Job summary Deputy Ward Manger, Band 6 (37.5 hours per week) We are looking to recruit a highly motivated, caring and compassionate nurse. You will work as part of a team of Deputy Ward Managers, providing leadership to the nursing team. You will be responsible for coordinating, supervising, and supporting the day-to-day running of the ward. You will ensure that patient care is assessed, planned, implemented, and evaluated to the highest standard. As a Deputy Ward Manager you will maintain a visible presence within the clinical area. You will be role-modelling evidence-based practice and consistently demonstrating high standards of patient care. Your communication and organisation skills will need to be exemplary, as you will be leading by example. You will work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families. Working towards patients individual rehabilitation. This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility. Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity. All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service. Main duties of the job Provide high-quality clinical care to a designated group of patients alongside your managerial responsibilities. Offer essential support to families and friends, recognising their key role in the patients rehabilitation following life-changing injuries. Deliver compassionate, person-centred care while promoting a supportive and inclusive ward environment. Lead and manage nursing staff, including responsibility for: Conducting Individual Performance Reviews (IPRs) Maintaining the eRoster system Incident reporting and risk management Ensure the safe and efficient day-to-day running of the ward, maintaining high standards of clinical practice. Be a visible and accessible leader, offering guidance and support to all staff. Act as a link nurse for patients, promoting continuity of care and effective communication Support the training and development of staff Attend and contribute to: Weekly ward rounds Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings Daily handovers Goal planning meetings Participate in the site coordinator rota on a rotational basis, averaging one shift per month. About us Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs. As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve. We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives. We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation. Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert. Date posted 17 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pa, pro-rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number B9832-2025-NM-9753 Job locations 200 Mount Gould Road Mount Gould Plymouth Devon PL4 7PY Job description Job responsibilities 4.SCOPE AND RANGE Utilise general and specialist nursing skills including: assessment, administering medications (including IVs), conducting health education, tracheostomy care and weaning, bowel care, recognising signs/symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, collar care and providing support to patients and their families throughout the rehabilitation process to ensure a high-quality standard of nursing care is provided at all times. Collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team, including Doctors, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, Dietitians and other healthcare professionals, to ensure holistic and coordinated care for patients. Effectively lead and contribute towards the continuing development of professional nursing practice in the team. Enhance team development through education, clinical governance and management of resources, ensuring effective communication within the inter- professional/interagency team, patients, carers and relatives. Undertake evidence-based audit and research projects to further own and team clinical practice. May lead the implementation of specific changes to practice or contribute to service protocols/policy changes. To carry out on call Site Coordinator shifts (weekdays and weekends), including providing support for medical and clinical emergencies and liaison with on call doctor. This role also includes responding to non-clinical matters on site e.g. out of hours fire alarms across site, trespassers on site etc. Be an active participant in the inter-professional working of the MDT and input into the complete patient pathway, including acting as a Keyworker ensuring goals are met. Support the ward manager to ensure the clinical area has appropriate establishment and skill mix and that the duty rotas meet the needs of the clinical area over the 24hr period using the principles of internal rotation of all grades of staff. 5.MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent, document appropriately and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. To comply with local confidentiality policies, child protection and vulnerable adult procedures. Provide professional nursing leadership within the team and support the Ward Manager in managing the team; ensuring safe and effective staffing levels and provision of resources to ensure continuous service delivery and enhance nursing practice. In the absence of the Ward Manager actively manage admissions/discharges, including the assessment of patients on the waiting list, updating waiting lists including the receiving and making referrals and monitoring of discharge plans. Ensure that evidence-based standards of care are maintained, monitored and continuously reviewed in line with the national guidelines, and national and organisational policies. Support patient care through provision of excellent clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning skills, practical clinical nursing skills and act as an expert resource assisting in teaching knowledge and clinical skills for other health care professionals. Responsible for co-ordination of transfers of patients to other health care providers ensuring appropriate escort and documentation. Ensure timely and appropriate care is given to patients and delivered by the relevant Health Care professional. Lead ward meetings in absence of Ward manager and contribute to unit /designated meetings and feedback to staff. Ensure that robust induction programmes are in place and monitor competency completion within the team. To support the Ward Manager in maintaining robust approaches to managing sickness, absence, line management, appraisals, mandatory training, standards and staff performance using LWSW policies and guidance. 