Children and Young People Mental Health Practitioner

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in England seeks a qualified practitioner for a full-time role supporting children and young people entering the criminal justice system. Responsibilities include conducting mental health assessments and collaborating with police. Applicants should have strong communication skills and an NHS background. This fixed-term position lasts until March 2028, with opportunities for part-time applicants as well. A UK driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health assessment and care planning.
• UK driving licence and reliable vehicle.
• Pass the police advanced vetting process.

Responsibilities

• Carry out mental health and risk assessments for children and young people.
• Share information with police for coordinated care.
• Identify vulnerabilities to reduce the risk of re-offending.
• Develop and monitor support networks.
• Follow up to ensure services are received.

Skills

Strong communication

Independent working skills

Mental health assessment

Care planning

Job description

Overview

Are you a qualified practitioner who prides themselves on being outgoing, self‑motivated and creative, with an interest in helping children and young people? The Dorset Integrated Non‑Custodial Service, which works with children and young people entering the criminal justice system, would like to hear from you!

The Service supports children and young people who have mental health, neuro‑diverse conditions and other vulnerabilities when they first enter the criminal justice system, usually in police custody or through a Voluntary Attendance Interview. You will use your clinical experience to carry out mental health and risk assessments, sharing information with the Police, help to reduce the risk of re‑offending by identifying vulnerabilities that could lead to a crisis point and ensuring the right support can be put in place.

This is a full‑time Monday to Friday (8.30am – 4.30pm) role which covers the whole of Dorset. We will try and match your base with your home address. Being a driver holding a UK driving licence is essential. We would welcome part‑time applications with a minimum of 30 hours and support flexible working to promote a healthy work‑life balance.

Responsibilities

• Carry out mental health and risk assessments for children and young people entering the criminal justice system.
• Share information with police and other agencies to ensure coordinated care.
• Identify vulnerabilities that could lead to a crisis point, reducing the risk of re‑offending.
• Develop and monitor support networks with both statutory and voluntary sectors.
• Follow up individuals to ensure they receive the services and support they need.

Requirements

• UK driving licence and reliable vehicle.
• Pass the police advanced vetting process.
• Experience in mental health assessment and care planning.
• Strong communication and independent working skills.
• Real passion for developing clinical skills in an evolving environment.
• For NHS employees: permission to be released on a secondment.

Employment Details

This is a specially commissioned fixed‑term role until 31 March 2028, designed to help implement and embed an enhanced service for children and young people. The role will be offered on a secondment basis only for NHS employees.

Contact

For further information or to arrange an informal visit, please contact:
Demelza Evernden – Children and Young People Lead
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]