Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist in Learning Disabilities to support and advocate for patients with a learning disability when in an acute hospital setting. The post holder will provide expert clinical advice, promote reasonable adjustments and work collaboratively with the Multi‑Disciplinary Team to ensure high quality person‑centered care for individuals with a learning disability. The successful candidate will work across both Durham and Darlington Acute Liaison Psychiatry teams.
In this role you will offer clinical leadership support to colleagues, participate in service development, coordinate assessments, treatment and management of older people accessing the service, and provide advice and consultation regarding the management of the client group to colleagues within the team and other agencies, where necessary.
Main Duties of the Job
Providing direct support to patients with learning disabilities during their hospital stay, including assessments, developing care plans, and ensuring reasonable adjustments are identified and implemented in line with legal and professional standards.
Offering expert guidance and training to hospital staff on learning disabilities, including communication strategies, behaviour management, and understanding the specific needs of patients with learning disabilities.
Acting as an advocate for patients, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are respected throughout their hospital journey.
Working with various healthcare professionals to coordinate care and ensure a smooth transition between hospital and community services.
Working to reduce health inequalities and promote the inclusion of people with learning disabilities in all aspects of hospital care.
Considering the broader needs of patients, including emotional, social, and psychological well‑being, in addition to physical health needs.
Participating in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines related to learning disabilities in the acute hospital setting.
Contributing to comprehensive risk assessments, particularly for individuals with complex needs, and ensuring appropriate measures are in place to minimise risks.
About Us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham, Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby. From education, prevention, crisis and specialist care, our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for. We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We are committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it. We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Details
* Date posted: 24 October 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: Band 7
* Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 346‑DDA‑135‑25‑A
* Job locations: Rowan Building, Holly Hurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Current Professional Registration with Nursing and Midwifery Council – RMN / RNLD / RGN (RNSC – CAMHS Only)
* Recognised Practice Assessor/Practice Supervisor or currently in progress of achieving
* Trained in Clinical Supervision and providing Clinical Supervision or in the process of achieving
* Postgraduate diploma in a subject relevant to the area or willing to work towards and achieve within 2 years
* Within the first year of being in post hold a recognised qualification in a governed therapy/advanced clinical qualification (e.g. Intermediate Systemic Family Therapy / Post‑Grad diploma in CBT / British Isles Dialectical Behaviour Therapy / NMP – Independent Prescriber)
* Equivalent clinical experience to that of a Post‑Grad Diploma/master’s level such as working as a band 6 or above in a relevant clinical area with significant experience and evidence of relevant CPD
Experience
* Significant experience working with patients with complex needs in the specialist field
* Significant experience working with patients who display risk behaviours
* Clinical risk assessment and management and its application in practice
* Working collaboratively with service users, their families and carers
* Working in a multi‑disciplinary team
* Quality improvement activities
Knowledge
* Extensive knowledge of current issues relating to health needs of patients in the field of practice, regionally and nationally
* Understanding and working knowledge of the legal framework and statutory obligations under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act
* Detailed understanding of Safeguarding and its application in practice
* Clinical Risk Assessment and Management and its application in practice
* Clinical Governance and its application in practice
* Working knowledge of clinical medicines management
* Understanding of psychological models of care and treatment (depending on specialist area)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found on Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.
Employer Details
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Rowan Building, Holly Hurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX
Employer Website
https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/
(This is the official website of the Trust)
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