5.1Responsibility for People Management Supervise, educate and assess performance of students and junior staff, in order to provide expert advice and clinical support whilst promoting the effective and efficient delivery of a high-quality service. This will include the use of formal appraisal, line management, practice supervision and use of related documentation. Develop the learning environment to promote lifelong learning and staff development. Be an active member for the in-service training programme by the attendance and delivering of presentations/training sessions at staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions in-house and by attending external/organising courses and practising reflective practice. To assist in the recruitment of relevant grades of staff as required. To support the Ward Manager in ensuring that all staff undertake and maintain mandatory and essential training in accordance with LWSW policy and clinical requirements. This includes booking staff onto training sessions. Identify areas of practice/role development and enable and support staff to initiate change. In conjunction with workforce development groups implement student/staff induction programme and information packs. Take responsibility for your own personal and professional development, maintain competence, knowledge and skills commensurate with the role. 5.2Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources Support the Ward Manager in the creation and management of eroster to ensure best utilisation of agreed workforce levels, while maintaining the appropriate skill mix for the ward. The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however, they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issues. The post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly ensuring that resources are utilised effectively to meet changing service needs. Track stock levels and ensure the supply levels are sufficient to meet the demands of the service 5.3Responsibility for administration To maintain an up-to-date record of all patient contacts, MDT care plans, goals, assessments and reports whilst ensuring confidentiality at all times in line with professional and LSW policies and procedures. To report accidents, incidents or complaints following LSW procedures and policies and to comply with the most recent Health and Safety at Work Act. To support Patient Safety Incident Investigations, after action reviews, case reviews and incidents, providing feedback as required to staff, patients and relatives. To be responsible for overseeing and monitoring of nursing equipment and ensuring maintenance and repair. 5.4Responsibility for people who use our services To undertake the comprehensive nursing assessment of inpatients using investigative and analytical skills, to formulate individualised management and treatment plans. Use clinical reasoning, and a wide range of treatment skills and options to formulate a specialised programme of care and patient goals. To support junior staff in this work. Act as a patient advocate ensuring individual needs, preferences and choices are delivered by the service. To participate in working parties developing changes within the unit, which will impact positively on the service and its users. To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to patients, relatives, carers and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of rehabilitation, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care. Demonstrate clinical leadership and make clinical decisions without supervision. Act as an effective role model by demonstrating expertise in own practice and support others to identify and deliver best practice. To have a flexible approach to competing priorities to meet the needs of the patient and the service. To undertake comprehensive risk assessments of all situations associated with the care of patients to ensure own and others safety. To ensure privacy, dignity and human rights are respected for all patients and carers. Be an autonomous practitioner, working within appropriate professional guidelines and code of conduct. To comply with local confidentiality policies and be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse/safeguarding and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns. Comply with all infection control policies and guidance and attend relevant updates to support the needs of the service. 5.5Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments Ensure adherence to Livewell Southwest Policies. To demonstrate a sound understanding of Clinical Governance, Risk Management and apply to work situation. Facilitate the development of service objectives within own area, taking into account relevant guidelines and the needs of the Organisations and national drivers. Identify and undertake areas for research and evaluations within specialty, facilitating the involvement of appropriate staff Monitor the emergence of new evidence and implement and evaluate research-based recommendations that are expected to improve patient care. Job description Job responsibilities 4.SCOPE AND RANGE Utilise general and specialist nursing skills including: assessment, administering medications (including IVs), conducting health education, tracheostomy care and weaning, bowel care, recognising signs/symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, collar care and providing support to patients and their families throughout the rehabilitation process to ensure a high-quality standard of nursing care is provided at all times. Collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team, including Doctors, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, Dietitians and other healthcare professionals, to ensure holistic and coordinated care for patients. Effectively lead and contribute towards the continuing development of professional nursing practice in the team. Enhance team development through education, clinical governance and management of resources, ensuring effective communication within the inter- professional/interagency team, patients, carers and relatives. Undertake evidence-based audit and research projects to further own and team clinical practice. May lead the implementation of specific changes to practice or contribute to service protocols/policy changes. To carry out on call Site Coordinator shifts (weekdays and weekends), including providing support for medical and clinical emergencies and liaison with on call doctor. This role also includes responding to non-clinical matters on site e.g. out of hours fire alarms across site, trespassers on site etc. Be an active participant in the inter-professional working of the MDT and input into the complete patient pathway, including acting as a Keyworker ensuring goals are met. Support the ward manager to ensure the clinical area has appropriate establishment and skill mix and that the duty rotas meet the needs of the clinical area over the 24hr period using the principles of internal rotation of all grades of staff. 