This clinical leadership role within Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust's Children & Young People's Community Nursing Service provides expert guidance for Special School Nursing across identified SEND schools.
The post holder will offer advanced clinical expertise, drive practice development, support audit and research, and lead service improvement projects locally and Trust-wide. They will work with senior nurses to develop and standardise policy and practice in line with national and Trust standards.
They will collaborate strategically with Local Authorities and headteachers to ensure inclusive access to education for CYP with SEND, ensuring nursing needs are reflected in EHCPs.
The Clinical Lead will support Special School Nurses to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care for CYP on the SEND school register. Proficient in clinical assessment and interventions, they will adapt flexibly to meet the needs of CYP and families.
Working closely with health, education, statutory, and third-sector partners, they will also provide safeguarding advice and collaborate with the School Safeguarding Team. Education, training, and competency assessments for staff, students, families, and CYP will be a key part of the role. Prescribing may be included where qualified.
The role is responsible for delivering high-quality nursing care, support, and advice to children and young people (CYP) accessing SEND Schools in West Sussex and Brighton & Hove. Provides leadership and guidance to staff, supporting professional development and clinical best practice. Maintains strong communication with stakeholders and families to ensure seamless, safe, and effective care
Develops and reviews clinical protocols and SOPs to support safe practice. Builds team expertise, ensuring necessary clinical skills are maintained. Delivers teaching on clinical procedures, equipment, and treatment plans to school and education staff
Ensures accurate documentation of care and acts as a role model and expert resource in Special School Nursing. Collaborates with senior leaders to evolve services based on need and best practice, aligned with SCFT governance. Participates in local and national groups to develop clinical standards and promote effective transitions to adult services
May be required to work across CYPCN services based on commissioning needs. This role may evolve with service development in agreement with the post holder
We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays.
Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.
Why work for us?
* Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
* Varied environments: community hospitals, patients' homes, and bases across Sussex
* Flexible working options: part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours, and flexi-retirement
* Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
* Accredited Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all our staff
* Cost-effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
* Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
* Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust
Our values — Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence —guide everything we do.
We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.
The Clinical Lead for Special School Nursing ensures safe, consistent care for children and young people (CYP) in identified SEND schools, supporting equity across caseloads. They set and maintain clinical standards, support the wider CYP Community Nursing Service, and deliver on agreed SEND priorities. They provide cover for Special School Nurses (SSNs) as needed and manage operations in the absence of the SSN Team Lead.
They lead on health needs profiling to support funding bids, contribute to workforce planning, and support staff development through supervision, appraisals, training, and performance management. The role includes leading clinical projects, maintaining accurate health records, overseeing safe use of medical devices, and ensuring compliance with SCFT policies.
They participate in safeguarding processes, multi-agency meetings, and contribute to audit, research, and service development. They monitor and evaluate service data to guide improvements and ensure effective use of resources. The role includes developing policies, SOPs, and education tools with senior leaders. The Clinical Lead also ensures health and safety compliance, supports incident reporting and investigation, and may join an on-call rota to support end-of-life care for CYP known to the service.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details.