About this role
Job summary
This is a unique opportunity to complete the Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN), starting September 2026, with pathways in Health Visiting or School Nursing. The 52-week Level 7 programme, delivered by Liverpool John Moores University, will equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge required to meet the NMC SCPHN Standards of Proficiency.
You'll gain hands on experience through high-quality placements across our Knowsley 0-25, St Helens, Cheshire East, and Wirral 0-19 teams, supported by a dedicated Practice Assessor, Practice Supervisor, and Academic Assessor. This is an exciting development route into a specialist public health nursing career, making a real impact on children, young people, and families.
The selection procedure will be undertaken jointly between Service representatives and the University. If you have been successfully shortlisted by the Trust, you will be offered an interview during May/June 2026.
Internal successful candidates will be seconded from their substantive post. External successful candidates will be offered a Fixed Term 12-month contract with WCHC.
Main duties of the job
On completion of this programme the student will have the specific knowledge, skills and proficiencies required to enable them to fulfil the role of Specialist Community Public Health Nurse within a defined area of practice.
Students must successfully complete the taught theory and practice elements of the programme before they can register and practice as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse.
Throughout the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing programme the student must experience practice in a range of different settings and areas of practice to enable them to develop understanding of the breadth of Specialist Community Public Health Nursing practice.
To develop an understanding of the principles of working in partnership with others to prevent the occurrence of needs and risks related to health and well-being.
About us
Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust is a high-performing, forward-thinking organisation committed to delivering outstanding, compassionate care across our communities. We are proud to be rated 'Outstanding' for Caring by the CQC and recognised for our strong culture of teamwork, innovation, and professional development.
As a Trust, we are passionate about supporting our workforce to grow, thrive, and achieve their career ambitions. Colleagues benefit from a welcoming, inclusive environment where wellbeing, continuous learning, and high-quality supervision are prioritised. We champion flexible working, value diversity, and actively encourage staff to bring ideas that help shape and improve our services.
Joining us means becoming part of a community-focused organisation that makes a real difference to children, young people, families, and adults across Wirral and beyond. Whether in clinical practice, leadership, or education, you will be supported to deliver excellent care and to develop the skills and confidence needed for the next stage of your career.
Job description Job responsibilities
To enable the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing student to develop the skills and competencies to:
Provide comprehensive assessments of the health needs of clients. Raise awareness about health and social well-being and related factors, services, and resources. Raise awareness about the actions that groups, and individuals can take to improve their health and social well-being. Develop, sustain, and evaluate collaborative work. Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment to ensure children are safeguarded. Develop capacity and confidence of individuals and groups, including families and communities, to influence and use available services, information and skills, acting as an advocate where appropriate Identify and evaluate service provision and support networks for individuals, families, and groups within in the local area. Identify individuals, families and groups who are at risk and in need of further support. Develop and sustain relationships with groups and individuals with the aim of improving health and social well-being. Undertake screening of individuals and populations and respond appropriately to findings
Person Specification
Qualifications and professional training Essential
A current first level registration Holds a degree in Nursing or midwifery or is able to evidence recent successful study at level 6 or 7 2 years post-registration experience of professional practice
Desirable
Up to date Professional Portfolio demonstrating evidence of reflective practice
Experience and knowledge Essential
Appreciation and application of research in professional practice Demonstrate excellent communication skills both written and verbal Ability to plan and organise own work Ability to study independently at Level 7
Desirable
Experience of supervising or assessing students
Skills and attributes Essential
Understanding of the role applied for Computer literacy skills Sound knowledge of health policy relating to Public Health and Primary/ Community Care Aptitude to work cohesively within a team
Personal qualities Essential
Leadership potential Be able to independently travel across a defined geographical area to deliver care Reliable Innovative Flexible Good interpersonal skills Be able to adapt to student role / status
Desirable
Provide an academic reference
Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Address Knowsley 0-25 Health and Wellbeing Service
132 St Chads Drive
Kirby
L32 8RE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.wchc.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)