Mental Health Practitioner - Eating Disorders Service

Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Band 6

12 months, fixed term, maternity cover

Mental Health Services at Alder Hey offer excellent benefit schemes:

Refer a friend - Alder Hey: Successful candidates introduced by existing staff will receive £1000 after six months in post. Please include your friend's name and Alder Hey email in the additional information section of your application. This payment will be made in two parts: £250 in the first month's pay upon commencement, and £750 after six months.

Accommodation: Alder Hey will support accommodation costs for up to 3 months from the start date, up to £500 per month. Staff are responsible for paying the costs and reclaiming expenses.

Relocation package: Relocation support is available and will be discussed on an individual basis. Please contact recruitment@alderhey.nhs.uk for more information.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested and experienced in working with young people with eating disorders and/or ARFID. The successful applicant will contribute significantly to the clinical work of the team and will hold full case management responsibility. Regular clinical supervision will be provided.

The primary location for this role will be at Alder Hey, with appointments across community bases in Liverpool and Sefton. Experience working with children and young people with eating disorders is beneficial. Responsibilities include assessments, providing interventions and support to children, young people, and families, and conducting physical monitoring under the guidance of Consultant Paediatricians.

Applicants must demonstrate a positive attitude aligned with our Trust Values of excellence, innovation, openness, respect, and teamwork.

If you are enthusiastic, confident, friendly, outgoing, and committed to delivering excellent patient service, we would like to hear from you.

About us

The Eating Disorder Team (EDYs) provides support and treatment for children and young people in Liverpool and Sefton with eating disorders and/or ARFID, along with their families and involved professionals.

This multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Psychiatrists, Consultant Paediatricians, Clinical Psychologists, Family Therapists, CBT and SFP trained staff, Nurses, Support Workers, Assistant Practitioners, and Assistant Psychologists. The team is based at Alder Hey but offers community appointments across the footprint.

Job responsibilities

For detailed responsibilities and required skills and experience, please refer to the attached job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Education and Training

• Qualified in a core profession such as Children’s or Mental Health Nursing (RMN/RLD), Mental Health Practitioner, Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, or creative therapies (e.g., Art Therapy), with proof of registration.
• OR a recognized degree-level health and social care qualification requiring completion of The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) Knowledge Skills and Attributes.
• Training in child and family mental health.
• At least two years of postgraduate experience in the relevant profession.
• Experience working in child and adolescent mental health services.
• Experience working within an eating disorder service.

Experience of

• Proficiency in case management responsibilities.
• Application of therapeutic and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of health, education, social services, and voluntary sectors.
• Collaborative work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Understanding of current legislation relevant to the role.
• Principles of psychodynamic, systemic, cognitive, and behavioral therapies.
• Child development principles.
• Organizational skills for workload management.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Excellent communication skills for clinical and professional interactions.
• Knowledge of audit and evaluation methodologies.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check, as mandated by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, to screen for any criminal convictions.

Address

Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust