We are looking for a ME/CFS & Long COVID Specialist Practitioner
What is the role?
As a Band 6 (equivalent) Specialist Practitioner within our ME/CFS & Long COVID Service, you will provide specialist assessment and clinical management for adults living with ME/CFS and Long COVID. Working autonomously as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will manage a caseload of patients with varying levels of complexity, develop personalised Care & Support Plans and deliver evidence-based interventions that support symptom management, function and safe self-management.
Key responsibilities include:
- Undertaking comprehensive specialist assessments, considering physical, cognitive, functional, psychological and social needs.
- Developing, implementing and reviewing personalised Care & Support Plans with patients.
- Managing an allocated caseload, identifying clinical risk and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Supporting symptom and energy management while recognising and preventing Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) and deterioration.
- Working with the multidisciplinary team and partner services to coordinate care, including for patients with severe or very severe ME/CFS.
- Providing specialist advice and education to patients, carers and healthcare professionals within your scope of practice.
- Maintaining accurate clinical records and contributing to clinical governance, audit and service improvement.
You'll join our ME/CFS & Long COVID Service.
We are an organisation whose purpose is to support Primary Care across Suffolk through collaborative working and the delivery of high-quality NHS community services. Our ME/CFS & Long COVID Service provides specialist assessment, support and advice for patients living with complex long-term conditions, working alongside primary, secondary and community care partners across Suffolk and North East Essex.
Is it for me?
We are looking for an experienced registered healthcare professional who is confident working autonomously with people living with complex or long-term conditions, and who values collaborative, person-centred care.
We will provide a comprehensive induction alongside ongoing support and development to help you succeed in the role.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is a qualified Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or Adult Nurse with current HCPC or NMC registration.
- Has significant post-registration experience and can independently assess and manage a complex clinical caseload.
- Has strong clinical assessment, reasoning and risk-management skills.
- Can develop and review personalised Care & Support Plans and support patients with self-management.
- Works effectively within a multidisciplinary team and communicates well with patients, carers and colleagues.
- Understands evidence-based practice, safeguarding and clinical governance, and maintains accurate electronic records.
- Is adaptable, committed to continuing professional development and able to travel across the service area for community or domiciliary visits where appropriate.
What we can offer you
- A strong ethos of flexible working to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- A supportive and inclusive team environment.
- Opportunities for learning, development and career progression.
- A visible and approachable management team.
- Modern IT systems and responsive technical support.
- Service-supported training and development opportunities.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Death in Service benefit.
- Competitive salary with annual benchmarking.
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after five years' service.
- Blue Light Card employer with access to thousands of discounts.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in line with the requirements set out in the job description.
Interested? Have questions? Just wondering?
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Please contact:
Catriona McCallum, Clinical Lead – ME/CFS & Long COVID Service Catriona.McCallum@suffolkfed.org.uk
or
Vini Mallen, Service Manager – ME/CFS & Long COVID Service vini.mallen@nhs.net