Job Overview
Our developing Health Visiting Service has undergone a recent service transformation that has been recognised both locally and nationally as an exemplar of good practice through its commitment to early intervention and prevention. We are looking to recruit forward thinking practitioners who are keen to embrace change and can exemplify essential activities in their work with families. This is a fixed term post to cover maternity leave.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidates will join one of our locality teams in Blackpool to deliver the Healthy Child Programme to the 0 – 5 yrs population. You will have an identified caseload but may also be required to work at other locations to support equitable service delivery across the locality.
* Deliver the Healthy Child Programme for the 0–5 years population within the locality teams in Blackpool; manage an identified caseload and contribute to equitable service delivery across locations.
* Support early intervention and prevention pathways, including antenatal and perinatal/maternal mental health pathways, and deliver the Baby Steps universal antenatal programme (daytimes and some evenings) in partnership with Better Start.
* Benefit from and participate in a comprehensive training package (e.g., Adverse Childhood Experiences, Behavioural Activation, restorative supervision).
* Communicate professional accountable opinions in child protection cases within multidisciplinary teams and in legal proceedings where appropriate.
* Respond to frequent unpredictable situations or crises using professional skills and knowledge; manage issues such as parenting concerns, domestic violence, aggression, or mental health needs.
* Conduct health needs assessments following referrals from clients, statutory and non-statutory agencies, and the voluntary sector; initiate packages of care and monitor outcomes.
* Refer to statutory and voluntary agencies in line with health needs assessments and professional judgement.
* Communicate identified needs to clients/care‑givers, addressing barriers such as language or understanding; provide child health surveillance in line with the Healthy Child Programme 0–5 years.
* Assess, analyse, and interpret complex evidence to determine appropriate outcomes; develop and coordinate care plans for children with a range of needs (e.g., speech and language, oral health).
* Provide and coordinate care, including safeguarding and multidisciplinary collaboration; utilise Early Help Assessment where applicable (e.g., Better Start, NSPCC).
* Triage minor illnesses, provide advice, management, and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment within professional competencies.
* Maintain contemporaneous records and utilise IT systems for documentation.
* Implement public health programmes and contribute to local and national targets; analyse community health issues and liaise with statutory/voluntary agencies to implement initiatives.
* Participate in the development and review of Trust clinical policies and guidelines; contribute to local working parties and service development.
* Record health/social/environmental data to inform planning and community profiles; facilitate multi‑agency/disciplinary meetings (e.g., Children and Families with Complex Needs).
Working for our organisation
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of Lancashire and offers a full range of District Hospital and Community Health services. Commitment to ongoing in‑service training and development is essential. A defined preceptorship programme is provided.
If you are motivated to deliver high standards of care and have the personal qualities outlined in the Blackpool person specification, this could be the post for you.
Professional
* Participate in annual performance reviews and monthly 4x4x4 supervision.
* Undertake mandatory training and keep professional knowledge current with PDP, NMC guidelines, and Trust policy.
* Organise and deliver teaching for students and professionals; ensure educational support meets the aims of partner institutions.
* Submit data and contribute to statistical information; undertake clinical audit and benchmarking; respond to professional issues to support development.
* There may be opportunities to undertake other duties of a similar level as agreed.
Management
* Contribute to local community developments and Health Visiting Team objectives; work with other agencies to identify and respond to local health needs.
* Plan and organise own workload; delegate and coordinate work within the skill mix team.
* Share information with consideration for service user best interests and provide staff support during sickness/absence; participate in staff appraisals and PDPs where appropriate.
Safeguarding
* Prioritise workload and caseload; act as a mentor/preceptor to students and newly qualified Health Visitors; supervise safeguarding practice with advanced knowledge as applicable.
* Attend team meetings and cascade information; manage day-to-day supervision and risk assessments as required.
* Participate in recruitment as needed; perform risk assessments for first visits and protect staff while maintaining care quality.
Qualification, Experience and Skills
Person specification
Qualifications
* Registered Nurse/Midwife
* Community Specialist Practitioner/Specialist Public Health Nurse/Health Visitor, BSc Hons or equivalent
Desirable
* Nurse prescribing qualification (V100)
* Mentorship module equivalent
Experience
* Risk assessment to ensure safety; IT skills
Desirable criteria
* Leadership skills within public health; mentorship for student nurses; safeguarding supervisor
Skills/Knowledge
* Community, family, and individual health needs assessment
* Resuscitation knowledge and management of anaphylaxis; ability to assess, diagnose, treat or refer within own scope
* Ability to develop programmes and refer for public health issues (infant nutrition, breastfeeding, peri‑natal depression, parenting, smoking cessation, etc.)
* Accurate record keeping; safeguarding awareness; effective written and verbal communication
* Working within multidisciplinary teams; capacity to participate in 4x4x4 supervision
* Utilise evidence to promote good practice; prioritise workload; time management; delegation to the skill mix team
* Participate in delivery of evidence‑based programmes; willingness to engage in change management
Attributes
* Develop good professional working relationships; work effectively as part of a team
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