Job summary
We are seeking highly motivated, innovative, compassionate and clinically-experienced support workers, occupation therapy technical instructors and assistant psychologists to join the newly established, Devon-wide, Learning Disability and Autism (LDA) Outreach Team at Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

The Band 4 role will involve working in collaboration with other LDA Outreach colleagues, community learning disability and autism colleagues in addition to colleagues from 'The Brook' our 10-bedded Learning Disability and Autism inpatient unit.

You should have clinical experience of working with people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people and/or those experiencing mental health difficulties. We are seeking colleagues who are adept at working autonomously as well as part of the multidisciplinary team and be able to prioritise and manage workload. You should also have knowledge and experience of safeguarding, the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act, in addition to enhanced interpersonal, communication, formulation and risk assessment skills.

This role is suitable for applicants who already hold a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or qualification to diploma level or equivalent, or those looking to train into the role. A trainee post (Band 3) will be offered to suitable candidates without the qualification, with support to complete the required foundation degree within two years.

Main duties of the job
We welcome applications from experienced and compassionate staff who can demonstrate and promote effective and high-quality care to the highest evidence-based standards.

A central part of the role involves working alongside the Band 7 Outreach Practitioners to support with the triaging, assessing, planning, formulation and delivering of complex care packages to admission-vulnerable service users across Devon. We will also offer support for those discharged from The Brook, whilst ensuring proactive liaison with other partner agencies, families and care providers at every stage of care.

Interviews to be held Thursday 12th November 2026.

Devon Partnership NHS Trust is looking to become a recognised centre of excellence and expertise, the successful applicant should hold the Trusts values and have the competencies and confidence to inspire and involve staff to help reach this target over the next five years.

Essential

• Organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently within defined procedures and care pathways
• Previous experience working in a range of different behaviour settings for people with Learning Disabilities and/or autistic people.
• Experience of working with people who may present with distressed behaviours that present challenges to other services.
• Must already hold or obtain the Care Certificate within the first 3 months of employment.
• Level 3 QCF in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
• GCSE in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) OR Level 2 Key Skills/Functional Skills in Maths and English.
• Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate sensitive information to people with Learning Disabilities and/or autism, carers and colleagues.
• An ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships.
• Ability to work with people in a group or on an individual basis.
• Able to work in a team effectively and collaboratively
• Ability to use a variety of Communication systems.
• Ability to put information into easy and accessible format.
• This post requires the post holder to undertake and comply with the Trusts policies on manual handling and Breakaway/restraint core training if relevant to their clinical area of work.
• Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
• Able to work changing shift patterns as required.
• To demonstrate empathy, compassion and patience towards people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• To remain professional at all times including challenging situations.
• Knowledge of learning disabilities and neurodiversity and good practice in terms of supporting and working with people with Learning Disabilities and/or autism and their carers.
• Knowledge of a range of Mental Health presentations and medications for people with a Learning Disability and/or autism.
• An understanding of physical health problems which can impact on a persons mental health and monitoring of the same.
• Working knowledge of Valuing People and other relevant Learning Disability/Autism documents and policies.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and appropriate action to take.
• A basic understanding of the law in relation to consent and capacity.
• Basic IT skills.
• Ability to relate to, and communicate with people who have a Learning Disability and/or autism.
• Understanding of Recovery principles and Positive Behaviour Support Planning.
• Ability to evaluate complex information to assist with decision making.
• Problem solving skills.
• An awareness of own scope of practice and ability to make appropriate judgements on when to refer issues to a registered practitioner.
• Ability to assess risk (to self, service user and/or family/carers) and to take appropriate action.
• Assessment skills.
• Ability to problem solve.

Desirable

• Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or qualification to diploma level or equivalent.
• If a Foundation Degree or equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete within 2 years of commencing employment.
• Able to travel and work across the area covered by the trust as requested by Line Manager.
• An understanding of Care Coordination/ Management process.
• Awareness of the Code of conduct for Health Care Support Workers /Adult Social Care Workers in England.

Details
Date posted: 20 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £25,760 to £31,157 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: C9369-26-0833
Job locations: Langdon Hospital, Dawlish, Devon, EX7 0NR, United Kingdom

Employer details
Employer name: Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Employer's website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact: LDA Outreach Practitioner, Lisa Tiffany, lisatiffany@nhs.net

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.

Devon Partnership NHS Trust is committed to being an inclusive employer and applications are encouraged and welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time and flexible working applications will be considered and supported, where possible. We are a Disability Confident Leader.