Sexual Health Adviser

Job Overview

More Than an STI. More Than a Job.

Are you an experienced band 6 nurse or health care professional working in sexual health or BBVs and looking for a change? Are you passionate about sexual health with a longing to share your expertise with others? Do you see the whole person, rather than the STI? Have you been told that you're a great listener?

If so, this year long secondment post might be just what you're looking for. We are seeking to recruit into a fixed term secondment post to cover the maternity leave of one of our band 6 Health Advisers in the Bloomsbury Clinic.

Use your skills to support the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be an approachable, empathetic and non-judgemental professional with excellent communication and active listening skills. They will demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, professional curiosity, emotional intelligence, and a solution-focused approach to their work.

They will have a thorough understanding of the transmission, natural history and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs), alongside a clear knowledge of safeguarding principles and their practical application. An understanding of the public health role of partner notification, as well as knowledge of local services and referral pathways, is essential.

The post holder will be highly organised, able to work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and possess strong attention to detail. They will maintain accurate records, have good computer skills, and demonstrate a strong work ethic in delivering high-quality patient care and support.

Working for our organisation

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 8,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run.

Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation. We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference. We’re proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME and people with disabilities to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.

We are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries.

CNWL NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Please see Job description and personal specification for more details of this role. Please contact mark.longman@nhs.net if you require any further information or would like an informal chat

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Degree in Health, social care or related higher education qualification

Desirable criteria

• counselling skills certificate
• STI Foundation course attendance

Experience

Essential criteria

• A minimum of two years of working with patients in a healthcare setting
• Experience of managing emotionally challenging subjects with tact and sensitivity

Skills and attributes

Essential criteria

• Competent in Microsoft Office and clinical IT systems
• Understanding of partner notification and its application in the BBV service
• Non judgmental, active listening and empathy
• Thorough understanding of STI and BBV transmission, testing, treatment and management
• Ability to communicate complex medical information to a clinic cohort with varying levels of understanding
• Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team

Desirable criteria

• experience of offering informal counselling and support