Senior Community Children's Learning Disability Nurse

• To take responsibility for allocated referrals from source to discharged in line with agreed protocols and documentation including assisting Clinical Psychologist in diagnosis of Learning Disability and assessing eligibility. This may involve interpreting complex cognitive assessment information or conducting assessments indicating of levels of functioning
• To conduct initial "choice" appointments (or equivalent) with carers to agree suitability of the service to meet the child's needs and agree outcome focused goals which to work towards.
• To undertake an initial assessment of physical, psychological and social well being in order to accurately identify the child's needs and associated health needs.
• To carry out this assessment utilising evidence based tools and where appropriate to provide more detailed specialist assessment of specific areas of difficulty such as behavioural difficulties using functional assessment tools, rating scales, collection and analysis of data such as ABC records. The post holder will then collate the information into a cohesive formulation of the problems to enable development of plans / programmes to address issues.

Essential

• NMC Registered LD Nurse or registered nurse with relevant post registration experience
• Post graduate diploma/registration or equivalent level of study in specialist areas of the learning disability service

Essential

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the range, nature and impact of learning disabilities and associated conditions
• Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of commonly associated health needs e.g. epilepsy, autism, syndromes and their health impacts etc.
• Understanding of behavioural theory and application.
• Understanding of child development
• Good knowledge of clinically effective intervention literature / research
• Thorough knowledge of child protection procedures and child management / engagement techniques in keeping with these e.g. praise, redirection
• Sound understanding of clinical governance, audit and the importance of research and development
• Knowledge of the Continuing Health Care process and its application
• Knowledge of the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010 and the role of the care co-ordinator under this measure

Essential

• Enthusiastic approach to contributing to service delivery
• Good observational and reporting skills in terms of identifying relevant factors in assessment
• Able to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of cultures and abilities
• Able to work autonomously, taking clinical decisions within their sphere of competence
• Able to work well with a range of different professionals

Essential

• Ability to work collaboratively in team settings
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from a range of service settings/agencies
• Highly developed effective interpersonal negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work independently / autonomously within the policies and protocols used within the department and guidelines covering nursing practice
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise workload according to clinical need
• Able to carry out Activities of Daily Living Assessment and identify needs accordingly including those with high degree of complexity
• Able to plan intervention to meet needs effectively including in cases where evidence base is limited on contradictory
• Able to teach parent / carers and other professionals how to deliver intervention including in conditions where motivation is low and scepticism high
• Able to provide advice and support in terms of information and directions on managing difficulties by analysing information quickly and accurately
• Able to make judgements regarding placements and their ability to meet the identified health needs of individuals.