Specialist Community Practitioner - District Nurse
NHS AFC: Band 7
Main area Community. Grade NHS AFC: Band 7. Contract: Permanent. Hours: 37.5 per week. Job ref: 372-COM2733.
Employer: Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT). Location: Central District Nurse, Town Halifax. Salary £49,387 - £56,515 per annum (pro rata). Contract: Permanent. Closing date: 27/05/2026 23:59. Interview date: 10/06/2026.
We recognize diversity and are committed to equal opportunities, welcoming applications from all sections of the community irrespective of protected characteristics.
Job overview
We 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 and, while situated in Central Halifax, cover would be provided across the Calderdale geographic area where required. We welcome applications from individuals currently holding a District Nursing qualification or who are due to qualify this year.
Core responsibilities
* Provide professional leadership and commitment to assessment of care needs.
* Manage and have responsibility for the care of a defined client group (caseload) over a twenty‑four hour period.
* Manage a district nursing team within a geographical area. (CHFT provides a 24‑hour district nursing service)
* 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 all decisions.
* Maximise effectiveness of the community nursing team through skill mix, monthly duty rotas 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.
* Work and coordinate care in a collaborative manner with other health care professionals and agencies.
* Recognise and respect the role of patients and clients as partners in care and the contribution they can make.
* Ensure documentation and records are maintained in accordance with NMC standards.
* Develop systems ensuring continuity of care.
* Appropriately manage highly distressing situations.
* Contribute to the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care.
* Engage and actively involve individuals and their families/carers in person‑centred care planning.
* Be aware of health and safety issues regarding the handling of bodily fluids.
* Maintain continuous professional development and identify opportunities for clinical expertise development.
* Ensure best practice in procedures such as Doppler studies, catheterisation, tracheotomy tube changes, syringe drivers, etc.
* Assist qualified staff in delivery of planned care packages and respond to unscheduled episodes of care.
* Instigate emergency procedures where appropriate.
* Undertake delegated care without direct supervision where appropriate.
* Observe a personal duty of care when using equipment, ensuring safety of all.
* Contribute to the management of aggressive and abusive behaviour.
* Participate in ongoing support of clients and their carers/relatives.
* Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to deliver high‑standard care.
* Provide rare‑time care to terminally ill or chronically ill clients using tact and diplomacy.
* Promote health and well‑being, encouraging positive health views.
* Impart knowledge, plans and instructions clearly and effectively.
* Effectively communicate with key stakeholders and establish clear communication lines.
* Express ideas clearly through oral and written presentations.
* Use appropriate communication style to suit all levels.
* Organise and conduct meetings with clear purpose and outcome.
* Foster good relationships with other departments and agencies.
* Communicate complex information sensitively to patients and carers.
* Maintain patient and professional confidentiality at all times.
* Report changes to patient condition to qualified team members promptly.
* Attend and contribute to team and trust meetings.
* Use information for timely and effective decision making.
* Disseminate information appropriately and meaningfully.
* Abide by relevant legislation and educate others.
* Contribute to information systems development and critical data analysis.
* Input relevant information into the CHFT computer systems.
* Participate in research/clinical trials as required.
* Maintain professional registration with the NMC and adhere to its Code of Conduct.
* Adhere to all CHFT policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.
* Assist with educational development of basic and post‑basic students.
* Work as a member of the primary health care team and facilitate a holistic approach.
* Audit work to measure performance.
* Be physically fit to assist in movement and handling of unconscious or disabled clients.
* Identify risks and take action to control them.
* Follow policies to prevent infection spread.
* Observe safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults.
* Participate in recruitment and selection of staff.
* Lead and manage performance of teams and individuals.
* Recognise and utilise skills and knowledge of staff.
* Coach and mentor others.
* Protect individuals from abuse.
* Appraise staff annually and handle grievance and disciplinary matters appropriately.
* Lead implementation of CHFT strategies in community nursing.
* Balance staffing resources with activity levels.
* Control resources through effective stock‑control systems.
* Recognise opportunities to innovate and recommend improvements.
* Manage change with appropriate consultation.
* Plan and deliver primary health care services efficiently.
* Prioritise unpredictable work and manage time effectively.
* Empower staff and recognise potential risks to minimise them.
* Ensure compliance with routine and urgent work streams and cross‑cover for other managers.
* Collaborate with colleagues across trusts, commissioners, primary care and local authorities.
* Participate in regular supervision and mandatory training.
* Develop and agree on a personal development plan with the Line Manager.
* Comply with all Trust policies, procedures, protocols and equal‑opportunity policy.
* Seek advice from Line Manager when necessary.
* Maintain professional conduct and appearance.
* Maintain Professional Registration.
Qualifications and skills
* Specialist Practitioner qualification (District Nursing) or working towards it.
* Registered Nurse.
* Qualification in teaching and assessing.
* Evidence of continuing personal and professional development with an up‑to‑date CPD portfolio.
* Ability to manage conflict and influence effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
* Knowledge and understanding of the role of MDT members within an integrated community care team.
* Awareness of the principles and ethos of the Trust.
* Planning and organisation of self and others.
* Effective communication, negotiation, mentoring and advocacy skills.
* Problem‑solving ability.
* Commitment to developing self and others.
* Presentation skills.
* Experience with resources/cost effectiveness/budget management.
* Evidence of introducing change and innovation.
* Experience dealing with clinical and non‑clinical incidents, risk management, compliments and complaints.
* Community nursing experience with extensive knowledge credibility in community care.
* Current knowledge of local, regional and national developments in community nursing.
* Awareness of family/patient‑centred care.
* Knowledge of clinical governance application to clinical practice.
* Research and audit methodology.
* Awareness of the effects of chronic illness on clients and families.
The job description is an outline only and is not definitive or restrictive in any way. It will be regularly reviewed and may be amended depending on changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder.
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