Deputy Ward Manager, Learning Disability & Autism, 9 Month Fixed term contract

A bit about us

We are St Andrew's. We are a mental health charity and our purpose is to inspire hope for those living with complex mental health needs. We are looking to a future with less stigma, more community support, more research and education, and we aim to be at the forefront of inspiring real change. We want to ensure we can all live in a society where everyone with complex mental health needs is heard, valued and has hope for their future. Come and join us, and support us to help people transform their lives.

Acorn Ward

A specialist low secure stabilisation and treatment service for men with autism, who may also have a forensic history and challenging behaviour. Supported by a comprehensive and experienced ASD team, we’re able to support patients to understand their autism and help them learn the coping skills necessary to live well with their autism.

Learning Disability & Autism Division

St Andrew’s ASD and Learning Disability Division seeks to improve the quality of life and reduce risk, in the least restrictive way possible, for individuals with a learning disability and/or ASD often with complex presentations. We provide assessment, resulting in a comprehensive formulation that informs the development and implementation of personalised, evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Care is delivered across several facilities in Northampton, ranging from Medium Secure, Low Secure and non-secure rehabilitation services. The learning disability part of the Division works with adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or other neuro-developmental disorders who have offended or engage in challenging behaviours. Both pathways provide a range of adapted treatment and offence-related programme(s).

Staffing in both the LD and ASD pathways consists of a full multi-disciplinary team which includes specialists in Learning Disability and Autism. All staff undertake specialist foundation training in Learning Disability Awareness as well as Autism Awareness, with some staff extending their qualifications into specific areas of specialism.

What we are looking for?

We are looking for a confident, passionate individual who wants to make a difference to the lives of the individuals we support. If you would like to be part of working with an innovative and dynamic team and add to our supportive work environment, then this is the place for you! This will be a personally and professionally rewarding role. Our patients and your colleagues will expect you to live the St Andrew’s CARE values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence every single day.

We have numerous programmes and qualifications on offer at St Andrew’s and all employees have access to a wide range of Learning & Development courses. Remaining current in your nursing skill is vital for patient care so we have sector leading in-house specialist training including Clinical Skills, RAID, British Sign Language, DBT, CBT. We have clear progression pathways as set out in our Nursing Career Map, following a variety of different specialist career paths focused on: Leadership & Management, Quality & Innovation, Learning, Education and Research.

Main Duties of the Role

• You will lead your team by example and work in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team.
• There will be a degree of flexibility in shifts allowing direct links with your colleagues across our expert Multi-Disciplinary Teams with the aim of delivering high standards of care through continuity and consistency.
• You will need to provide and receive clinical supervision.
• Co-ordinate the multi-disciplinary teams to ensure all clinical services provided to the ward function effectively and efficiently to meet individual patient needs.
• Ensure ward environment is clean and safe for all staff, patients and visitors at all times.
• Act as the Designated Division Shift Co-ordinator (bleep holder) co-ordinating and undertaking seclusion reviews as required.
• Use demonstrated expertise to provide vision and effective role modelling to ensure fundamental high standards of clinical care are maintained.
• Keep up to date with current topics, policies and innovations in clinical practice and have the ability to translate into practice.
• Deputise for the Ward Manager in their absence or as required.

Rewards

We offer an excellent benefits package including: Pension; Sickness policy on par with the NHS; Access to the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts schemes; 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing after 10 years' service; Life cover; Our newly launched Electric Car scheme; Cycle to work scheme; Healthcare cash plan; Free parking; Paid DBS application; Access to free vocational qualifications.

Closing Date: Sunday 6th April 2025