Job overview

The SHAC service is very excited to advertise a new 12 month fixed term contract or 12 month secondment post, available for registered nurses to apply for. The ideal candidate will have some experience or knowledge of sexual health, contraception or sexual health advising, however some training and development will be included.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to increase their skills, knowledge and experience in the area of sexual health, to either take back to their current role, or for those considering a future career in sexual health.

Brighton Sexual Health and Contraception is an integrated service, and operates across three main sites in the city, with outreach to other parts. We are a multi-professional progressive team providing a comprehensive, evidence-based and patient-focused service for Contraception and Sexual Health.

The successful post holder will meet with their line manager on a regular basis to discuss their training requirements to fully support their learning within post.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills as the role requires a sensitive, confidential and non-judgmental manner at all times. Evidence of previous team working and flexibility is essential.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will be responsible for delivering planned, high quality nursing and health advising care that encompasses and responds to the sexual health and contraception needs of patients attending the service.
• The post holder will provide evidence-based, holistic sexual health and contraception care to patients attending the service. This will include sexual and reproductive history taking, assessment of needs (including contraception, pregnancy, risk-taking behaviour, alcohol and drug use, mental health), venepuncture, facilitation of asymptomatic pathway for patients, intimate genital examinations and specimen collection (including cervical cytology and pregnancy testing), diagnostic microscopy, discussion of results, diagnosis and management plan, administration and supply of medicines under PGD, genital wart treatments and sexual health discussion / health promotion / signposting to other services.
• The health advising element of the post includes positive results management, including HIV results. The assessment and appropriate referral of more vulnerable patients attending the service, including those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, under 18's and patients with substance use issues including Chems use. Referral and a good working knowledge of local support options, Social Services processes and a sound knowledge of safeguarding processes and management.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see Band 5 Combined Sexual Health Nurse and Health Adviser Job description.

Internal applicants should note that this opportunity will be offered on a secondment basis. Before applying, internal colleagues must discuss the opportunity with their current line manager to confirm whether they can be released from their substantive role if successful. Release to undertake a secondment is not automatic and must be agreed between the colleague, their current line manager, and the recruiting line manager.

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Person specification:

Skills

Essential

• Demonstrates excellent clinical skills
• Experience working at part of a multidisciplinary team
• Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
• Experience or interest in the area of sexual health, contraception or LGBTQ+ health
• Evidence of experience in managing and delivering person centred care on daily basis

Desirable

• Competent in performing venepuncture
• Post graduate experience within sexual health providing GUM and/or contraception care
• Competent in diagnostic microscopy
• Competent in HPV ablative therapies
• Ability to apply Fraser competencies for those aged 16 and under
• Aware of Trust Policies and financial position
• Experience of delegation
• Evidence of managing complex patients

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Registered General Nurse
• Knowledge of counselling skills and commitment to undertake counselling training to level 3
• Experience of working in sexual health/HIV

Desirable

• Mentorship course

People Management and Development

Essential

• Good standard of written, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to vary communication style according to audience and clinical situation

Desirable

• Experience of clinical supervision and reflective practice
• Ability to supervise the work of other staff and learners
• Experience of supervising junior staff, supported by senior staff nurse or manager
• Ability to co-ordinate the work of the clinic team

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues