Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Systemic Family Therapist

The closing date is 15 February 2026

Job summary

We are currently seeking a Systemic Psychotherapist to join our Under 18 Eating Disorder Day Service, a pilot initiative launched in January 2024. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an evolving and innovative service that is already making a positive impact by supporting young people with moderate to severe eating disorders within the community. The position is available as a secondment until 31st March 2027.

The role plays a pivotal part in delivering intensive, family-focused interventions designed to prevent inpatient admissions. The service blends multi-family group therapy with direct, home-based therapeutic input delivered by our Closer2Home team, enabling families to apply therapeutic strategies in real-life settings.

We are looking for a dynamic, compassionate, and experienced systemic therapist who is confident in working with young people and families affected by eating disorders. Applicants should have a background in CAMHS and/or eating disorder services and demonstrate clinical confidence, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team. Skills in delivering systemic interventions, supporting family functioning, and contributing to service development will be highly valued.

While a UK driving licence and access to a vehicle would be beneficial, it is not essential.

We also welcome applications from individuals who are nearing completion of their systemic psychotherapy training.

Main duties of the job

To provide high quality, highly specialised, evidence based systemic Family Therapy to individuals, their families, and carers with an eating disorder.

To work as a member of a multi disciplinary team to provide assessment and interventions for individuals, and their families who have been referred to the EatingDisorders Service.

To develop high quality specialist family therapy assessment and intervention within the team.

To provide family therapy advice and supervision to colleagues.

To involve service users/carers in the planning of their treatment and development of the service.

To promote autonomy of individuals.The principal role is in partnership with individuals, families and carers to assess, plan and implementinterventions and care to promote recovery from eatingdisorders.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do, and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do.

Details

Date posted

29 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year p.a., pro rata for part time

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

152-M496.25

Job locations

Wareham Community Hospital

Streche Road

Wareham

BH20 4QQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Person Specification

Educational / Qualifications

Essential

  • Post graduate qualification in appropriate mental health/social care profession
  • Masters or Doctoral level qualification in Systemic Psychotherapy
  • Eligibility for UKCP registration
  • Registration as clinical supervisor

Skills/Experience/Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience as a family therapist working within children's services
  • Excellent assessment skills
  • Knowledge of legislation and national guidance relating to the client group
  • Knowledge of NICE guidance recommendations for client group
  • Knowledge of Safeguarding procedures

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business

Personal Qualities / Aptitudes

Essential

  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent communicator organised and able to develop a service.
  • The willingness to be flexible and work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure the best therapeutic approach to children and families
Person Specification

Educational / Qualifications

Essential

  • Post graduate qualification in appropriate mental health/social care profession
  • Masters or Doctoral level qualification in Systemic Psychotherapy
  • Eligibility for UKCP registration
  • Registration as clinical supervisor

Skills/Experience/Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience as a family therapist working within children's services
  • Excellent assessment skills
  • Knowledge of legislation and national guidance relating to the client group
  • Knowledge of NICE guidance recommendations for client group
  • Knowledge of Safeguarding procedures

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business

Personal Qualities / Aptitudes

Essential

  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent communicator organised and able to develop a service.
  • The willingness to be flexible and work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure the best therapeutic approach to children and families

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).

Additional information

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

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wareham Community Hospital

Streche Road

Wareham

BH20 4QQ


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wareham Community Hospital

Streche Road

Wareham

BH20 4QQ


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Service Manager

Abigail Baker

01258394099

Details

Date posted

29 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year p.a., pro rata for part time

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

152-M496.25

Job locations

Wareham Community Hospital

Streche Road

Wareham

BH20 4QQ


Supporting documents

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