Job summary
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Team Leader
Are you a CNS in specialist palliative care, looking to step into a leadership role? Or are you already leading a team and eager to make a tangible difference in the highly specialised field of community palliative care?
At Prospect Hospice, are looking for passionate people who embody our values. Our team members are highly skilled specialists and their passion and expertise make the hospice a truly exceptional place to work.
As a CNS Team Leader, you will guide a dedicated, collaborative team delivering personalised, expert care to patients with life‑limiting conditions in their homes and care settings. This is a unique opportunity to influence care pathways, shape team culture, and ensure patients and families feel supported, respected, and empowered.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week over 7 days (9am-5pm with flexibility as required). Part time hours considered.
How to apply
We will review applications as they come in and therefore may close the vacancy before the closing date. Candidates are advised to apply early.
To find out more or to apply, please visit our website www.prospect-hospice.net/jobs.
Please note: We are not part of the NHS Agenda for Change.
Main duties of the job
* Lead, supervise, and develop CNSs, staff nurses, and volunteers, fostering a high‑performing, supportive team.
* Oversee caseload allocation, triage referrals, and ensure responsive, equitable seven‑day care.
* Mentor and appraise staff, supporting professional development and competency growth.
* Lead service improvement initiatives and pathway redesign in collaboration with the Matron and fellow CNS Team Leader.
* Deliver expert clinical care for patients with complex, rapidly changing palliative needs.
* Advocate for patients and families, supporting autonomy and informed decision‑making.
* Support staff education, training, and professional development.
* Contribute to clinical governance, audit, and research initiatives to enhance service quality.
Who we are looking for
* NMC‑registered nurse with a degree and relevant CNS palliative care experience.
* Leadership potential or experience with strong clinical assessment and decision‑making skills.
* Advanced communication, mentoring, and team‑building skills.
* Ability to implement change and improve patient care.
* Driving licence and access to a car.
About us
Prospect Hospice is an independent hospice supporting a community of 300,000 people in Swindon, Marlborough and North Wiltshire, and the villages of Lechlade and Fairford in Gloucestershire.
It is the only dedicated provider of specialist end‑of‑life care services within its locality. The hospice multi‑professional teams support people in the community, in care homes, at the Great Western Hospital and at the Hospice in Wroughton. Care is also extended to the families and friends of patients.
Salary & Benefits
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £43,754 to £47,882 a year
Job type: Permanent, Full‑time
Working pattern: Full‑time
Benefits include:
* 27 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
* Membership of NHS pension scheme available for existing members
* Generous contributory pension scheme for all other staff
* Discounts with local retailers, gyms and service providers including Blue Light Discount Card
* Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing team
* Supportive induction, training and development
* A values‑led, inclusive working environment
Responsibilities
The Community CNS Team Leader is responsible for Community Clinical Nurse Specialists, community staff nurses and volunteers. The prime purpose is to lead, supervise and support the Community CNS team, enabling the timely and appropriate provision of needs‑led palliative care for patients, their families and carers.
To provide professional and clinical leadership to the Community CNS Team to ensure the delivery of high quality care. To play a key role alongside the Matron and CNS team leader, in supporting new ways of working, including the prioritisation and triage of on‑coming referrals, goal‑based care, outcome measurement and outreach work.
A key element will be alongside the existing team leader, to provide operational leadership of the Community CNS team and overarching responsibility for the management of a community caseload, delivering care and support as part of a seven‑day per week service. This includes care within the patients home and care homes. Another crucial aspect will be to actively contribute to the delivery of the Patient Services strategy to optimise reach and influence care through participation in education and training, and research and audit initiatives.
This role will, depending on experience, have a developmental aspect and will require completion of a development plan and competency framework.
The Community Team Leader is designated by Prospect Hospice as a lone worker.
What makes us different?
This role is unique. You can shape the care we provide to patients in their own homes, influence your team, and make a real difference to families at one of the most important times in their lives.
Person Specification
Skills – Essential
* Commitment to the progressive development of the CNS role.
* Strong leadership skills.
* Clinical assessment and analytical skills.
* Able to work to tight deadlines, take on unscheduled tasks and work under pressure.
* Able to analyse information quickly.
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills, able to communicate effectively at all levels.
* Innovative approach to problem solving, managing conflict.
* Confident IT skills.
* Ability to interpret and analyse data.
Experience – Essential
* At least 4 years experience as CNS specialist palliative care.
* Informal and formal teaching experience.
* Experience of implementing change.
* Knowledge of current National Palliative Care guidance and initiatives.
Qualifications – Essential
* NMC Registered Nurse with associated degree. Including care of the dying module or equivalent.
* Advanced communication skills course through Cancer Care Network or equivalent.
* Evidence of continuing professional development within specialist palliative care.
* Full valid UK driving licence and must have access to a car with appropriate business insurance.
Desirable (optional)
* Experience of policy development and implementation.
* Experience of participating in or undertaking audit and research including identification for service improvements.
* Patient Assessment and Clinical Reasoning Module (PACR).
* Non‑medical prescriber.
* Management qualification.
* Teaching certificate.
Personal Qualities – Essential
* Commitment to and ability to demonstrate Prospect Hospice values and behaviours at all times.
* Have a track record of working inclusively and a genuine appreciation of the value of diversity.
* Able to maintain the highest professional standards at all times, and act as a true ambassador for the Hospice and encourage others to do the same.
* To be authentic, open honest and transparent.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any prior criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional NMC registration.
Employer details
Prospect Hospice
Moormead Road
Wroughton
Swindon
SN4 9BY
Employer's website
https://www.prospect-hospice.net/working-for-us/vacant-positions/
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