CAMHS Acute Services Practitioner (Community Based)

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK seeks a passionate professional to join their Enhanced Support and Liaison team within CAMHS. The role involves conducting mental health assessments and providing therapeutic interventions for young people and families in crisis. Candidates should have experience working with young people and a compassionate approach to care. Flexible working options are available across various locations in Dorset, including acute hospitals. The trust is committed to inclusivity and diversity.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing and treating crisis situations involving young people.
• Preparedness to engage in continuous professional development.
• Positive attitude towards helping families in distress.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health assessments for children and young people.
• Provide therapeutic interventions based on evidence.
• Coordinate care with multiple agencies.

Skills

Experience working with young people

Compassionate and adaptable approach

Willingness for professional development

Job description

Overview

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a role with the Enhanced Support and Liaison team within Dorset CAMHS. The team will operate across the three Acute Hospitals and in the community, providing enhanced support to young people and their families in crisis. The service will deliver comprehensive Mental Health assessments and short‑term crisis interventions to help young people achieve stability. The role will initially involve building an energetic, passionate and skilled team as the service expands, with a strong emphasis on training, supervision and clinical development.

Responsibilities

• Offer high‑quality mental health assessments and clinical formulations for children, young people and families referred from a variety of settings, in acute hospital settings and in the community.
• Liaise with relevant agencies to coordinate care for young people and their families.
• Provide evidence‑based therapeutic interventions to children, young people and families under the Enhanced Support and Liaison Team.
• Work with colleagues within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to ensure delivery of comprehensive packages of care; make recommendations regarding admission and discharge under supervision.
• Support flexible working across Dorset, with a hybrid model of home and site working in the community and the three acute hospitals.
• Operate within the service hours (8am–9pm, 7 days a week) with potential for weekend working and flexible shifts, including longer but fewer working days and early/late shifts.
• Engage in the comprehensive training package, including induction on crisis assessment, management and treatment, with supervision from clinical and operational managers.
• Contribute to a growing service, potentially supporting existing teams during transitional phases and adapting to new structures as they are implemented.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience of working with young people; the role includes training to assess, manage and treat those in crisis as part of induction.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development and supervision.
• A compassionate, adaptable and positive approach to helping young people and families in crisis.

Working Arrangements & Location

The role is predominantly community‑focussed across Dorset, with opportunities to work in the three acute hospitals. The service operates pan‑Dorset with a temporary base during the transitional phase. Flexible working is available where possible to support the moments that count most.

About Dorset HealthCare

We are an inclusive, 7,000‑strong workforce delivering outstanding, joined‑up healthcare services. Our Trust was rated outstanding by the CQC in 2019. We are committed to equal opportunities and celebrating diversity, with a aim to create a workplace where everyone can be their best self.

Application Process

For the main duties and responsibilities, please read the attached job description and person specification. When applying, ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria 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 employability support for individuals applying to work with us. If you would like or know someone who would value this support, please contact [e-mail].

Closing Date

This advert closes on Wednesday 1 Oct 2025.