Specialist Children's Learning Difficulties Nurse

Job responsibilities

• Use advanced communication skills that value diversity, recognise strengths and promote engagement with children, young people and families
• Apply standardised assessment tools and adapt evidencebased methodologies to meet individual need and contextual constraints
• Lead or participate in individual and group work, including therapeutic play and resource adaptation
• Monitor and review care against agreed outcomes, adjusting interventions as required
• Participate in case reviews, discussions, conferences and safeguarding processes, including core groups
• Maintain regular facetoface contact with children and families, including home visits and lone working where required
• Work sensitively with social and cultural differences while prioritising safeguarding at all times
• Manage workload and diary effectively, reporting pressures and risks through appropriate systems
• Engage in continuing professional development, peer support, and research activity as directed
• Ensure accurate data entry, secure information handling, and effective use of IT and VDU equipment in line with organisational policies

Qualifications

Essential

• RNLD/RMHN Diploma level
• NMC registered

Desirable

• Norfolk Steps training (Step On/Up)
• Safeguarding Children training

Experience

Essential

• Substantial experience of working with children/young people who have learning disabilities and their families
• Substantial experience of collaborative multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working

Desirable

• Experience of working in the community
• Participation in group work

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

• Additional specialist knowledge and expertise (equivalent to diploma level) in ADHD/ASD/LD
• Proven ability to apply evidence-based clinical interventions
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the individual needs of children and their families
• Effective use of information technology
• Extensive knowledge of the emotional, psychological, developmental and social needs of children and young people with learning disabilities
• Ability to evaluate clinical effectiveness
• Understanding of non-verbal communication systems and their use with children and young people
• Accurate, timely and concise recording
• Thorough understanding of the Common Assessment Framework
• Ability to work in partnership with other providers e.g., Education, Social Care
• Able to prioritise and manage own caseload

Desirable

• Good knowledge of current legislation and policy in Learning Disabilities/Mental Health
• Good working knowledge of communication tools such as Sign-a-long, Objects of Reference, visual schedules etc.
• Good working knowledge of approaches such as Theraplay, Intensive Interaction etc.
• Skills reviewing, triaging and prioritising incoming referrals

Communication

Essential

• Able to communicate on all levels with children/young people, parents/carers and other professionals
• Able to communicate effectively in written and verbal English language
• Good presentations skills
• Able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Can motivate others
• Good observation, listening and empathy skills

Personal & People Development

Essential

• Able to supervise staff
• Able to deliver parent training with other colleagues

Desirable

• Line management responsibilities

Personal Attibutes/Behaviours (linked to the Trust's Behaviour Framework)

Essential

• Able to identify with the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults
• Value diversity
• Must hold full and valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle

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).