Job overview
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
The role of Associate Clinical Nurse Specialist plays a key role in providing expert nursing care, support, and coordination for patients diagnosed with Neurological Cancers
The post holder will support the specialist nurse service for patients with cancer and their families from the point of diagnosis onwards. They will provide ongoing advice and support, under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Specialists to enable patients to make informed decisions about their management and care. This post will be mainly designated to one tumour site but also works across tumour sites therefore providing flexibility according to service need and widens the experience of the post holder.
The post holder will be developed using the ACCEND (Aspirant Cancer Career and Education Development) Framework and will be expected to practice in accordance with the Four Pillars of Nursing: Clinical Practice, Leadership & Management, Education, and Research & Evidence-Based Practice.
Main duties of the job
1. Act as a keyworker for Cancer patients, providing specialist nursing support and education.
2. Offer holistic assessments and develop individualized care plans for patients.
3. Provide emotional support and symptom management throughout the patient journey.
4. Assist with the coordination of diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and follow-ups.
5. Support patients undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or palliative care.
6. Offer telephone advice and triage services to patients and families.
7. Work closely with oncologists, surgeons, dietitians, palliative care teams, and other healthcare professionals.
8. Participate in MDT meetings to discuss patient cases and treatment plans.
9. Act as a liaison between different departments to ensure seamless care for patients.
10. Provide patients and their families with clear information about diagnosis, treatment options, and symptom management.
11. Advocate for patient needs within the healthcare system.
12. Organise patient support groups or educational sessions.
13. Contribute to audits, research, and quality improvement initiatives related to cancer care.
14. Help develop protocols and guidelines to enhance patient pathways.
15. Stay updated with the latest evidence-based practices in oncology nursing.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description for a detailed overview of the role and main responsibilities.
Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
Person specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential criteria
16. Registered Nurse/ current NMC registration
17. BSc Hons in cancer related subject or equivalent experience.
18. Willingness to undertake the MSc pathway or Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) at university.
19. Evidence of ability to work across professional teams and organisational boundaries.
20. Proven track record of being able to delegate and prioritise.
21. Excellent clinical skills and the ability to implement these in practice.
22. Up to date and evidenced based knowledge of current clinical and professional issues.
23. Clinically credible and competent with experience of standard -setting within a large organisation.
24. Good professional and leadership skills with evidence of successfully managing high -performing teams.
25. Extensive experience in Oncology
26. Mentorship qualification.
27. Relevant senior post-registration experience in cancer, palliative care or the specialty
28. Evidence of continued professional development
29. Experience of caring for patient with Neurological Cancer
Desirable criteria
30. Experience in discussing DNARCPR (RESPECT) or advanced care planning.
31. Research qualification Masters level learning or prepared to work towards
32. Advanced communication skills training
33. Recognised teaching qualification
34. Experience in conducting comprehensive patient assessments to identify complex needs and potential complications.
35. Evidence of working within an MDT
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
36. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
37. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications