Clinical Nurse Specialist, Learning Disability and Autism

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Learning Disability and Autism(LD/A) Clinical Specialist Nurse to join LD/A team under the safeguarding team at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust .

We are looking for a passionate and experienced nurse who will champion the care and support of individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism across our acute hospital settings. You will be at the forefront of promoting equitable access to care, delivering training, and embedding personalised approaches to reduce health inequalities.

What We’re Looking For:

• Registered Nurse (RNLD, RMN, RGN with relevant experience) with current NMC registration.
• Extensive post-registration experience working with people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Mental Capacity Act, Equality Act, Autism Act).
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
• Experience of delivering training and supporting organisational change.
• A flexible, compassionate, and proactive approach.

We are fortunate to work with in a large integrated safeguarding team. The team consists of Named Nurses for Children and Adults, a Consultant Nurse, Named Midwife, Named Doctor, Safeguarding midwives, Safeguarding nurses for both children and adults, learning disability/autism staff and administrators.

The working days are Monday to Friday 9-5.

Main duties of the job

• Act as the lead specialist nurse for learning disability and autism across the Trust.
• Provide clinical advice and support to staff working with patients with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Coordinate and promote the implementation of reasonable adjustments to ensure person-centred care.
• Offer consultation, supervision, and training to colleagues across departments.
• Develop and review care pathways and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with patients, families, carers, and external agencies to ensure safe and inclusive care planning.

Working for our organisation

At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.

Become part of a vibrant team living our values - expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career. Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part time or job share. Please talk to us at interview.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.

For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.

Person specification

Education/ qualifications

Essential criteria

• Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse
• Educated to a degree level in relevant subject area or evidence of equivalent
• Minimum 2 years’ relevant post registration experience in same specialty in the NHS
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable criteria

• Master’s Degree in relevant subject
• Recognised teaching certificate

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of working within an acute hospital setting with people with learning disabilities and/ or autism
• Experience of team working and liaison with other agencies collaboratively and autonomously
• Experience and expert knowledge of the MCA and DoLS & advocacy.
• Experience of formal/ informal teaching of patients & staff

Desirable criteria

• Experience of applying research evidence to clinical practice

Right to work

If you need sponsorship to work in the UK, please visit the Home Office website for information on sponsorship and visa status before you fill in your application form. Due to recent changes in the UK immigration rules which affect Skilled Worker Visas, Global Business Mobility, Higher Skill Level and Increased Salary Thresholds, please ensure that you are able to meet the requirements to live and work in the UK before applying. Further information about eligibility is available on

We operate a joint recruitment hub across the North West London Acute Provider Collaborative Group. As part of this, your application and personal data may be shared with partner trusts within the group for recruitment and workforce purposes, in line with general data protection regulation (GDPR).

Vacancy Closing Date

This vacancy may close before the current listed closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.

Please ensure you check your emails regularly as this is how we will communicate with you throughout the recruitment process. If you are shortlisted you will be contacted by email and text message (if you provide a mobile contact number).

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