About this role
Job summary
Band 6 Dementia Assessment Nurse
We are seeking an enthusiastic, skilled, and competent mental health nurse with a special interest in the care of older adults to join our Diagnostic Memory Clinic.
The Newham Diagnostic Memory Clinic delivers a dynamic, innovative, and responsive service for a population where dementia diagnosis rates continue to rise. The team provides high-quality, comprehensive assessments and diagnostic pathways for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, working in close partnership with service users, carers, and families. This includes delivering post-diagnostic support and evidence-based interventions that promote independence, social inclusion, and quality of life.
The service works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, statutory partners, and voluntary sector organisations to ensure coordinated, person-centred care across the dementia pathway.
Main duties of the job
Undertake detailed cognitive, functional, physical, and psycho-social assessments using validated tools (e.g., ACE-III, MoCA) to support accurate diagnosis.
Analyse assessment findings and contribute to diagnostic formulation, identifying differential diagnoses and co-morbidities.
Present cases at MDT meetings and work collaboratively with psychiatrists, psychologists, OTs, to agree diagnostic outcomes and care plans.
Provide clear, compassionate feedback to service users and carers following diagnosis, offering tailored advice, education, and emotional support.
Facilitate nurse-led titration clinics for cognitive enhancers, monitoring effectiveness, side effects, and adherence.
Identify safeguarding concerns, escalate appropriately, and work with partner agencies to protect vulnerable adults.
Complete carer assessments, provide support, and signpost to relevant services and community resources.
Respond to urgent situations, providing rapid assessment and intervention to maintain safety and prevent escalation.
Maintain accurate, timely, and high-quality clinical records in line with Trust and NMC standards.
Participate in audits, QI projects, and service development initiatives to enhance clinical practice and patient experience.
Deliver care that is culturally informed and responsive to the diverse needs of the local population.
About us
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please kindly refer to the job description and person specification attached to this vacancy advert.
Person Specification
Education/Qualification/Training Essential
oEvidence of post-registration training in dementia, or older as' mental health caredult. oRegistered Mental Health Nurse with up-to-date registration with NMC.
Desirable
Evidence of continual professional development. Evidence of Practice Assessor training.
Experience Essential
oPrevious experience of participating in clinical audits and contributing to KPI reporting. oDemonstrated nursing experience at Band 5 or above. oExperience of working with older adults in mental health, dementia, or community setting. oProven experience of working effectively as a team member of a multi-disciplinary team. oExperience of independently completing psycho-social assessments and planning care for service user with complex care needs. oExperience of responding to service users and carers feedback to improve service delivery, taking personal responsibility to resolving issues. oEvidence of willingness to take responsibility and accountability for clinical decisions and actions in a leadership capacity.
Desirable
Experience of working in Memory service or using cognitive assessment tools. Experience in frailty or complex comorbidity pathways.
Skills and abilities Essential
oAbility to analyse clinical data and use findings to inform actions that improve standards of care. oEvidence of excellent organisational skills, including prioritisation and workload management. oEvidence of strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. oAbility to assess and manage high-risk or crisis situations safely and effectively. oDemonstrated ability of strong comprehensive assessment and person-centred care planning skills. oAbility to use a wide range of communication skills effectively within a multi-disciplinary team. oCompetent IT skills, including typing skills, high-quality report writing and electronic record-keeping. oStrong skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, and facilitation to support positive outcomes. oDemonstrated ability to apply evidence-based practice to improve clinical outcomes.
Desirable
Skills in delivering post-diagnostic support or Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.
Knowledge Essential
oKnowledge and understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults, including procedures, thresholds, and responsibilities. oUnderstanding of the key themes of clinical governance and the importance of evidence-based practice. oKnowledge of approaches to clinical risk assessment and risk management in community mental health settings. oUp-to-date knowledge of relevant mental health nursing approaches and national agendas affecting the care of people with dementia. oKnowledge and understanding of clinical, social, environmental and others factors that influence the health and wellbeing of older adults. oKnowledge and understanding of equal opportunities policies and procedures, and how they impact staff, service users and carers oCompetent IT skills, including typing skills, high-quality report writing and electronic record-keeping. oStrong skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, and facilitation to support positive outcomes. oDemonstrated ability to apply evidence-based practice to improve clinical outcomes. oUnderstanding of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and how it is applied to support older adults with Dementia and cognitive impairment. oUnderstanding of the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007) and how relevant sections are used in clinical practice. oUnderstanding of Human Rights Act 1998 and its application when caring for people with dementia and cognitive impairment. oKnowledge of Trauma-informed Care and approaches and how they influence compassionate, safe clinical practice.
Desirable
Knowledge of dementia medication Understanding of national dementia strategies and NICE guidelines.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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 East London NHS Foundation Trust
Address Newham Community Mental Health Care of Older People
103 First Avenue, Plaistow, Newham
London
E13 8AP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.elft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)