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Job summary

Main area
Safeguarding Team
Grade
Band 6
Contract
6 months (Secondment/fixed term contract for 6 months from start date)
Hours
  • Full time
  • Flexible working
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
360-E-11897
Employer
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Cross Site
Town
Watford
Salary
£41,957 - £50,387 pa inc. HCA
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
20/10/2026 23:59

Employer heading

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust logo

Band 6 - Nurse for Learning Disability and Autism, Safeguarding Team

Band 6

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Learning Disability and Autism Nurse to join the Safeguarding Team on a 6-month fixed-term contract or through a secondment opportunity.

To provide specialist leadership, expertise, and support in relation to learning disabilities and autism across the Trust, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and person-centred care.

The post holder will work to reduce health inequalities, improve patient experience and outcomes, support workforce development, and contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of systems, policies, and care pathways that meet the needs of people with learning disabilities, autism and their families.


As an individual we will expect you to possess excellent communication skills, enjoy working as part of a team, working closely with colleagues from a range of disciplines, and in partnership with external providers, whilst also being able to work independently. 

A key responsibility will be promoting and ensuring equality in line with Trust, local and legal guidelines for people with learning disabilities and autism is maintained.

The individual will be highly motivated and always embedding the Trusts values into daily practice. 

*Interview week commencing 16th November*

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be required to have a sound knowledge of the legislation, guidance, relevant reports and research in relation to learning disability, autism and safeguarding. 

Support and contribute to projects relevant to learning disabilities and autism.

Work closely and in partnership with the Acute Health Liaison team in the care and management of patients admitted to the Trust.

Support the Matron for learning disability and autism in running the learning disability and autism ward rounds, ensuring clear information sharing, appropriate risk assessments and care planning. 

Attend external groups on behalf and as a representative of the Trust.

Work with the Safeguarding team in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of effective safeguarding practice surrounding patients with a learning disability autism or both 

Develop good working relationships with practitioners in other wider agencies who contribute to learning disabilities, autism, safeguarding families, children, and adults. Demonstrate good communication skills, negotiation, diplomacy skills in practice.

Contribute to the development of chronologies, reports and action plans for learning disability and autism, safeguarding reviews or PSIRF as directed by the Matron for learning disability and autism.

Working for our organisation

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.

We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority,  as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
 
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contact [email protected]
 
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
 
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Working in collaboration with the Trusts Matron for learning disability and autism.

Applicants would be working in a largely clinical capacity across the sites, providing professional nursing leadership and maintaining high standard of care across the Trust. 

The role includes involvement in patient safety incidents, service development, enhancing patient experience, and multidisciplinary working within the trust and with external providers.

The post holder will be highly visible and act as a role model ensuing equality is provided to patients. 

The successful applicant will be expected to work flexibly to meet service needs.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Registered Nurse – adult, child, learning disability
  • Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience
  • Clinical practice and experience as a Band 5 nurse.
  • Recognised clinical training qualification or equivalent clinical supervisor/assessor training/ experience.
Desirable criteria
  • Specialist community public health nurse (health visiting/school nursing).

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Good knowledge of learning disability and autism legislation and practice
  • Good knowledge of local safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Good knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards.
  • Ability to use specialist knowledge to advise other staff.
Desirable criteria
  • Experience in managing complaints, feedback and investigations.
  • Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Clinical practice and experience as a Band 5 nurse.
  • Experience of working with learning disability/autism.
  • Experience of developing relationships with multiagency colleagues
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of learning disability/autism
  • Teaching / training experience to other health professionals.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Committed to being an Inclusive EmployerVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Disability confident employerStep into health

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Hayley Breed
Job title
Matron for Learning Disability and Autism
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07967278376

If you have problems applying, contact

Address
Watford General Hospital
Vicarage Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0HB
Telephone
01442 365234