Job responsibilities Job Purpose The Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nurse role exists to ensure that the needs of the person with a Learning Disability are met when they require access to a mainstream health service. This involves communicating with and working in partnership with a range of clinicians and services working to change systems and educating where appropriate. It also involves close communication and involvement with family, carers and others during the admission period. Duties and Responsibilities To assist mainstream health service to exercise their duty to provide people with a learning disability equality of access to the same healthcare as the general population, with added support to achieve the same health outcomes as those for the general population. To work with the mainstream health service to develop an action plan which aims to deliver appropriate improvements in service delivery and health outcomes for people with a learning disability. To work with identified individuals within the mainstream health service to achieve the goals set out in the action plan. Exercise leadership within the mainstream health service to ensure that services are provided in line with current local and national policy & guidance for people with Learning Disabilities, which promotes the rights and inclusion of this client group. Undertake all aspects of practice as an autonomous practitioner including professional and legal accountability for own work within an agreed policy framework. To assist the mainstream health service to ensure a smooth transition between services. To act as a point of contact for family, carers and other professionals during the service users contact with the mainstream health service. The post holder will participate in annual performance reviews of the activities of the relevant service, in which appropriate targets will be defined. To assist the mainstream health service to improve the quality of care received by individuals with a learning disability in their service. To assist the mainstream health service to manage the interface between mainstream general hospital services, primary care services and specialist learning disability services. Facilitate open and easy access to mainstream health services for people with learning disabilities. Develop effective and collaborative working with healthcare and multi-agency colleagues, including identifying and meeting the training needs and providing specialist and nursing advice. Work to incorporate Valuing People and the principles embedded within the overarching structures as set within the mainstream health services strategy for people with learning disabilities, Clinical Governance Framework and Disability Equality Schemes Communication and Working Relationship Skills Operational accountability rests with the Learning Disability Senior Nurse Manager The Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nurse work plan will be set by Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nurse Team Leader. In agreement with the Learning Disability Senior Nurse Manager. Management Supervision will be provided by the Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nurse Team Leader. Supervision will be recorded on the Devon Partnership NHS Trust web based Supervision recording system. PDR will be carried out by the Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nurse Team Leader. Communicate with clients, relatives and the clinical team to explain clinical issues and how activities of daily living needs will be able to be met. Making use of special communication techniques such as total communication. Form effective working relationships in the mainstream health service with clinicians and other staff. To act with diplomacy making decisions as situations develop, ensuring appropriate feedback to partner organisations. Liaise closely with Specialist Learning Disability Services. To contribute to the development of healthcare information and resources in accessible formats for service users and their families/carers. Liaise with voluntary services within the Hospital and Trust. To support communication within the clinical setting with senior clinical and managerial staff, and, where appropriate, challenge all staff within the clinical care pathway. Raise the profile of the health care needs of people with a learning disability within the mainstream health service, bridging the gap between clinical care areas to enable better access to healthcare and appropriate health outcomes. Analytical and Judgemental Skills The post holder will receive management supervision as described above. The post holder will ensure they receive regular Clinical Supervision with an appropriately qualified professional. The clinical supervisor and the Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nurse Team Leader will be available for advice or guidance when required. The Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nurse leads in their area of expertise. The post holder is expected to work within the policy frameworks of both their employing authority and the authority hosting them. Where there is a conflict management guidance should be sought. The Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nurse will assist clinical teams in analysing their care pathways and systems to enable equality of access and health outcomes for people with a, overcoming barriers to success. Planning and Organisational Skills The post holder is expected to plan and organise their own diary and daily working schedule as well as attending, and in some cases facilitating, clinical meetings. They are responsible for ensuring their own administration returns such as timesheets, travel etc are completed on time, are accurate and are submitted through the correct channels. The post holder will ensure all Core Training, as identified by Devon Partnership NHS Trust and their host mainstream health service, is up-to-date. To be a competent and knowledgeable practitioner. To act as a role model within the speciality field and work across a large organisation challenging culture and attitude to all staff groups. Develop constructive relationships by attending, and contributing specialist knowledge to, case conferences / clinical meetings and discharge planning meetings as appropriate, and to make referrals direct to social services / other agencies as required. Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy The post holder is responsible for assessing the clients needs in terms of their disability and the impact this may have on treatment plans. They will assist the care team to devise and implement specialist programmes to mitigate against risks to health. They are responsible for ensuring accurate recording of advice and any intervention and the monitoring of any interventions. To actively assist people with learning disabilities, as well as carers and health and social staff when using the mainstream health service. To provide support and advice regarding mental capacity, consent & best interest to the service user, their family / carer, and the professionals involved in decision making about their care. To act as an advocate for users with learning disabilities ensuring the provision of appropriate information and support. Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation The post holder will implement policy and procedure in their own area. They will propose changes in practice or policy if required to achieve the aims of the post. It is expected the post holder would take part in any appropriate research activity. Assist clinical areas in recognising potential barriers to accessing mainstream health service and other communication issues in relation to individuals with learning disabilities, and provide advice and support as required. To undertake benchmarking against recognised national standards. To promote active participation of service users and their families / carers in the healthcare process, working within the Public and Patient Involvement agenda. To assist in the development of monitoring of local standards in partnership with people with learning disabilities, Patient Liaison Service (PALS), and carers groups. To work in partnership with people with learning disabilities, self-advocacy groups, PALS and carers groups in the development, implementation and maintenance of service provision. To assess the impact of local and national initiatives and provide feedback on Trust initiatives relating to skills competency of its workforce. Contribute to the Risk and Health & Safety agendas in the Trust. Promote the early resolution of issues and complaints working closely with appropriate Matrons and General Managers. Record all referrals and contacts with people who have a learning disability and their families. Contribute to an annual report describing the work of the Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nurse in a format agreed with the mainstream health service. Responsibility Equipment and Other Resources The post holder has a personal duty of care in relation to equipment and resources. Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management It is expected that the post holder will offer clinical supervision, and support to student nurses on placements. The post holder will offer training to non-specialists in their own area where appropriate. To assist acute service provider to identify training needs in relation to learning disabilities and assisting with the development of teaching materials / training packages.