Eating Disorders Specialist Practitioner | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health service provider in Dorchester seeks a Specialist Practitioner to join their multidisciplinary team. This role involves providing care to patients affected by eating disorders with an emphasis on collaboration and professional development. Training is offered, making it suitable for those new to this specialty. The position is part of a commitment to offering comprehensive care and support to a diverse patient demographic.

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health, ability to assess and manage risk.
• No previous experience in eating disorders required.
• Strong willingness to work with children and young populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice to patients/service users regarding care.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff in the team.
• Ensure a high-quality person-centered approach in care delivery.

Skills

Background in mental health

Ability to assess and formulate

Collaborative teamwork

Willingness to work with children and young people

Job description

Overview

We welcome applications from both experienced eating disorder practitioners and those from broader mental health backgrounds. We offer tailored training and professional development to support growth and confidence in this specialist area.

The Dorset All Age Community Eating Disorder Service has an exciting opportunity for a Specialist Practitioner to join our friendly, multidisciplinary team. The post will be based at Trinity Court, Dorchester.

We provide comprehensive assessment, treatment, and ongoing support to children, young people, adults, and their families affected by eating disorders. At present, we are particularly keen to recruit practitioners interested in working with children and young people, although there may be opportunities in the future to work across the lifespan.

You do not need previous experience in eating disorders to apply. If you have a background in mental health and can assess, formulate, manage risk, and work collaboratively within a team, we will provide the specialist training, supervision, and support needed to help you develop your expertise.

To work as part of the Multi-disciplinary Dorset All Age Community Eating Disorders Service.

Responsibilities

• To provide advice to patients / service users and carers regarding their care.
• Provide supervision, mentorship, training and clinical support to students, trained practitioners and junior staff in the team.
• To provide a high quality person centred approach to care delivery which always considers people’s safety, privacy and dignity.
• To provide specialist care and interventions, assessments, treatments and managing patients on a caseload, as part of the wider multi-disciplinary care team.
• To provide specialist advice to others regarding the management and care of patients / service users.
• To devise specialist programmes of care for other professionals to deliver and ensure they are delivered appropriately.
• To plan, implement and review health improvement programmes in a range of settings.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Background in mental health and ability to assess, formulate, manage risk, and work collaboratively within a team.
• No prior eating disorders experience required for application; specialist training, supervision and support provided.
• Willingness to work with children and young people, with potential future opportunities to work across the lifespan.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

About 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.

Application and Additional Information

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 [e-mail]

This advert closes on Tuesday 11 Nov 2025