Job summary
We are looking to recruit an Enhanced Practitioner in Eating Disorders for our Under 18 Eating Disorder Day Service, which was commissioned as a pilot and has been operational since January 2024. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing service that is already showing promise in supporting young people with moderate to severe eating disorders outside of a hospital setting. The post is offered as a fixed term or secondment until 31st March 2027.
This role is central to the delivery of intensive, community-based support aimed at preventing hospital admission. The service combines multi-family group therapy sessions with targeted home-based interventions provided by our Closer2Home team. This innovative approach enables young people and their families to translate therapeutic learning into real-world changes in their home environment.
We are seeking a motivated and skilled practitioner with experience in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and/or eating disorders. The successful candidate will bring strong clinical skills, flexibility, and a passion for working collaboratively with families. Experience in delivering structured therapeutic interventions and working within a multi-disciplinary team will be key to this role.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable but not essential.
Main duties of the job
To provide high quality person centred care which always considers people's safety, privacy and dignity using enhanced clinical knowledge that is evidence based.
To undertake independent assessment and management of service users with an eating disorder making complex clinical decisions regarding service user management and clinical outcomes.
To provide enhanced clinical advice, leadership and support ensuring the needs of the service are met by exercising and demonstrating high levels of clinical judgement, critical analysis and advanced decision making skills.
To manage change, to monitor and improve standards through supervision, evidence based practice, clinical audit, research and education. To promote and demonstrate best practice by integrating evidence into practice.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
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.
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.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
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
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
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.
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.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
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
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
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.
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and training
Essential
- Registered practitioner to degree/diploma level supplemented by minimum PG dip (120 credits) at level 7 or working towards a relevant subject, or demonstrable extensive experience in the relevant specialty
- Demonstrable knowledge of legislation relevant to area of clinical practice
- Evidence of recent professional development in an up-to-date portfolio
- Learning and Assessing in Practice Qualification or equivalent practice assessors training
Job specific experience
Essential
- Experience at Registered Practitioner Band 6 level
- Able to demonstrate specialist expertise and knowledge underpinned by theory acquired through CPD in relation to clinical assessment, treatment and evaluation.
- Experience of developing specialist programmes of care for an individual or groups of patients/clients and of providing specialist advice
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Able to communicate effectively at different levels of the organisation and with staff, patient/service users, visitors or external organisations both verbally and in writing in the exchange of highly complex, sensitive or contentious information which may require the use of negotiating and/or persuasive skills.
- Able to analyse and assess situations and to interpret potentially conflicting situations and determine appropriate action, where there is a range of options and judgement is required.
Information Technology
Essential
- Able to analyse data and produce reports using Microsoft Excel and Word
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and training
Essential
- Registered practitioner to degree/diploma level supplemented by minimum PG dip (120 credits) at level 7 or working towards a relevant subject, or demonstrable extensive experience in the relevant specialty
- Demonstrable knowledge of legislation relevant to area of clinical practice
- Evidence of recent professional development in an up-to-date portfolio
- Learning and Assessing in Practice Qualification or equivalent practice assessors training
Job specific experience
Essential
- Experience at Registered Practitioner Band 6 level
- Able to demonstrate specialist expertise and knowledge underpinned by theory acquired through CPD in relation to clinical assessment, treatment and evaluation.
- Experience of developing specialist programmes of care for an individual or groups of patients/clients and of providing specialist advice
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Able to communicate effectively at different levels of the organisation and with staff, patient/service users, visitors or external organisations both verbally and in writing in the exchange of highly complex, sensitive or contentious information which may require the use of negotiating and/or persuasive skills.
- Able to analyse and assess situations and to interpret potentially conflicting situations and determine appropriate action, where there is a range of options and judgement is required.
Information Technology
Essential
- Able to analyse data and produce reports using Microsoft Excel and Word
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).
