Job summary
We are looking for a Band 5 qualified nurse with experience in learning disabilities. This position is a 12 month fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave.
This is an exciting opportunity to work with a very established and dedicated team of staff. Belbrook is rated as good by Ofsted and offers a home‑away‑from‑home short‑stay service for children and young people.
Belbrook is a short break children's home in Bristol commissioned by Bristol City Council and employs AWP staff. We provide respite care for children aged 8‑18 years with learning disabilities and complex health needs. The provision covers 24‑hour care and includes sleep‑in duties and unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends.
This AWP post is a secondment to Bristol City Council short break children's homes. As a seconded post the successful candidate will be employed by AWP and receive regular clinical supervision in line with nursing standards. Day‑to‑day management, tasks and role will be to the Bristol City Council manager. As an AWP employee you will also be in regular contact with the link team manager within CAMH’s learning disability service for additional supervision or support. Training packages are provided by both AWP and Bristol City Council.
Belbrook provides overnight care for up to three or four children, each night.
Main duties of the job
As nurse in charge of a shift, you will be a key worker to a group of allocated children, responsible for developing and reviewing care plans and risk assessments, and liaising with parents/carers and other professionals to support the child in every aspect of their life.
We expect you to provide a safe and supportive environment with personalised activities and regular trips into the community. You will manage a team of care staff, provide regular supervisions, and deputise in the absence of the Home Manager.
This role is currently under review as part of an ongoing service review. We welcome applications. Further details can be provided during the recruitment process.
About us
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust), a diverse organisation with over 5,000 staff providing inpatient and community‑based mental health care. We serve approximately 1.8 million people across Bath, North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire and parts of Dorset.
Our people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person‑centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to support people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. We value unique perspectives and experiences to make AWP stronger.
Details
Date posted: 14 November 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 per year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 342‑CAMHS148‑1125
Job location: Belbrook LD, 67a Saltmarsh Drive, Lawrence Weston, Bristol, BS11 0NL
Job responsibilities
Number of staff responsible: 3 to 6, depending on needs for the shift.
* Carry out clinical practice in designated areas, ensuring high‑quality evidence‑based nursing assessment, care planning, interventions and evaluations for children and young people.
* Deliver a high‑quality residential service for disabled children in line with National Minimum Care Standards for Children’s Homes.
* Undertake comprehensive, person‑centred nursing assessments and prepare care plans in consultation with children/young people, their parents/carers and supporting professionals.
* Implement care plans and advocate for children/young people.
* Evaluate the effectiveness of care plans in partnership with children, parents/carers and supporting professionals.
* Apply research‑based practice.
* After successful completion of preceptorship, supervise junior and unregistered staff.
* Administer medicines within relevant Trust and legislative guidance (e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971).
* Conduct risk assessments and develop risk‑management strategies for children/young people presenting challenging behaviour.
* Demonstrate working knowledge of relevant legislation for disabled children in residential services.
* Ensure ordering, storage, administration and disposal of medication complies with Trust and legislative guidance.
Person Specification
Qualifications and experience
* Essential: UK Registered Nurse in Learning Disability/Children’s/Adult’s.
* Essential: At least 2 years post‑qualifying experience.
* Desirable: Experience working with children with learning disabilities and complex healthcare needs.
Clinical Skills
* Knowledge of medication rounds and safe administration and disposal of drugs.
* Plan, implement and evaluate resident care and respond to untoward changes.
* De‑escalation and listening skills.
* Physical intervention and breakaway trained.
* Experience of effective risk assessment and management.
* Knowledge of The Children’s Home (England) Regulations 2015 and NMC’s Code.
* Maintain accurate, appropriate records.
* Practical experience of providing high‑quality care and exceeding expectations.
* Develop excellent therapeutic relationships.
Professional / Leadership skills
* Communicate effectively and efficiently with team members.
* Leadership skills (motivating, initiative, change management).
* Understanding of health and safety importance.
* Effective report writing for handovers and case conferences.
* Working knowledge of Microsoft applications or equivalents; willingness to learn new applications.
* Desirable: Undertake clinical supervision, mentorship, teaching and preceptorship for student nurses and staff.
Knowledge
* Awareness of The Children’s Home (England) Regulations 2015.
* Awareness of NMC’s Code and relevant legislation.
* Knowledge of current developments in learning disability care and nursing practice focusing on children and young people.
Health and Wellbeing
* Recognise signs of stress in self and others.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Belbrook LD, 67a Saltmarsh Drive, Lawrence Weston, Bristol, BS11 0NL
Employer's website
http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)
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