Specialist Community Practitioner - District Nurse

Job summary
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust are inviting applications for a highly motivated Band 7 Specialist Community Practitioner to provide caseload management and hold responsibility for the care of a defined client group over a 24 hour period.

The post is full time and whilst situated in Central Halifax, there is an expectation that cover would be provided across the Calderdale geographic area where required.

We welcome applications from highly motivated dynamic individuals who currently hold a District Nursing qualification or are currently due to qualify this year.

We are committed to diversity in the workplace, equality of employment and the promotion of flexible working including job share.

If you feel you have the commitment and vision to support us on our journey this could be the job for you.

The post

• To provide professional leadership and carry the continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs.
• To manage and have responsibility for the care of a defined client group (caseload) over a twenty - four hour period.
• To manage a district nursing team within a geographical area. Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust provide a 24 hour district nursing service

Main duties of the job

• Able to create a professional nursing culture which is open to change, new ideas, concepts and innovation whilst reflecting organisational strategy and values.
• Demonstrate the ability to keep up to date with developments in nursing practice, maintaining professional knowledge and attending essential in-service training programmes.
• Ensure that all nursing practice is based on current evidence, best practice and where available, validated research.
• Develop mechanisms for supporting staff in the development of their scope of practice.
• Encourage a learning environment, which facilitates appropriate education and training.
• Support staff through clinical supervision, reflecting on own role as an accountable practitioner

About us
CHFT provides a supportive and inclusive workplace.

We pride ourselves on supporting our staff health and well-being alongside providing a range of opportunities for personal and professional development.

We aim to build our workforce for the future and support home grown talent.

Details
Date posted: 08 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 372-COM2733-A
Job locations: Central District Nurse, Dean Clough, Bowling Mill, 4th Floor, Halifax, HX1 5AX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Co-ordinating Care:
Provide a safe environment for staff and service users having due regard to legislative requirements.Act as an advocate for patientsContribute to a culture that recognises and works in partnership with service users and carers, involving them in all decisions.Maximise the effectiveness of the community nursing team, e.g. through skill mix, monthly duty rotas and training.Provide professional advice on all complaints and untoward occurrences as appropriate.Collaborates with team members to devise protocols, guidelines and policies appropriate to community nursing, seeking advice where necessary.Working and co-ordinating care in a collaborative manner with other health care professionals and agencies.Recognises and respects the role of patients and clients as partners in care and the contribution they can make to it (NMC 2002)Ensure that adequate and accurate documentation and records are maintained in accordance with NMC standards for record keeping.Develop systems that ensure continuity of care.Appropriately manage highly distressing situations.

Delivery of Care:
Contribute to the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care by completing patient held records.Engages and actively involves the individual and, if appropriate, their family/carer, in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes of treatment and/or care by using person-centred techniques to promote a culture of self-care and empowermentBe aware of health and safety issues regarding the frequent handling/exposure of bodily fluids when caring for clients. (Taking blood/urine samples etc)Ensure own continuous professional developmentIdentify and use opportunities to continually develop clinical expertise.Ensure best practice when doing procedures e.g. Doppler studies, catheterisation, changing tracheotomy tubes, syringe drivers etc.Provide a safe environment for staff and service users having due regard to legislative requirements.Contributes to the equity of care for all individuals.Assist qualified staff in the delivery of planned packages of care, working to evidence based care plans.Assist in the delivery of unscheduled, unpredictable episodes of care on a regular basis, with appropriate use of initiative. Instigate emergency procedures where appropriate.Undertakes delegated care without direct supervision where appropriate. This may require the use of observational / analytical skills to monitor the health and wellbeing of clients.Observe a personal duty of care when using equipment, ensuring own safety and that of others.Contributes to the management of aggressive/abusive behaviourParticipates in the ongoing support of clients and their carers / relatives.Work in a collaborative manner with other healthcare professionals and agencies to deliver a high standard of care.Participate in the delivery of care of terminally ill / chronically ill clients and their carers / relatives using tact and diplomacy.Be aware of the health and safety issues regarding the handling/exposure to bodily fluids when caring for clients.Contributes to the promotion of Health and well being, encouraging people to view their health as a positive aspect of their lives, through planned activities and shared decision making.

Professional Duties
Effective Communication:
Impart knowledge, plans and instructions clearly and effectively.Effectively communicate with key stakeholders.Establish clear lines of communication at all levels.Express ideas clearly through oral and written presentations.Evaluate the effectiveness of channels of communication.Vary the style and content of communication to ensure understanding of individuals at all levels. Organise and conduct meetings that have a clear purpose and outcome.Foster good relationships with other departments and agencies to enhance multi disciplinary working.Communicates sometimes complex information that is both factual and relevant to patients and carers, using sensitivity and tact.Impart knowledge plans and instructions clearly and effectivelyEstablish clear lines of communication at all levelsCommunicate relevant and factual information to patients and carers, using sensitivity and tact.Contributes to the understanding of patients where there are communication difficulties.Maintain patient and professional confidentiality at all times.Report any change to patients condition to appropriate qualified member of the team at earliest opportunity.Attend and contribute to meetings held by the team and the Trust.

