Somerset County Council

Student Specialist Community Public Health Nurse - Health Visiting

The closing date is 26 April 2026

Job summary

We are an ambitious council, committed to improving lives for the residents, communities and businesses of Somerset, we are working hard to build a sustainable organisation with a culture that rewards, values and recognises our staff, and gives everyone here the opportunity to grow and develop, personally and professionally.

We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer dynamic working arrangements wherever possible.

We're proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there's anything you want to talk about before you apply.

Regretfully, we cannot offer sponsorship for this role. You must already have the right to work in the UK without needing visa sponsorship.

Main duties of the job

We're working to improve the lives of people in Somerset and you'll be a key part of that. Your day-to-day work will involve:

  • Undertaking thefully funded Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) courseto become a Health Visitor.
  • Practice and theory development to support understanding of the Healthy Child Programme.
  • Working towards achieving SCPHN proficiencies through observed practice.

The course is run as a joint programme between Somerset Council Public Health Nursing and The University of the West of England. It is offered at Post Graduate Diploma - level 7.

The course runs between September 2026 and August 2027 and is only offered on a full-time fixed term basis.

Upon successful completion of the course, job opportunities will be explored for you to join our Specialist Public Health Nursing team with a one-year period of preceptorship to continue to consolidate your new skills and develop your leadership.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to facilitate your learning.

Are aRegistered Nurse or Midwife with a minimum of 18 months current NMC registration.

  • Have an interest in Public Health and the health needs of children aged 0-19 years.
  • Have a 2:2 or above at degree level.
  • Have an A-C GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English.
  • Must have a full valid driving licence and have access to a car for work. If necessary, adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010.

About us

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of children and families in Somerset.

We offer great training, development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

  • iHV professional membership.
  • Access to the NHS pension if you are already a member.
  • Working pattern: Monday to Friday 9 - 5.
  • Prioritised superb Safeguarding, Clinical, and Restorative supervision.
  • The opportunity to fulfil your leadership role within the team.
  • Continuing Professional Development opportunities.
  • Staff discounts in gyms.
  • Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services, along side student support at UWE.
  • A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
  • My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

If you submit an application for this role via NHS Jobs, we will upload your details to our applicant tracking system. Please see our privacy statement in the link.

Details

Date posted

08 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£32,073 to £39,043 a year

Contract

Training

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

K0002-26-0008

Job locations

County Hall

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 4DY


Job description

Job responsibilities

The postholder will:-

Undertake required study with the affiliated university achieving outcomes in both practice and university based learning.

They will be required to work within the community setting facilitated by the Practice Teacher.

They will have a proactive identification of learning and responsibility for learning contract.

Key Relationships

  1. Practice Teacher
  2. Children Young People and their Families and members of the public including face to face and telephone contact
  3. Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Course academic leads, University staff and students
  4. Public Health Nursing Team (Health Visiting and School Nursing) Clinicians and admin and clerical staff
  5. Public Health Nursing managers (Operational Service Manager / Team Managers)
  6. Locality Safeguarding Nurses
  7. Head of Children and Young Peoples Division
  8. Deputy Head of Children and Young Peoples Division
  9. Schools and other partner agencies such as Children's Social Care.
  10. GPs, nurses, other health professionals
  11. External relationships with other agencies as relevant
  12. Will be required to communicate effectively face to face, via telephone and electronically or in writing as necessary

Key Responsibilities under supervision and guidance of the Practice Teacher

Summary Of Tasks

To complete academic study at degree/masters level or above as per university and Organisation requirements.

Demonstrate ability to relate theory to practice by completing practice based learning outcomes.

To work effectively within a team.

To maintain professional accountability.

To develop assessment, planning and evaluation skills.

To identify programmes of support to targeted individuals/groups.

Leadership

To identify current leadership styles and relate to practice and their own development needs.

Identify leadership opportunities within the public health agenda and undertake leadership responsibilities.

Demonstrate the development of their leadership styles throughout the programme.

To contribute to national health service objectives, guidelines and performance targets.

To gain skills in profiling and analysing caseloads and health needs within defined localities in order to be able to manage a population/geographical caseload on completion of course objectives.

Managing Information/Administration

To preserve confidentiality and be aware of the Data Protection Act, Access to Health Records and Consent for Treatment guidelines.

Contribute to audits to maintain standards of care, support the implementation of audit outcomes and recommendations as required.

Effective Communication

To communicate effectively with clients and carers where there may be different levels of understanding

To communicate effectively with agencies, community groups and individuals

To adhere to the Record Keeping policy

Identify and use the most appropriate modes of communication to overcome communication barriers

Education And Development

Achievement of course objectives within defined timescale

To have effective clinical supervision

Through appraisal and personal development plan identify own personal training needs to meet both professional and course objectives

To undertake any necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post and as directed

Maintain professional portfolio

Working Environment

The post holder will work within community settings alongside their Practice Teacher

The post holder must work within the organisations Manual Handling policy. Physical activity will be required for short periods of time in any span of duty

The post holder will be required to have basic IT skills

The post holder may be required to support anxious or distressed patients and relatives and may be subject to occasional challenging behaviour

Within the community environment may be exposed to body fluids, dirt and lice on a regular basis

The post holder will complete this programme in the time allocated unless exceptional circumstances occur, when this will be discussed, and action plan and support programme implemented.

