Children's Health Advisors

[Guest guest]

I get those emailed job ads from time to time. This was one which

caught my eye because I'd never heard of such posts.

Turns out, it's the new name for NNEBs working in the community with

HVs. They don't seem to report to a health visitor though - they are

responsible to the team leader directly on Band 4. The scope of the

work is surprising too - this is from the JD:

POST SPECIFIC, TASKS AND OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVES

The post holder will carry out tasks delegated by the named nurse*,

for the day to day provision of client care with minimal supervision.

The Children´s Health Advisor will support the delivery of the

Healthy Child Programme (0-19)

The Children´s Health Advisor will use the Common Assessment

Framework (CAF) to promote integrated service delivery to vulnerable

children and their families

Working to Trust policies and procedures.

The Children´s Health Advisor will work closely with partner

organizations, particularly schools and children´s centres to promote

a culture of integrated working in order to improve outcomes for

children and their families

The Children´s Health Advisor will assist in the identification of

needs in order to promote the health and well being of children

within the caseload

The Children´s Health Advisor will support programmes to improve

public health, particularly those related to breast feeding, healthy

eating and weight and parenting skills

The Children´s Health Advisor will work consistently to deliver

improved outcomes based on the objectives of the Dorset Children and

Young People´s Plan.

TASKS

Be aware of, conversant with and maintain up to date knowledge of

Inter-agency Safeguarding Procedures. Attend and contribute to Child

Protection initial and review Case Conferences where appropriate with

the named nurse, in line with local guidelines and in discussion with

the Manager.

To work within the Dorset Overarching Information Sharing Protocol

To initiate and participate in the Common Assessment Framework

process including the Lead Professional role where appropriate.

The planning and implementation of all routine developmental checks,

for which the post holder will receive training as outlined by the

Healthy Child Programme. This will be delegated by but with minimum

supervision from, the named nurse/health visitor. Where health needs

identified these are assessed and in consultation with the named

nurse, a Health Care Plan implemented.

The planning and implementation of population growth monitoring of

designated groups of children ensuring that all data is recorded

accurately.

Ensure that growth monitoring equipment is kept in good working order

and that they are calibrated regularly and reporting any breakages in

a timely fashion.

Refers to and accepts referrals from and interacts with the multi-

agency team, under the guidance of the health visitor or school

nurse. These contacts may be in person, by telephone or in writing on

a daily basis.

Attends team meetings as appropriate

Communicates factual information to staff/patients and carers with

different levels of understanding. This information may be complex or

sensitive in nature. Uses appropriate communication style and

empathy to deal with these situations.

Give advice and support to parents, pupils and teaching staff on

health related matters, where appropriate including drop ins in

various settings including the home and act as a client advocate

where appropriate

Plan and implement Health Promotion activity, both for individuals

and groups: within the local and national Public Health agenda with

particular reference to the promotion of breastfeeding and

appropriate weaning, the prevention of childhood obesity and

promoting parenting skills in conjunction with partner agencies

particularly children´s centres and schools

Use resources effectively

Share knowledge with colleagues.

As part of the children and family health services team, participate

in needs analysis activity.

In accordance with Trust guidelines, ensure all client related

contacts are recorded contemporaneously in the appropriate child

health record

Participate in own job development review to develop a personal

development plan. Assist in the support of junior or less experienced

colleagues as required.

Attend clinical supervision and safeguarding supervision as directed.

Reports in writing any adverse incidents within the appropriate time

scale

Attend statutory and mandatory training.

Completion and return of statistics and audit requirements.

Ensure that professional equipment is maintained in good working

order.

Any other duties commensurate to the pay band and as requested by the

Manager.

____________________________________

* I'm not sure what the 'named nurse' is.

Is this typical? It looks like the full public health role with

fairly comprehensive autonomy to me.

Is this a half-price reinvention of health visiting without the

bother of registered practitioners?