Liaison Psychiatry Practitioner | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare service provider in Dorchester is seeking a Liaison Psychiatry Practitioner to assess patients with mental health issues and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate should be a Registered Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Social Worker with crisis assessment experience. This full-time position includes shifts across weekends and nights, with a supportive working environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Enhanced pay on weekends and public holidays

Opportunity for courses and professional development

Generous relocation package up to £10,000

Qualifications

• Experience in crisis management and assessment.
• Demonstrated understanding of clinical legislation and practices.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients referred from the Emergency Department and wards.
• Work autonomously and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide support to patients presenting with mental health issues.

Skills

Risk assessment skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Registered Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Social Worker

Job description

Overview

Are you a Registered Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker? The Dorchester Psychiatric Liaison service are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Liaison Psychiatry Practitioner to join their well-established supportive team.

Responsibilities

• As a Practitioner you will assess patients referred from a variety of sources including the Emergency Department and wards within the hospital. Patients seen may present with mental health problems, self harm, or a psychiatric crisis. You will also work with patients presenting with psychosomatic disorders as well as a variety of psychological issues relating to a physical disorder.
• You will need to be confident in your risk assessment skills and be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the legislation, polices and guidance which underpin our clinical practice. You will be required to work autonomously, therefore clinical skills and experience relating to crisis management and assessment are essential.
• You will need excellent communication and interpersonal skills as you will be required to work affectively with both the multidisciplinary team, our acute colleagues based in the general hospital, other mental health services and external supporting agencies.
• This post is a full-time role, we would accept part time applications and can be flexible. The service is 24/7 with shift patterns which include weekends, nights, and public holidays.

Benefits and Development

• Weekend and public holidays at enhanced pay!
• By joining Liaison Psychiatry as a Practitioner you will be offered a comprehensive induction period before starting in the role and be part of a continued developing service. You will be involved in team meetings, case presentations, reflective practice and receive regular group and individual supervision. You will have the opportunity to attend courses which support your individual development and growth as a practitioner in line with the appraisal process.

Shift Patterns

• Early - 7:30 – 15:30
• Late – 12:30 – 20:30
• Long day – 7:30 to 20:30
• Nights – 20:00 – 8:00

Other Information

We welcome informal discussions and visits to meet the team, please contact Golda Devadason, Team Leader at [e-mail] or on 01305 253946

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

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced/Standard 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. 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.

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]

If you are interested in moving to Dorset, we also offer a generous relocation package of up to £10,000. For further details on relocation expenses please [e-mail]

This advert closes on Thursday 18 Sep 2025