Learning Disability and Autism KeyworkerNHS

Job summary

The Learning Disability and Autism Keyworker is part of the NHS Long Term Plan. Keyworking within the Learning Disability and Autism services of the Black Country has been embedded within the system since May 2022 (following a successful pilot from 12 months previously). Since the Black Country's mobilisation of keyworking, there has been expansions including an Early Intervention Model and in-reach clinical keyworkers. The Black Country has been successful in it's implementation of the model and as such has been tasked alongside 1 other system nationally to be a 'proof of concept' for expanding the service to a keyworker model for all ages who have a diagnosis of Learning Disability and/or Autism.

The keyworker key functions are:

• Navigation
• Upskilling
• Empowerment
• Challenge of Systems

The All Age Keyworker Model aims to support reduction of the number of citizens with a diagnosis of Learning Disability and/or Autism in crisis and inappropriate admissions to mental health units, provide our citizens and their support networks with the support that they need at the right time, and improve transitions and quality of life.

Main duties of the job

Key functions of the keyworker role include:

• Empowerment of our citizens and families/carers.
• The navigation of multiples services and organisations to effectively access the right support from the system.
• Our keyworking model is about a set of functions introduced to the system via the keyworking role, in addition to the current roles in place to support our citizens.
• The keyworking function will dynamically connect the system, coordinating care systemically to maximise local resources and work more effectively with families.
• The keyworker team covers all 4 areas of the Black Country Foundation Healthcare Foundation Trust.

Job description

The All Age Keyworker Model aims to support reduction of the number of citizens with a diagnosis of Learning Disability and/or Autism in crisis and inappropriate admissions to mental health units, provide our citizens and their support networks with the support that they need at the right time, and improve transitions and quality of life.

A key function of keyworking is to empower our citizens and their support network and support them with identifying and navigating barriers across multiple services and organisations to effectively access the right support from the system.

The keyworking function dynamically connects the system, coordinating care systemically to maximize local resources and work more effectively with individuals.

The keyworker model is Black Country wide covering all 4 localities. Referrals for the keyworker service are received via the Dynamic Support Registers. Each individual will have a dedicated keyworker as their navigator

We recognise that our keyworkers need to be experienced to be effective in this pivotal role. Therefore, are keen to recruit keyworkers across Social care, NHS, voluntary sectors, and experts by experience, making allowance for Local Authority and NHS working terms and conditions to be continued where applicable. Black Country wish to attract a breadth of experience and relevant qualities, passion and vision.

About us

Employees, workers, and / or contractors will be expected to uphold the values of the Trust and exhibit the expected Trust behaviours aligned to the Trust's values. Individuals have a responsibility to ensure that they display the Trust values and behaviours in carrying out their job and that individuals feel able to challenge (or raise a challenge) when other colleagues' behaviours breach the spirit of Trust values.