5.MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent, document appropriately and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. To comply with local confidentiality policies, child protection and vulnerable adult procedures. Provide professional nursing leadership within the team and support the Ward Manager in managing the team; ensuring safe and effective staffing levels and provision of resources to ensure continuous service delivery and enhance nursing practice. In the absence of the Ward Manager actively manage admissions/discharges, including the assessment of patients on the waiting list, updating waiting lists including the receiving and making referrals and monitoring of discharge plans. Ensure that evidence-based standards of care are maintained, monitored and continuously reviewed in line with the national guidelines, and national and organisational policies. Support patient care through provision of excellent clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning skills, practical clinical nursing skills and act as an expert resource assisting in teaching knowledge and clinical skills for other health care professionals. Responsible for co-ordination of transfers of patients to other health care providers ensuring appropriate escort and documentation. Ensure timely and appropriate care is given to patients and delivered by the relevant Health Care professional. Lead ward meetings in absence of Ward manager and contribute to unit /designated meetings and feedback to staff. Ensure that robust induction programmes are in place and monitor competency completion within the team. To support the Ward Manager in maintaining robust approaches to managing sickness, absence, line management, appraisals, mandatory training, standards and staff performance using LWSW policies and guidance. 5.1Responsibility for People Management Supervise, educate and assess performance of students and junior staff, in order to provide expert advice and clinical support whilst promoting the effective and efficient delivery of a high-quality service. This will include the use of formal appraisal, line management, practice supervision and use of related documentation. Develop the learning environment to promote lifelong learning and staff development. Be an active member for the in-service training programme by the attendance and delivering of presentations/training sessions at staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions in-house and by attending external/organising courses and practising reflective practice. To assist in the recruitment of relevant grades of staff as required. To support the Ward Manager in ensuring that all staff undertake and maintain mandatory and essential training in accordance with LWSW policy and clinical requirements. This includes booking staff onto training sessions. Identify areas of practice/role development and enable and support staff to initiate change. In conjunction with workforce development groups implement student/staff induction programme and information packs. Take responsibility for your own personal and professional development, maintain competence, knowledge and skills commensurate with the role. 5.2Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources Support the Ward Manager in the creation and management of eroster to ensure best utilisation of agreed workforce levels, while maintaining the appropriate skill mix for the ward. The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however, they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issues. The post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly ensuring that resources are utilised effectively to meet changing service needs. Track stock levels and ensure the supply levels are sufficient to meet the demands of the service 5.3Responsibility for administration To maintain an up-to-date record of all patient contacts, MDT care plans, goals, assessments and reports whilst ensuring confidentiality at all times in line with professional and LSW policies and procedures. To report accidents, incidents or complaints following LSW procedures and policies and to comply with the most recent Health and Safety at Work Act. To support Patient Safety Incident Investigations, after action reviews, case reviews and incidents, providing feedback as required to staff, patients and relatives. To be responsible for overseeing and monitoring of nursing equipment and ensuring maintenance and repair. 5.4Responsibility for people who use our services To undertake the comprehensive nursing assessment of inpatients using investigative and analytical skills, to formulate individualised management and treatment plans. Use clinical reasoning, and a wide range of treatment skills and options to formulate a specialised programme of care and patient goals. To support junior staff in this work. Act as a patient advocate ensuring individual needs, preferences and choices are delivered by the service. To participate in working parties developing changes within the unit, which will impact positively on the service and its users. To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to patients, relatives, carers and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of rehabilitation, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care. Demonstrate clinical leadership and make clinical decisions without supervision. Act as an effective role model by demonstrating expertise in own practice and support others to identify and deliver best practice. To have a flexible approach to competing priorities to meet the needs of the patient and the service. To undertake comprehensive risk assessments of all situations associated with the care of patients to ensure own and others safety. To ensure privacy, dignity and human rights are respected for all patients and carers. Be an autonomous practitioner, working within appropriate professional guidelines and code of conduct. To comply with local confidentiality policies and be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse/safeguarding and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns. Comply with all infection control policies and guidance and attend relevant updates to support the needs of the service. 5.5Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments Ensure adherence to Livewell Southwest Policies. To demonstrate a sound understanding of Clinical Governance, Risk Management and apply to work situation. Facilitate the development of service objectives within own area, taking into account relevant guidelines and the needs of the Organisations and national drivers. Identify and undertake areas for research and evaluations within specialty, facilitating the involvement of appropriate staff Monitor the emergence of new evidence and implement and evaluate research-based recommendations that are expected to improve patient care. Person Specification Experience Essential Demonstrable knowledge of nursing in rehabilitation Demonstrate an understanding of multidisciplinary team working and individual roles Knowledge and understanding of Clinical Governance Knowledge of national and local frameworks and strategies Ability to translate best practice evidence and national policies in practice Post registered experience Experience in stroke/neurology Experience of working in an inpatient hospital setting Autonomous practitioner with experience of managing a caseload Experience of supervision of junior staff and/or assistants Experience of teaching Evidence of CPD Desirable Evidence of continued recent academic and clinical development Knowledge of service development Experience of audit projects Management/leadership experience Experience of influencing change in the workplace. Qualifications Essential Educated to degree/diploma level Current RN registration with NMC Evidence of ongoing education and professional development Relevant post graduate education Post registration Stroke/Neuro specialist courses Desirable Clinical Educator Current valid UK driving licence Leadership experience/qualifications Recognised teaching qualification mentorship or equivalent. Skills Essential Autonomous practitioner with the ability to work unsupervised. Ability to assess and treat patients using evidence-based practice. Ability to work alongside clinicians to support and enhance quality of patient care. Excellent communication skills Excellent time management and organisational skills Leadership qualities Ability to coordinate an interprofessional team in effective assessment, planning and delivery of individual care working in multidisciplinary teams Innovative Flexible and adaptable Excellent communication skills Demonstrate commitment to focus on quality, promotes high standards to consistently improve patient outcomes. Desirable Experience in applying research to practice Change management Knowledge Essential Demonstrable knowledge of nursing in rehabilitation Demonstrate an understanding of multidisciplinary team working and individual roles Knowledge and understanding of Clinical Governance Knowledge of national and local frameworks and strategies Ability to translate best practice evidence and national policies in practice. Desirable Evidence of continued recent academic and clinical development Knowledge of service development Basic IT skills Person Specification Experience Essential Demonstrable knowledge of nursing in rehabilitation Demonstrate an understanding of multidisciplinary team working and individual roles Knowledge and understanding of Clinical Governance Knowledge of national and local frameworks and strategies Ability to translate best practice evidence and national policies in practice Post registered experience Experience in stroke/neurology Experience of working in an inpatient hospital setting Autonomous practitioner with experience of managing a caseload Experience of supervision of junior staff and/or assistants Experience of teaching Evidence of CPD Desirable Evidence of continued recent academic and clinical development Knowledge of service development Experience of audit projects Management/leadership experience Experience of influencing change in the workplace. Qualifications Essential Educated to degree/diploma level Current RN registration with NMC Evidence of ongoing education and professional development Relevant post graduate education Post registration Stroke/Neuro specialist courses Desirable Clinical Educator Current valid UK driving licence Leadership experience/qualifications Recognised teaching qualification mentorship or equivalent. Skills Essential Autonomous practitioner with the ability to work unsupervised. Ability to assess and treat patients using evidence-based practice. Ability to work alongside clinicians to support and enhance quality of patient care. Excellent communication skills Excellent time management and organisational skills Leadership qualities Ability to coordinate an interprofessional team in effective assessment, planning and delivery of individual care working in multidisciplinary teams Innovative Flexible and adaptable Excellent communication skills Demonstrate commitment to focus on quality, promotes high standards to consistently improve patient outcomes. Desirable Experience in applying research to practice Change management Knowledge Essential Demonstrable knowledge of nursing in rehabilitation Demonstrate an understanding of multidisciplinary team working and individual roles Knowledge and understanding of Clinical Governance Knowledge of national and local frameworks and strategies Ability to translate best practice evidence and national policies in practice. Desirable Evidence of continued recent academic and clinical development Knowledge of service development Basic IT skills Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as 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 (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to 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 here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as 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 (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to 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 here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Livewell Southwest Address 200 Mount Gould Road Mount Gould Plymouth Devon PL4 7PY Employer's website https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)