Clinical Nurse Specialist - Behavioural Therapy

The role of the CNS has a clinical focus, which comprises the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of services. The CNS also participates in training, research and the auditing of his/her work. The CNS liaises with and supports the Multi-Disciplinary Team. The role of the CNS in Behavioural Therapy creates opportunities for service users who present with behaviours that challenge, to work and to participate in new life experiences. The behavioural approach aims:

To be effective in changing inappropriate patterns of behaviour
To respect the individual's dignity and rights
To expand the individual's opportunities
To enhance the individual's quality of life.

This enables the individual to meet personal outcomes and to lead a more fulfilling life through increased opportunity to identify choices, achieve personal goals and through greater social integration into the community.

Ongoing support will be provided to both service users who present with behaviours that challenge and their carers throughout all areas of the service for example:

Those living at home with their families
Attending the special school
Attending Day Service Programmes
Living in Community Group Homes
Resident on site
Availing of Respite Services