Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust are inviting applications for a highly motivated Band 7 Specialist Community Practitioner to provide caseload management and hold responsibility for the care of a defined client group over a 24‑hour period.
The post is full time, situated in Central Halifax, with an expectation that cover will be provided across the Calderdale geographic area where required.
We welcome applications from highly motivated dynamic individuals who currently hold a District Nursing qualification or are due to qualify this year.
We are committed to diversity in the workplace, equality of employment and the promotion of flexible working including job share.
The Post
* Provide professional leadership and continue responsibility for assessment of care needs.
* Manage and have responsibility for the care of a defined client group (caseload) over a 24‑hour period.
* Manage a district nursing team within a geographical area, delivering a 24‑hour service.
* Create a professional nursing culture that is open to change, new ideas, concepts and innovation while reflecting organisational strategy and values.
* Keep up to date with developments in nursing practice, maintaining professional knowledge and attending in‑service training programmes.
* Ensure nursing practice is based on current evidence, best practice and, where available, validated research.
* Develop mechanisms for supporting staff in the development of their scope of practice.
* Encourage a learning environment, facilitating appropriate education and training.
* Support staff through clinical supervision and reflect on own role as an accountable practitioner.
Co‑ordinating Care
* Provide a safe environment for staff and service users, respecting legislative requirements.
* Act as an advocate for patients.
* Contribute to a culture that recognises and works in partnership with service users and carers, involving them in decisions.
* Maximise the effectiveness of the community nursing team through skill mix, duty rosters and training.
* Provide professional advice on all complaints and untoward occurrences as appropriate.
* Collaborate with team members to devise protocols, guidelines and policies appropriate to community nursing.
* Collaborate with other health care professionals and agencies.
* Recognise and respect the role of patients and clients as partners in care.
* Ensure accurate documentation and records are maintained in accordance with NMC standards.
* Develop systems that ensure continuity of care.
* Appropriately manage highly distressing situations.
Delivery of Care
* Contribute to assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of care programmes using patient‑held records.
* Engage and actively involve the individual and their family/carer in care planning and evaluation using person‑centred techniques.
* Be aware of health and safety issues regarding handling/exposure to bodily fluids (e.g. blood, urine).
* Ensure continuous professional development and identify opportunities to enhance clinical expertise.
* Maintain best practice when performing procedures such as Doppler studies, catheterisation, tracheotomy tube changes and syringe drivers.
* Contribute to the equity of care for all individuals.
* Assist qualified staff in implementing evidence‑based care plans.
* Assist in the delivery of unscheduled, unpredictable care episodes with initiative.
* Instigate emergency procedures when appropriate.
* Undertake delegated care without direct supervision, using observational and analytical skills.
* Observe personal duty of care when using equipment, ensuring safety.
* Contribute to the management of aggressive/abusive behaviour.
* Participate in ongoing support of clients and their carers/relatives.
* Work collaboratively with other professionals to deliver high‑standard care.
* Participate in the care of terminally or chronically ill clients using tact and diplomacy.
* Promote health and well‑being, encouraging a positive health perspective through shared decision making.
Professional Duties – Effective Communication
* Impart knowledge, plans and instructions clearly and effectively.
* Communicate effectively with key stakeholders and establish clear lines of communication at all levels.
* Express ideas clearly through oral and written presentations.
* Evaluate the effectiveness of communication channels and vary style and content to ensure understanding.
* Organise and conduct meetings with clear purpose and outcome.
* Foster good relationships with other departments and agencies to enhance multidisciplinary working.
* Communicate complex information factually and relevantly with sensitivity and tact.
* Maintain patient and professional confidentiality at all times.
* Report any change in patient condition promptly to the appropriate qualified member of the team.
* Attend and contribute to meetings held by the team and the Trust.
Managing Information
* Use appropriate information to make timely and effective decisions about the community nursing team.
* Proactively provide information in a form that meets the receiver’s understanding.
* Input relevant information (home visits, tests ordered, prescriptions) onto the CHFT computer system.
* Disseminate information in a meaningful way.
* Understand and abide by relevant legislation, educating others in its implications.
* Contribute to the development of information systems.
* Interpret and critically analyse data to support decision making.
* Use oral, written and computerised information to facilitate continuity of patient care throughout the 24‑hour period.
* Complete documentation in accordance with the Trust’s policies and procedures.
Additional Requirements
* Participate in clinical supervision.
* Participate in research or clinical trials as required.
* Maintain professional registration with the NMC.
* Adhere to the statutory NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
* Adhere to all CHFT policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.
* Assist with the educational development of basic and post‑basic students.
* Work as a member of the primary health care team, facilitating a holistic approach to care.
* Audit work to aid performance measurement.
* Be physically fit enough to assist in the movement and handling of unconscious or disabled clients.
* Take responsibility for identifying risks and taking action to control them as appropriate to the post.
* Follow policies and guidelines to prevent infection spread to patients, staff and visitors.
* All employees have a duty for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults; staff must be aware of the CHFT procedure for raising concerns.
Managerial Duties – Managing Human Resources
* Create, maintain and enhance professional relationships.
* Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff.
* Lead and manage the performance of teams and individuals to achieve both team and organisational goals.
* Recognise and utilise the skills and knowledge of individuals.
* Coach others and act as a mentor or preceptor.
* Contribute to the protection of individuals from abuse.
* Ensure professional development of staff and team members by appraising annually.
* Deal with grievance and disciplinary matters appropriately, following Trust guidelines.
Managerial Duties – Leadership Support
* Lead the implementation of CHFT strategies for community nursing.
* Balance staffing resources to match activity levels.
* Monitor and control the use of resources through effective stock control.
* Recognise opportunities for innovation and recommend service improvements.
* Manage change, consulting with appropriate personnel.
* Facilitate the effective planning and delivery of primary health care services.
* Prioritise unpredictable work and manage time effectively.
* Enable and empower staff.
* Recognise potential risks and develop strategies to minimise them.
* Ensure full compliance with routine and urgent workstreams, cross‑covering other District Nurse Community team managers.
* Work collaboratively across all colleagues within the organisation, acute trusts, commissioners, primary care teams and local authority.
Managerial Duties – Managing Self
* Participate in regular supervision.
* Attend all mandatory training.
* Identify, develop and agree your own development plan with your Line Manager.
* Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols.
* Carry out duties with due regard to the Trust’s Equal Opportunity Policy.
* Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary.
* Maintain professional conduct, including appearance at all times.
* Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration.
This job description is an outline only and is not definitive or restrictive in any way. It will be regularly reviewed and may be amended in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder.
This advert closes on Wednesday 27 May 2026.
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