Specialist Practitioner Connection

Are you a Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist looking for a new role as a Specialist Practitioner? Our Team has a passion for making a difference to those in mental health crisis, come and join us to support our community.

The Connection service provides Dorset’s 24/7 open access mental health crisis telephone line, open to the public, professionals and emergency services for support, advice, brief interventions, assessment (telephone/face to face) & signposting.

If undertaking Twilight or Night shifts the role will include Street Triage - working closely with the police to provide proactive screening, telephone advice and information sharing, to support the police in their response to those presenting with mental health concerns in custody and community.

As a Specialist Practitioner you will utilise your professional experience without carrying an individual caseload. You will work in a great location with a sea view from the office, direct beach access and free staff parking

We are committed to the professional development and support of all staff, offer a range of internal and external training/education programmes, alongside regular clinical and management supervision

Completing brief clinical risk and mental state assessments to provide brief interventions for people presenting in mental health crisis with a view to signposting them onto the most appropriate service to meet their care needs.

Working via telephone, our qualified practitioners will be experts in validating, de-escalating crisis and coaching people in distress tolerance and emotional regulation strategies. Using a range of brief interventions, you will empower patients, carers and families to manage distress and crisis effectively.

As well as telephone based work the role also include opportunity to complete urgent face to face assessments across Dorset when indicated.

Providing clinical information, advice and support to other professionals and emergency services.

The team is part of the Trust Access Mental Health services and works closely with a range of other teams and services, including Home Treatment teams, Liaison Psychiatry and the Retreats. Overnight, Connection covers the Home Treatment Team caseload and manages any referrals.

Supervising and supporting the Mental Health Support Workers within the team providing guidance and support.

Work/life balance is as important to us as it is to you, we offer the following shifts to fit around your life:
Early 07:00 - 15:00

Late 15:00 - 22:00

Twilight 19:00-03:00

Night 20:30-08:00

Enhancements paid after 20:00, plus weekends and Bank Holidays. Long shifts would be considered.

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.

Recommend a friend

Recommend a friend or family member and earn cash

Do you have a friend or family member you would recommend to join us? Or do you know someone who wants to return to practice in the NHS? If the person you refer is appointed by the Trust and completes their probationary period you will receive £500 reward payment for the introduction Please contact the recruitment team if you require further info