DBT Therapist/Locum Community Mental Health Practitioner

MCG Healthcare; