Mental Health Practitioner

Go back Dorset Health Care University NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 22 January 2026

Currently based at Maiden Castle Road Dorchester but moving to Weymouth in early 2026, The Retreat West offers an open access service for people in crisis and distress. The purpose is to provide a space for people to be listened to, to connect with others and access peer support and brief interventions.

We are seeking a compassionate, experienced registered mental health professional, to provide maternity cover for one of our team.

The partnership between lived and clinical experience is fundamental to the ethos and values of the Retreats, where registered practitioners and peer specialists work together to offer an open access crisis mental health service every evening; providing a welcoming, safe space for people to come and receive support, without referral or judgement.

This is a diverse role, providing mental health crisis support to visitors and carers, including clinical assessments, brief therapeutic interventions, advice and signposting.

We are committed to professional development and support, offering internal and external training/education programmes and supervision.

The post is for 3 evenings a week but hours can be negotiated. The service operates 365 days of the year, and whilst all reasonable flexible working requests will be considered, shift times are set at 16:00-midnight, in line with the opening hours of the service.

You will be required to use your professional judgement to identify those attending the Retreat who may need further clinical input, risk assessment, and treatment which is beyond what the Retreat can offer and support the person to access other services and liaise with other services.

You will be working with people in significant emotional distress to support them to access their own resources to keep themselves safe.

You will work, alongside peer specialists in a socially inclusive way alongside in line with the principles of the retreat.

Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced 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.

If you are interested in moving to Dorset, we also offer a generous relocation package of up to £5,000. For further details on relocation expenses please email

At Dorset Health Care 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 Health Care 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 dhc.

• A professional qualification at degree level or equivalent in either mental health nursing, occupational therapy or social work
• Hold current registration with pertinent body
• Evidence of post registration…