Mental Health Support Worker - Eating Disorders | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Poole; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Poole is seeking compassionate Mental Health Support Workers for their team. The role involves providing care to individuals with eating disorders in a busy inpatient setting. Candidates must show empathy and have a willingness to learn. Ongoing training and professional development are provided. This position requires working shifts, including nights, and offers both full-time and part-time positions.

Qualifications

• Experience of caring for people with eating disorders in a mental health setting is desirable.
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally.

Responsibilities

• Carry out assigned tasks involving direct care in support of, and supervised by, a Registered Nurse.
• Help supervise and support patients during and after mealtimes.
• Complete the required Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course.

Skills

Empathy towards patients

Ability to work in a demanding environment

Effective communication

Job description

Overview

The Dorset All Age Eating Disorders Service (DAEDS) – Adult Inpatient Unit - Mental Health Support Worker role. We are looking to recruit kind, caring and compassionate Mental Health Support Workers who are interested in being part of a team offering treatment and care to people with an eating disorder.

Experience of caring for people with an eating disorder in a mental health setting is desirable; empathy towards those who have an eating disorder is essential. The ability to work effectively in a busy and demanding setting with a willingness to learn is vital. We promote learning and development, and all staff are encouraged and supported throughout their career to grow and develop. An induction and ongoing training opportunities, plus clinical and management supervision are provided. Your continuous professional development will be planned and tailored to your needs with support to achieve personal objectives set via annual appraisal and regular supervision.

The inpatient unit is open 24/7, 365 days a year and the role requires shifts including nights. The rostered day shifts are typically 7.5 hours. We are looking to recruit:

• 1 x 37.5 hour post
• 1 x 22.5 hour post

Responsibilities

• Carry out assigned tasks involving direct care in support of, and supervised by, a Registered Nurse.
• Carry out tasks identified by trained nursing staff in relation to patients’ needs.
• Help supervise and support patients during and after mealtimes.
• Make accurate records of patient observations.
• Work unsupervised when offering verbal and emotional support to patients.
• Complete the required Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course; success is a condition of employment.

Additional Information

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 – this is reflected in our high standards and commitment to quality and patient experience. Our workforce is diverse, inclusive, and dedicated to continuous improvement.

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 contact [e-mail]

Advert closes on Wednesday 24 Sep 2025