Whilst attending the Education Provider setting the post holder will always act in a professional and respectful manner .

Work with the delegated Mentor and Practice Teacher to successfully complete the course and identify any concerns as early as possible.

Working Conditions

The post holder will be required to travel to University on the timetabled days, clinic locations, practices and other organisations within Somerset.

The post holder will use an electronic device on a regular basis to access and record information

There will be frequent interruptions throughout the course of the day which can result in changing the course of work, reprioritising as necessary.

The workplace will be community based within an office, clinic setting, clients home environments and school establishments

The post holder will work with an active caseload geographically defined within a recognised area with the flexibility to assist other teams within Somerset.

There is a requirement that work is undertaken in children, young people and familys homes, where the conditions are variable to a great degree including risk to personal safety, requiring emotional effort and physical effort to manage the situation and self safely

This role involves lone working in accordance with the Lone Working Policy

There is a requirement to have a flexible approach to the working day, week and the (academic year in which holidays are fixed) in order to meet the needs of the service.

Post holder will be exposed to verbal aggression / emotional upset from children, young people and families, face to face and via telephone calls and will be required to be sensitive when dealing with this.

Work with the delegated Mentor and Practice Teacher to successfully complete the course and identify any concerns as early as possible.

For a full job description, including expectations of The Post Holder, please see the attached job pack.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The postholder will:-

Undertake required study with the affiliated university achieving outcomes in both practice and university based learning.

They will be required to work within the community setting facilitated by the Practice Teacher.

They will have a proactive identification of learning and responsibility for learning contract.

Key Relationships

  1. Practice Teacher
  2. Children Young People and their Families and members of the public including face to face and telephone contact
  3. Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Course academic leads, University staff and students
  4. Public Health Nursing Team (Health Visiting and School Nursing) Clinicians and admin and clerical staff
  5. Public Health Nursing managers (Operational Service Manager / Team Managers)
  6. Locality Safeguarding Nurses
  7. Head of Children and Young Peoples Division
  8. Deputy Head of Children and Young Peoples Division
  9. Schools and other partner agencies such as Children's Social Care.
  10. GPs, nurses, other health professionals
  11. External relationships with other agencies as relevant
  12. Will be required to communicate effectively face to face, via telephone and electronically or in writing as necessary

Key Responsibilities under supervision and guidance of the Practice Teacher

Summary Of Tasks

To complete academic study at degree/masters level or above as per university and Organisation requirements.

Demonstrate ability to relate theory to practice by completing practice based learning outcomes.

To work effectively within a team.

To maintain professional accountability.

To develop assessment, planning and evaluation skills.

To identify programmes of support to targeted individuals/groups.

Leadership

To identify current leadership styles and relate to practice and their own development needs.

Identify leadership opportunities within the public health agenda and undertake leadership responsibilities.

Demonstrate the development of their leadership styles throughout the programme.

To contribute to national health service objectives, guidelines and performance targets.

To gain skills in profiling and analysing caseloads and health needs within defined localities in order to be able to manage a population/geographical caseload on completion of course objectives.

Managing Information/Administration

To preserve confidentiality and be aware of the Data Protection Act, Access to Health Records and Consent for Treatment guidelines.

Contribute to audits to maintain standards of care, support the implementation of audit outcomes and recommendations as required.

Effective Communication

To communicate effectively with clients and carers where there may be different levels of understanding

To communicate effectively with agencies, community groups and individuals

To adhere to the Record Keeping policy

Identify and use the most appropriate modes of communication to overcome communication barriers

Education And Development

Achievement of course objectives within defined timescale

To have effective clinical supervision

Through appraisal and personal development plan identify own personal training needs to meet both professional and course objectives

To undertake any necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post and as directed

Maintain professional portfolio

Working Environment

The post holder will work within community settings alongside their Practice Teacher

The post holder must work within the organisations Manual Handling policy. Physical activity will be required for short periods of time in any span of duty

The post holder will be required to have basic IT skills

The post holder may be required to support anxious or distressed patients and relatives and may be subject to occasional challenging behaviour

Within the community environment may be exposed to body fluids, dirt and lice on a regular basis

The post holder will complete this programme in the time allocated unless exceptional circumstances occur, when this will be discussed, and action plan and support programme implemented.

Whilst attending the Education Provider setting the post holder will always act in a professional and respectful manner .

Work with the delegated Mentor and Practice Teacher to successfully complete the course and identify any concerns as early as possible.

Working Conditions

The post holder will be required to travel to University on the timetabled days, clinic locations, practices and other organisations within Somerset.

The post holder will use an electronic device on a regular basis to access and record information

There will be frequent interruptions throughout the course of the day which can result in changing the course of work, reprioritising as necessary.

The workplace will be community based within an office, clinic setting, clients home environments and school establishments

The post holder will work with an active caseload geographically defined within a recognised area with the flexibility to assist other teams within Somerset.

There is a requirement that work is undertaken in children, young people and familys homes, where the conditions are variable to a great degree including risk to personal safety, requiring emotional effort and physical effort to manage the situation and self safely

This role involves lone working in accordance with the Lone Working Policy

There is a requirement to have a flexible approach to the working day, week and the (academic year in which holidays are fixed) in order to meet the needs of the service.

Post holder will be exposed to verbal aggression / emotional upset from children, young people and families, face to face and via telephone calls and will be required to be sensitive when dealing with this.

Work with the delegated Mentor and Practice Teacher to successfully complete the course and identify any concerns as early as possible.

For a full job description, including expectations of The Post Holder, please see the attached job pack.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse /Registered Midwife (degree level)

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Develop & maintain good working relationships both within the team & the organisation.
  • Compassionate and caring, sensitive to others needs.
  • Able to contribute appropriately to workload allocation and identify and raise concerns as required.
  • Flexible with working hours to suit the needs of the service. Service delivery 09.00-17.00.
  • Able to work on own initiative and relate to a wide range of people.
  • Ability to work within a diverse team and area.
  • Work under pressure, dealing with a complex range of competing priorities and agendas.
  • Access to vehicle for travelling to University and practice hours. University provider UWE.

Experience

Essential

  • NMC registration.
  • Proven post registration experience.
  • Aptitude and confidence for working within a health care or school setting.
  • Experienced in the use of IT applications, specifically experience of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Email.
  • Excellent proven organisational and time management skills.
  • Experience of working across organisational boundaries.
  • Experience of providing programmes of intervention at individual, group or community level.
  • Experience of working in a team.
  • Ability to study to required standard to achieve successful outcomes. SCPHN course at Level 7.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills influencing, negotiating and communication (written and verbal) skills, across all levels both inside and outside the organisation.
  • Evidence of providing high quality effective and safe services within resource limits.
  • Evidence of delivering programmes in a community setting and providing a range of diverse services within competency range.
  • Ability to manage change in response to unpredictable working patterns.
  • Excellent organisational skills in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Maintain confidentiality in dealing with professionals, the Trust and the general public.
  • Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016)

Desirable

  • Community experience working with children and/or young people and families.
  • Experience of working with and or knowledge of child health issues.
  • Working knowledge of Safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Experience of working across children service agencies and multi professional working.
  • Experience of working with children and families with additional special needs.
  • Experience and knowledge of child protection procedures.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse /Registered Midwife (degree level)

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Develop & maintain good working relationships both within the team & the organisation.
  • Compassionate and caring, sensitive to others needs.
  • Able to contribute appropriately to workload allocation and identify and raise concerns as required.
  • Flexible with working hours to suit the needs of the service. Service delivery 09.00-17.00.
  • Able to work on own initiative and relate to a wide range of people.
  • Ability to work within a diverse team and area.
  • Work under pressure, dealing with a complex range of competing priorities and agendas.
  • Access to vehicle for travelling to University and practice hours. University provider UWE.

Experience

Essential

  • NMC registration.
  • Proven post registration experience.
  • Aptitude and confidence for working within a health care or school setting.
  • Experienced in the use of IT applications, specifically experience of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Email.
  • Excellent proven organisational and time management skills.
  • Experience of working across organisational boundaries.
  • Experience of providing programmes of intervention at individual, group or community level.
  • Experience of working in a team.
  • Ability to study to required standard to achieve successful outcomes. SCPHN course at Level 7.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills influencing, negotiating and communication (written and verbal) skills, across all levels both inside and outside the organisation.
  • Evidence of providing high quality effective and safe services within resource limits.
  • Evidence of delivering programmes in a community setting and providing a range of diverse services within competency range.
  • Ability to manage change in response to unpredictable working patterns.
  • Excellent organisational skills in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Maintain confidentiality in dealing with professionals, the Trust and the general public.
  • Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016)

Desirable

  • Community experience working with children and/or young people and families.
  • Experience of working with and or knowledge of child health issues.
  • Working knowledge of Safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Experience of working across children service agencies and multi professional working.
  • Experience of working with children and families with additional special needs.
  • Experience and knowledge of child protection procedures.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset County Council

Address

County Hall

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 4DY


Employer's website

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Somerset County Council

Address

County Hall

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 4DY


Employer's website

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Eleanor Wylie

eleanor.wylie@somerset.gov.uk

01823357714

Details

Date posted

08 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£32,073 to £39,043 a year

Contract

Training

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

K0002-26-0008

Job locations

County Hall

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 4DY


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Somerset County Council's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)