidance, local and national improvement plans and patient experience feedback.
Provide support to the individuals, their carers and relatives.
Manage the interface between mainstream acute hospital services, primary care services and community Learning Disabilities services.
Facilitate open and easy access to LTHTR for patients with learning disabilities and / or Autism.
Develop effective and collaborative working with healthcare and multi-agency colleagues, including identifying and meeting training needs and provide specialist Learning Disability and Autism advice.
Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children policies are considered and joint working with Safeguarding Practitioners occurs when required.
Provide advice and support regarding assessments of mental capacity, Best Interest decisions and DoLS applications
Develop working groups with specialist teams for service development to include service users, multiagency partners and Trust colleagues.
Will ensure the Trust uses effective resources are utilised to improve patient experience for example; Social Stories, Hospital Passports
You will act as an expert resource and point of contact for all LTHTR staff and other professionals.
Work collaboratively with the safeguarding team at the local authority and with other agencies across the health economy to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.
To actively participate in the review of patients with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism in the acute trust, clarifying that LTHTR staff are clear regarding key aspects of care plans.
To provide support and advice regarding care planning for patients their family / carer with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism needs.
To provide support and advice regarding safeguarding issues specifically for patients with Learning Disability or needs relating to autism but also in respect of advice more widely.
Ensure that clinical practices are in keeping with relevant legislation and policy.
Ensure and support LTHTR staff when patients with Learning Disabilities and / or Auitsm needs require enhanced levels of care and support whilst utilising acute hospital services.
Provide support and guidance to wards and departments who are caring for patients with high risk behaviour associated with Learning Disabilities and Autism conditions.
Ensure any restrictive practices for patients with Learning Disabilities and Autism are conducted in a least restrictive and safe manner, with guidelines being followed and appropriate legal frameworks including the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
To be a link for case managers, clinical staff and partner agencies in arranging safe and timely discharge plans or transfer to Learning Disabilities care settings where appropriate.
To complete risk assessments and risk management plans where necessary.
Support LTHTR staff to arrange transport for patients with Learning Disabilities needs who may require secure transport to effect a safe transfer of care.
Review Hospital Passports, ensure Reasonable Adjustments, consider care planning and risk management in line with best practice.
Actively work with the appropriate service users, healthcare professionals, support staff and external agencies to support professional development and practice.
To promote patient / service-user involvement within any service-development project, training and working groups.
Promote safeguarding best practice in the protection of children and vulnerable adults throughout the Trust by enabling nurses, clinicians, managers and other staff to fulfil their defined roles and responsibilities.
To work in partnership with multi-professional / education staff to provide a comprehensive, innovative clinical skills and competency education framework.
Work closely with the senior management team with regards to continually improvements in service for patients with Learning Disability and / or Autism.
To promote effective working relationships, including communication / information networks.
Assist in the provision of professional practical expertise, knowledge skills and safeguarding training. Ensuring effective communication systems are in place with all professionals which allows for the provision of constructive feedback to staff to improve quality assurance across the Trust in the safeguarding of adults.
Attend Learning Disability and Autism Operational / Partnership Groups, providing feedback and completing assigned tasks / actions.
Provide regular updates to the Matron / Safeguarding Leads regarding levels of activity and ward requests for assistance for patients with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism. This will include reporting trends and themes that may emerge and creation of action plans to address any issues.
Support LTHTR staff with the application of Learning Disabilities / Autism national strategys.
To develop healthcare information and resources in accessible formats for patients, their families and carers.
Develop constructive relationships by attending and contributing specialist knowledge to case conferences / clinical meeting and discharge planning meetings as appropriate and to make referrals direct to social care and other agencies as required and delegated. Represent the Trust at local and national forums.
Foster a climate of innovation and continuous improvement for people with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism needs.
Ensure all national and Trust targets are met.
Professional Development and Management
Contribute to audits into practice across LTHTR to ensure understanding and embedding of learning disability standards.
Assist in the review and development of policies and procedure to ensure compliance with legislation.
Assist in the reviewing of Datix incidents identifying themes and trends across service provision and help make recommendations to improve the level of service and reduce risks.
Assisting in the provision of safeguarding board reports on activity levels in areas of Learning Disability and Autism.
Demonstrate the skills to support staff by communicating highly sensitive, contentious and complex information in health and multi-agency forums using a wide range of media.
Assist in the undertaking of continuous monitoring and analysis of activities against quality standards, support developing proposals for reducing safeguarding concerns against the Trust and improve general safeguarding standards across all service provision in line with Trust policies and procedures.
Maintain/keep up to date own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Learning Disabilities, Autism and Safeguarding.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The role of Learning Disabilities and Autism Specialist Practitioner is an important position that will ensure excellent standards of Learning Disability and Autism care for all patients at LTHTR.
Provide timely advice and support to clinicians and nursing staff in line with Learning Disability, Autism and safeguarding policies and procedures whilst maintaining professional knowledge and expertise in that area.
Improve the quality of care received by individuals with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism needs who access and are admitted to LTHTR acute hospitals in line with NICE guidance, local and national improvement plans and patient experience feedback.
Provide support to the individuals, their carers and relatives.
Manage the interface between mainstream acute hospital services, primary care services and community Learning Disabilities services.
Facilitate open and easy access to LTHTR for patients with learning disabilities and / or Autism.
Develop effective and collaborative working with healthcare and multi-agency colleagues, including identifying and meeting training needs and provide specialist Learning Disability and Autism advice.
Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children policies are considered and joint working with Safeguarding Practitioners occurs when required.
Provide advice and support regarding assessments of mental capacity, Best Interest decisions and DoLS applications
Develop working groups with specialist teams for service development to include service users, multiagency partners and Trust colleagues.
Will ensure the Trust uses effective resources are utilised to improve patient experience for example; Social Stories, Hospital Passports
You will act as an expert resource and point of contact for all LTHTR staff and other professionals.
Work collaboratively with the safeguarding team at the local authority and with other agencies across the health economy to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.
To actively participate in the review of patients with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism in the acute trust, clarifying that LTHTR staff are clear regarding key aspects of care plans.
To provide support and advice regarding care planning for patients their family / carer with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism needs.
To provide support and advice regarding safeguarding issues specifically for patients with Learning Disability or needs relating to autism but also in respect of advice more widely.
Ensure that clinical practices are in keeping with relevant legislation and policy.
Ensure and support LTHTR staff when patients with Learning Disabilities and / or Auitsm needs require enhanced levels of care and support whilst utilising acute hospital services.
Provide support and guidance to wards and departments who are caring for patients with high risk behaviour associated with Learning Disabilities and Autism conditions.
Ensure any restrictive practices for patients with Learning Disabilities and Autism are conducted in a least restrictive and safe manner, with guidelines being followed and appropriate legal frameworks including the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
To be a link for case managers, clinical staff and partner agencies in arranging safe and timely discharge plans or transfer to Learning Disabilities care settings where appropriate.
To complete risk assessments and risk management plans where necessary.
Support LTHTR staff to arrange transport for patients with Learning Disabilities needs who may require secure transport to effect a safe transfer of care.
Review Hospital Passports, ensure Reasonable Adjustments, consider care planning and risk management in line with best practice.
Actively work with the appropriate service users, healthcare professionals, support staff and external agencies to support professional development and practice.
To promote patient / service-user involvement within any service-development project, training and working groups.
Promote safeguarding best practice in the protection of children and vulnerable adults throughout the Trust by enabling nurses, clinicians, managers and other staff to fulfil their defined roles and responsibilities.
To work in partnership with multi-professional / education staff to provide a comprehensive, innovative clinical skills and competency education framework.
Work closely with the senior management team with regards to continually improvements in service for patients with Learning Disability and / or Autism.
To promote effective working relationships, including communication / information networks.
Assist in the provision of professional practical expertise, knowledge skills and safeguarding training. Ensuring effective communication systems are in place with all professionals which allows for the provision of constructive feedback to staff to improve quality assurance across the Trust in the safeguarding of adults.
Attend Learning Disability and Autism Operational / Partnership Groups, providing feedback and completing assigned tasks / actions.
Provide regular updates to the Matron / Safeguarding Leads regarding levels of activity and ward requests for assistance for patients with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism. This will include reporting trends and themes that may emerge and creation of action plans to address any issues.
Support LTHTR staff with the application of Learning Disabilities / Autism national strategys.
To develop healthcare information and resources in accessible formats for patients, their families and carers.
Develop constructive relationships by attending and contributing specialist knowledge to case conferences / clinical meeting and discharge planning meetings as appropriate and to make referrals direct to social care and other agencies as required and delegated. Represent the Trust at local and national forums.
Foster a climate of innovation and continuous improvement for people with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism needs.
Ensure all national and Trust targets are met.
Professional Development and Management
Contribute to audits into practice across LTHTR to ensure understanding and embedding of learning disability standards.
Assist in the review and development of policies and procedure to ensure compliance with legislation.
Assist in the reviewing of Datix incidents identifying themes and trends across service provision and help make recommendations to improve the level of service and reduce risks.
Assisting in the provision of safeguarding board reports on activity levels in areas of Learning Disability and Autism.
Demonstrate the skills to support staff by communicating highly sensitive, contentious and complex information in health and multi-agency forums using a wide range of media.
Assist in the undertaking of continuous monitoring and analysis of activities against quality standards, support developing proposals for reducing safeguarding concerns against the Trust and improve general safeguarding standards across all service provision in line with Trust policies and procedures.
Maintain/keep up to date own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Learning Disabilities, Autism and Safeguarding.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Education
Essential
- Professional Registration with the appropriate Professional Body including - Nursing - NMC registration (RN5/RNLD sub part 1 or RN6 sub part 2), Registered Social Worker (HCPC), or Occupational Therapist (HCPC)
- Educated to degree level or working towards a degree in Nursing, health or related subject.
Desirable
- Ongoing professional development / training in Learning Disabilities and Autism
- Evidence of continuous professional development in a leadership role to band 6 level or equivalent.
- Level 4 ILM (Institute of leadership and Management) or equivalent experience
- Knowledge in the LeDer program
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Substantive experience of working with people with learning disabilities and autism
- Knowledge of safeguarding adults, young persons and children's policy/legislation and procedures. Knowledge of the key documents / reforms around Learning Disabilities and Autism
- Knowledge of Clinical Governance and the relevance to practice.
- An understanding of the safeguarding adults, young persons & children's agenda
- Knowledge of and experience in the application of legal frameworks, for example- Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and Mental health Act.
- Demonstrable data collection, analysis and evaluation skills
Desirable
- An understanding of the Care Act 2014 specifically sections 42-46 and associated guidance
- Knowledge relevant policies and procedures, Domestic Abuse, MCA and DoLS
- Clinical experience in an acute hospital setting
- Knowledge of Leadership principles or evidence of previous leadership role.
- Working with a range of professionals across differing organisations and boundaries
- Knowledge of NICE guidelines for Learning Disabilities and Autism
Person Specification
Qualifications and Education
Essential
- Professional Registration with the appropriate Professional Body including - Nursing - NMC registration (RN5/RNLD sub part 1 or RN6 sub part 2), Registered Social Worker (HCPC), or Occupational Therapist (HCPC)
- Educated to degree level or working towards a degree in Nursing, health or related subject.
Desirable
- Ongoing professional development / training in Learning Disabilities and Autism
- Evidence of continuous professional development in a leadership role to band 6 level or equivalent.
- Level 4 ILM (Institute of leadership and Management) or equivalent experience
- Knowledge in the LeDer program
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Substantive experience of working with people with learning disabilities and autism
- Knowledge of safeguarding adults, young persons and children's policy/legislation and procedures. Knowledge of the key documents / reforms around Learning Disabilities and Autism
- Knowledge of Clinical Governance and the relevance to practice.
- An understanding of the safeguarding adults, young persons & children's agenda
- Knowledge of and experience in the application of legal frameworks, for example- Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and Mental health Act.
- Demonstrable data collection, analysis and evaluation skills
Desirable
- An understanding of the Care Act 2014 specifically sections 42-46 and associated guidance
- Knowledge relevant policies and procedures, Domestic Abuse, MCA and DoLS
- Clinical experience in an acute hospital setting
- Knowledge of Leadership principles or evidence of previous leadership role.
- Working with a range of professionals across differing organisations and boundaries
- Knowledge of NICE guidelines for Learning Disabilities and Autism
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
