Team Leader Retreat West
Posted 2 hours 3 minutes ago by NHS
The closing date is 19 March 2026
We are seeking a compassionate and motivated leader, registered as an experienced mental health professional, with a passion for ensuring delivery of high quality care to those in mental health crisis.
The Retreats are a key part of our Access Mental Health Services, providing open access mental health crisis support in a safe and welcoming environment between 16:00-midnight, 7 days a week.
Access Mental Health Dorset (dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk)
The Retreats operate with a co-production and a partnership approach, ensuring that the needs and views of people with lived experience are represented and valued in every part of development and delivery. The service is staffed by both mental health professionals and peer specialists.
As a team leader you will have a pivotal role in the day-to day management, delivery and ongoing development of the service. You will inspire and demonstrate leadership qualities through clear visible management, working with others, and demonstration of personal qualities aligned with professional and Trust values.
This is a part time post of 22.5 hours and involves working across core and out of hours (during service opening). All reasonable flexible working requests will be considered in line with needs of the service.
Informal conversations are welcomed, please contact
Main duties of the jobYou will provide visible, supportive, and consistent leadership to the Retreat team, including mental health practitioners, support workers and peer specialists.
You will lead with enthusiasm and act as a positive role model to promote a culture of compassion, inclusion, and professional development.
You will ensure effective day-to day management, including staffing, supervision, performance management, and development.
You will ensure delivery of high quality, person centred services aligned with the values of integrated care.
You will build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including local authorities, primary care, VCSE providers, and community services.
You will actively contribute to the co design, co production and planning of services in alignment with Trust, Forum, and national objectives.
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.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
About usAt 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.
Job responsibilitiesFor 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 do contact
Person Specification Knowledge skills and training- Registered health practitioner to degree level supplemented by minimum PG Dip (120 credits) plus working towards MA / MSc or demonstrable extensive experience in the relevant specialty
- Evidence of recent evidence based professional development in an up to date portfolio
- Learning and Assessing in Practice Qualification or equivalent practice assessors training
- Broad clinical and multi agency knowledge Skills in co production and partnership working
- Knowledge and understanding of the Trust's and Dorset Mental Health Forums Strategic approach
- Knowledge and understanding of legislation relevant to area of clinical practice
- Experience as a registered practitioner at Band 6 level as above
- Demonstrates specialist expertise and knowledge underpinned by theory acquired through CPD in relation to Recovery approached clinical assessment, treatment and evaluation
- Evidence of effective Risk management and Person focused Crisis Support skills
- Evidence of relevant involvement in meeting clinical governance objectives
- Evidence of proactive involvement in the supervision and development of members of the multi disciplinary team
- Able to demonstrate knowledge of health policy and its application in practice
- Evidence of education and training in practice
- Experience of interdisciplinary working and working with Peer Specialists
- Practical experience of facilitating and managing change
- Able to demonstrate highly developed physical skills where accuracy is important such as in the manipulation of fine tools and materials for patient interventions.
- Able to act as a clinical supervisor
- Managing and supporting Peer Staff
- Able to promote the best use of available resources in the pursuit of quality service provision ensuring a safe environment
- Experience of budget management.
- Confident in the use of computer systems, spread sheets, databases, data collection and coordination, word processing and report writing.
- Experience of electronic patient / service user record systems, data entry and reporting
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust