Overview
It's an exciting time for our Urgent Community Response (UCR) Service including the General Virtual Wards Caseload. UCR services work with patients in their homes across West Sussex communities to avoid hospital admissions and support those being discharged home. The Service provides clinical interventions (including intravenous therapy) from a team of Medics, Nurses, Paramedics, Physio and Occupational Therapists for admission avoidance pathways (2 hour response and general virtual wards), in line with the national specification for UCR. Operating 365 days per year, the service triages, assesses, and delivers care to the patient over several days to ensure the patient can remain safely at home. Our multidisciplinary teams work flexibly to provide a 7-day service, 365 days a year, between 8am and 8pm. We are looking for an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Nurse or Allied Health Professional) to join us.
Responsibilities
* Work autonomously as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner to assess, investigate, diagnose, treat and manage patients who may have co-existing factors making management complex.
* Develop, utilise and maintain advanced skills beyond normal practice (e.g., advanced physical assessment, diagnostics, prescribing).
* Plan and direct the management of patients, including coordinating with the multi-disciplinary team and wider health, social care, education, vocational and voluntary sectors as appropriate.
* Lead on the strategic development of Trust-wide services in the specialist area, collaborating with strategic and clinical leads.
* Lead and participate in education programmes to support other clinical staff within the specialty.
* Provide peer support to clinical staff and assist in planning, coordinating and developing new service plans, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory governance procedures.
About us
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.
* 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.
* Beautiful Sussex location near the South Downs and coast.
Our values
Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence — guide everything we do.
Equal opportunities
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.
Important information
This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.
Details
Date posted: 29 October 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 per annum/pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working, Compressed hours
Reference number: 150-GM2193-UPC
Job locations: Hayworth Villas, Market Place, Haywards Heath, RH16 1DB
Job responsibilities
The postholder will be competent at establishing protocols and guidelines for the growth of the service and to undertake and support research in the future development of the speciality. Further information is available in the attached job description and person specification. If you would like to discuss this role or find out more, you can contact our Nursing Head of Service: Emma Reeve.
Qualifications and professional registration
* Essential: MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice or equivalent at MSc level in clinical practice at level 7
* Essential: Registered Health Care Professional qualification/degree appropriate for ACP role
* Essential: Current Registration with NMC / HCPC
* Essential: Evidence of recent CPD in relevant field
* Essential: Independent/Supplementary Prescribing (HCPC V300) or Advanced Medicines Management module
* Essential: Advanced Physical Assessment course Level 7
* Essential: Coaching or Mentoring qualification
* Desirable: Teaching qualification (e.g., PGCert)
* Desirable: Postgraduate leadership qualification
Experience
* Essential: Substantial post-registration experience in a relevant clinical field
* Essential: Leadership/Management experience at band 7 or above
* Essential: Experience of teaching and mentoring staff across a multi-disciplinary team
* Desirable: Experience of working within clinical steering groups/taskforces at organisational level
* Desirable: Experience of working within clinical or professional groups/networks at ICS or national level
* Desirable: Experience of leading and delivering quality improvement
Skills and knowledge
* Essential: Up-to-date advanced clinical skills in a clinical specialty relevant to the role
* Essential: Ability to deliver evidence-based care for complex and deteriorating patient presentations
* Essential: Excellent communication and presentation skills tailored to the audience
* Essential: Leadership skills with the ability to engage and drive change through listening, negotiation and partnership
* Essential: Ability to develop and sustain partnerships across the organisation and local healthcare system
* Essential: Ability to manage high-pressure situations and prioritise workload to balance clinical and other role elements
* Desirable: In-depth knowledge of recent NHS and health and social care legislation relevant to community services
Other requirements
* Essential: Willingness to undertake training to develop within the role
* Essential: Car driver with valid UK driving license
* Essential: Access to a vehicle for work purposes
* Desirable: Flexible approach to working
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Hayworth Villas, Market Place, Haywards Heath, RH16 1DB
Employer's website: https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/work-with-us/
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