School Nurse Specialist Practitioner with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for skilled workers seeking to relocate to the UK. However, all applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer directly before applying. The certificate of sponsorship is subject to UK immigration requirements and does not guarantee visa approval.
Job Overview
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a School Nurse Specialist Practitioner to join our Children’s Community Services Directorate. This position is part of the School Health Services, which includes School Nursing and Healthy Teams operating citywide across Manchester. The successful candidate will deliver the Healthy Child Programme (DHSC 2026) in line with the Manchester School Health Service offer, ensuring care is evidence-based with safe levels of intervention.
Company Information
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, employing over 30,000 staff and delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people each year. Our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester is the largest health academic campus in Europe. MFT is forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence, and driven to deliver innovation and continuous improvement.
Role Description
The School Nurse Specialist Practitioner will work as part of the school health team to provide clinical leadership support and professional direction. You will be proactive in identifying service development opportunities in consultation with Team Leads and Heads of Service. The post requires travel between multiple bases at short notice and may occasionally require transporting training materials or equipment. Core service hours are Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Main Duties
To work as part of the school health team to provide clinical leadership support and professional direction. Be proactive in the identification of service development in consultation with Team Leads and Heads of Service and participate in developing, monitoring, and evaluating quality standards within the service. To assess, allocate, and respond to requests for advice and support in order to promote and maintain the health and well-being of children and families.
Person Specification – Education and Professional Qualifications
First level Registered Nurse (degree level) is essential. Evidence of post registration education and training at HE level 6/7 is required. You must be competent as a Practice Assessor/Supervisor. Additionally, a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse qualification (SN) OR School Nursing Certificate/Diploma is essential.
Person Specification – Experience
Demonstrable evidence of professional development is essential. You must have considerable experience working within the safeguarding children arena. Experience in delivering health promotion and health education programmes is required. School nursing experience is essential, along with evidence of working with individuals and groups. Experience managing complex caseloads is also required.
Person Specification – Knowledge and Understanding
Detailed knowledge of health and social care policy relating to children’s services, including safeguarding, is essential. You must have detailed knowledge of national and local strategies relating to the school nursing service. Demonstrates an understanding of the public health issues in Manchester and a good understanding of the Manchester School Health Service and its delivery of the Healthy Child Programme.
Person Specification – Skills and Abilities
Evidence of utilising evidence-based practice and appraising standards, providing clinical direction and support for staff is essential. Demonstrates leadership skills and understanding of professional responsibilities within the team. Evidences establishing and maintaining key relationships with colleagues and other disciplines both internally and externally. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal are required.
Person Specification – Other Requirements
IT skills including the use of Microsoft packages, the ability to access information using the internet and electronic record systems are essential. You must be a car driver/owner and willing and able to travel citywide for work purposes, including occasional regional/national travel. Flexible and adaptable to changing needs in the service, including attending parents’ evenings in line with role requirements is essential. You must respect the values, culture, and beliefs held by others.
Additional Requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Barring Service Check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must 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.
How to Apply
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. To apply, visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 349-LCOD-7939761. Your application should include your CV, a personal statement, and any supporting documents that demonstrate how you meet the person specification.
Application Process
The application process involves submitting your application via the NHS Jobs website. We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 17 May 2026. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact Shelley Todd, the Team Lead.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Shelley Todd (Team Lead) at shelley.todd@mft.nhs.uk or phone 07815654703. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the recruitment team directly. All communication will be handled professionally and confidentially.
Employer Website
For more information about Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and our services, please visit https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/. Our careers page contains detailed information about working at MFT, our benefits package, and the support we offer to international staff relocating to the UK.
Supporting Documents
The following documents are available for download on the NHS Jobs website: Job description.pdf (PDF, 176 KB), Person Specification.pdf (PDF, 249 KB), and Functional Job requirements.pdf (PDF, 920 KB). We recommend that you review these documents carefully before preparing your application.
Privacy Notice
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to protecting your personal data. For information about how we process your data, please visit https://mft.nhs.uk/privacy-policy/. Your personal information will be used solely for recruitment purposes and will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation.
Diversity and Inclusion
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity, and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.
Why Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Joining MFT means becoming part of a 30,000-plus strong team delivering exceptional care. We offer a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working. You’ll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on healthcare in the UK.