Managing Information:
Use appropriate information to make timely and effective decisions in relation to the community nursing team.Proactively provide information in a form that meets the understanding of the receiver.Input relevant information (Home visits, tests ordered and prescriptions written) onto CHFT computer system for other members of the CHFT to use.

Disseminate information in an appropriate and meaningful manner

Understand and abide by relevant legislation, educating others in its implications.Contributing to the development of information systems.Interpreting and critically analysing data to support the decision making process.Use of both oral and written information that facilitatesUse appropriate information to make timely and effective decisions in relation to the community nursing team.Contribute to the development of information systems.Obtains transmits and stores information relating to the delivery of care services (this may involve auditing)Participate in the use of information and technology including inputting data on the computer system enabling other members of the team to use.Provide information in a form that meets the understanding of the receiver at all levels.Use of oral, written and computerized information that facilitates continuity of patient care throughout the 24 hour period.Completes documentation in accordance with Trusts policies and procedures.

Additional Requirements:
Participate in clinical supervisionParticipate in research / clinical trials as requiredMaintain their professional registration with the NMCAdhere to the statutory NMC Code of Professional ConductAdhere to all CHFT policies, procedures, protocols and guidelinesAssist with the educational development of basic and post basic students.Work as a member of the primary health care team and facilitate a holistic approach to care.Audit work to aid measuring performance.Be physically fit enough to assist in the movement and handling of unconscious/disabled clients.To take responsibility for identifying risks and taking action to control them as appropriate to the postAt all times follow policies and guidelines of the Trust (and be mindful of those of other health care providers if on their premises) to negate the spread of infection to patients, staff and visitors.All employees have a duty for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Staff must be aware of the CHFT procedure for raising concerns about the welfare of anyone with whom they have contact

Managerial Duties
Managing Human Resources:
Create, maintain and enhance professional relationships.Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff.Contribute to leading and managing the performance of teams and individuals to achieve both team and organisational goals.Recognise and utilise the skills and knowledge of individuals.Coach others in their development and act as a mentor/preceptorContribute to the protection of individuals from abuse.Ensure professional development of staff/team members by appraising on an annual basis.Deal with grievance and disciplinary matters in an appropriate manner, following trust guidelines.

Leadership Support:
Lead the implementation of CHFT strategies as appropriate to community nursingBalance staffing resources to match activity levels.Monitor and control the use of resources through effective systems of stock control. Needles, syringes, dressings, catheter equipment etc.Recognising opportunities to facilitate innovation.Recommend improvements to services, recognising potential costs and benefitsManage change, consulting with appropriate personnel.Facilitate the effective planning and delivery of primary health care services.Prioritise often unpredictable work and manage time effectively.Enabling and empowering staff.Take responsibility to recognise potential risks and develop strategies to minimise them.Ensure full compliance with routine and urgent work streams, cross-cover for other District Nurse Community team managers. Work as a cohesive team within the locality and organisation.Collaboratively work alongside all colleagues within the organisation, acute trusts, commissioners, primary care teams and local authority colleagues.

Managing Self
Participate in regular supervision.Attend all mandatory training.Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal.Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols.Carry out duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunity Policy.Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary.Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times.Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration.

This job description is an outline only and is not definitive or restrictive in any way. It will be regularly reviewed and may be amended in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING
Essential

• Specialist Practitioner Qualification (District Nursing) or working towards
• Registered Nurse
• Qualification in teaching and assessing
• Independent Prescribing qualification
• Evidence of continuing personal and professional development with up to date CPD portfolio

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)
Essential

• Ability to manage conflict and influence and negotiate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of MDT members within an integrated community care team
• Awareness of principles and ethos of the Trust
• Planning and organisation of self and others
• Effective communicator including negotiating, mentoring and advocacy skills
• Problem solving
• Commitment to developing self and others
• Presentation Skills

Desirable

• Experience of resources/cost effectiveness/budget management.
• Evidence of introducing change and innovation
• Experience of dealing with clinical/non-clinical incidents, risk management, compliments and complaints

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Essential

• Community nursing experience with extensive knowledge credibility in Community care
• Current knowledge of local, regional and national developments in Community Nursing
• IT awareness
• Awareness of family / Patient centred care
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical governance and its application to clinical practice
• Research and audit methodology

Desirable

• Awareness of the effects of chronic illness on client and family

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: Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Central District Nurse, Dean Clough, Bowling Mill, 4th Floor, Halifax, HX1 5AX, United Kingdom
Employer's website:

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Clinical Manager, sally Akesson, View email address on meeveem.com, View phone number on meeveem.com

Supporting documents
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)