Mental Health Practitioner

Do you want to be part of an innovative open access crisis service for people across Dorset; delivered in partnership with Dorset mental health forum?

We have a great opportunity within the Retreat service for a Mental Health Practitioner to join our team at in Dorchester. Our mental health practitioners consist of a multi disciplinary team of nursing, occupational therapists and social workers

As a Mental Health Practitioner you'll support the running of an open access service for people in crisis. Our purpose is to provide a safe space for people to be heard so they can connect with others, access peer support and also brief interventions.

The role is a part time post up to 22.5 hours and consisting of twilight shifts, 4pm to Midnight, with applicable enhancements.

Lived experience and professional expertise are valued equally across all aspects of the project. We recognise that recovery can be struggle and a learning process but that it is important to hold the hope and optimism for people.

You will be supported by an individual development plan. Training will include World Health Organisation (WHO) approved suicide prevention skills workshop and trauma informed care.

Peer Support is a key ingredient for those accessing the service, but also for the staff team. There is protected informal peer support, external facilitated group supervision and reflective spaces.

Main duties of this role include working alongside peer specialists. As a team we create an environment which fosters peer support and self-management for people experiencing mental health crisis in line with the Retreat Core Principles.

You will engage with people to support their own and others safety. Supporting people to access their own resources and build coping skills. Recognising that a self-defined crisis is a learning process which requires honesty and transparency for all.

You’ll use your professional judgement to identify those attending the Retreat who may need further clinical input. Including risk assessment and treatment beyond what the Retreat can offer. You’ll support the person to access other services and liaise with those services.

The role is a part time post up to 22.5 hours and consisting of twilight shifts 4pm - Midnight.

Service tours and visits are welcomed and encouraged

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.