ARMS Practitioner inBournemouth inBournemouth PUBLISHED WED 4 DEC 2024

We have an interesting and exciting opportunity for a band 6 practitioner to join the ARMS team and to take a leading role in the delivery of a psychologically lead service to people identified as having an At Risk Mental State (ARMS), based in Dorset.

We are excited to be able to announce that with new mental health transformation funding we will be launching a service aimed at identifying and supporting individuals who are vulnerable to developing psychosis . The service will work alongside those at risk of developing psychosis to create opportunities to develop preventative strategies and support through partnership with local mental health, social care, primary care and third sector agencies. This is a newly commissioned service aiming to recruit supportive, highly skilled, and established professionals. The ARMS service will work closely with Dorset Early Intervention in Psychosis Service and develop and maintain links with other services in Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust and the wider community.

As a specialist mental health service for those with ARMS, the service will be based on NICE-recommended interventions. This will include referral screening, comprehensive assessment and psychological interventions for psychosis and/or co-existing mental health problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, emerging personality disorder, substance misuse).

Key responsibilities will include offering comprehensive psychological assessment, psychological interventions (with individual clients and their families / support networks), consultation to team colleagues, offering clinical supervision, pursuing audit and research opportunities to enhance the service, offering training for colleagues, undertaking a duty worker role and supporting the team in service development where appropriate. You would be expected to work positively and proactively with care coordinators, recovery workers and CBTp therapist within the team.

You will be skilled in working with recovery based and collaborative approaches to care planning, working flexibly and creatively with service users and families to achieve their individual goals. Delivery of a quality service within the ARMS Pathway is a chance to change service users' lives, teaching them the skills to self-manage their difficult experiences and encouraging self-reliance and independence, as well as helping them rebuild their lives. You will be working with people who come with a variety of needs and at various stages of their conditions and recovery.

About us

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 do contact

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

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.