Job overview
Band 6 Dementia Assessment Nurse
We are seeking an enthusiastic, skilled, and competent mental health nurse with a special interest in the care of older adults to join our Diagnostic Memory Clinic.
The Newham Diagnostic Memory Clinic delivers a dynamic, innovative, and responsive service for a population where dementia diagnosis rates continue to rise. The team provides high‑quality, comprehensive assessments and diagnostic pathways for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, working in close partnership with service users, carers, and families. This includes delivering post‑diagnostic support and evidence‑based interventions that promote independence, social inclusion, and quality of life.
The service works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, statutory partners, and voluntary sector organisations to ensure coordinated, person‑centred care across the dementia pathway.
Main duties of the job
·
Undertake detailed cognitive, functional, physical, and psycho-social assessments using validated tools (e.g., ACE‑III, MoCA) to support accurate diagnosis.
·Analyse assessment findings and contribute to diagnostic formulation, identifying differential diagnoses and co‑morbidities.
·Present cases at MDT meetings and work collaboratively with psychiatrists, psychologists, OTs, to agree diagnostic outcomes and care plans.
·Provide clear, compassionate feedback to service users and carers following diagnosis, offering tailored advice, education, and emotional support.
·Facilitate nurse‑led titration clinics for cognitive enhancers, monitoring effectiveness, side effects, and adherence.
·Identify safeguarding concerns, escalate appropriately, and work with partner agencies to protect vulnerable adults.
·Complete carer assessments, provide support, and signpost to relevant services and community resources.
·Respond to urgent situations, providing rapid assessment and intervention to maintain safety and prevent escalation.
·Maintain accurate, timely, and high‑quality clinical records in line with Trust and NMC standards.
·Participate in audits, QI projects, and service development initiatives to enhance clinical practice and patient experience.
·Deliver care that is culturally informed and responsive to the diverse needs of the local population.
Working for our organisation
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please kindly refer to the job description and person specification attached to this vacancy advert.
Person specification
Education/Qualification/Training
Essential criteria
1. •Evidence of post-registration training in dementia, or older as’ mental health caredult.
2. •Registered Mental Health Nurse with up-to-date registration with NMC.
Desirable criteria
3. Evidence of continual professional development. Evidence of Practice Assessor training.
Experience
Essential criteria
4. •Previous experience of participating in clinical audits and contributing to KPI reporting.
5. •Demonstrated nursing experience at Band 5 or above.
6. •Experience of working with older adults in mental health, dementia, or community setting.
7. •Proven experience of working effectively as a team member of a multi-disciplinary team.
8. •Experience of independently completing psycho-social assessments and planning care for service user with complex care needs.
9. •Experience of responding to service users and carers feedback to improve service delivery, taking personal responsibility to resolving issues. •Evidence of willingness to take responsibility and accountability for clinical decisions and actions in a leadership capacity.
Desirable criteria
10. Experience of working in Memory service or using cognitive assessment tools. Experience in frailty or complex comorbidity pathways.
Skills and abilities
Essential criteria
11. •Ability to analyse clinical data and use findings to inform actions that improve standards of care.
12. •Evidence of excellent organisational skills, including prioritisation and workload management.
13. •Evidence of strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
14. •Ability to assess and manage high-risk or crisis situations safely and effectively.
15. •Demonstrated ability of strong comprehensive assessment and person-centred care planning skills.
16. •Ability to use a wide range of communication skills effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
17. •Competent IT skills, including typing skills, high-quality report writing and electronic record-keeping. •Strong skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, and facilitation to support positive outcomes. •Demonstrated ability to apply evidence-based practice to improve clinical outcomes.
Desirable criteria
18. Skills in delivering post-diagnostic support or Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.
Knowledge
Essential criteria
19. •Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults, including procedures, thresholds, and responsibilities. •Understanding of the key themes of clinical governance and the importance of evidence-based practice. •Knowledge of approaches to clinical risk assessment and risk management in community mental health settings. •Up-to-date knowledge of relevant mental health nursing approaches and national agendas affecting the care of people with dementia. •Knowledge and understanding of clinical, social, environmental and others factors that influence the health and wellbeing of older adults. •Knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities policies and procedures, and how they impact staff, service users and carers
20. •Competent IT skills, including typing skills, high-quality report writing and electronic record-keeping. •Strong skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, and facilitation to support positive outcomes. •Demonstrated ability to apply evidence-based practice to improve clinical outcomes.
21. •Understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and how it is applied to support older adults with Dementia and cognitive impairment. •Understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007) and how relevant sections are used in clinical practice.
22. •Understanding of Human Rights Act 1998 and its application when caring for people with dementia and cognitive impairment.
23. •Knowledge of Trauma-informed Care and approaches and how they influence compassionate, safe clinical practice.
Desirable criteria
24. Knowledge of dementia medication
25. Understanding of national dementia strategies and NICE guidelines.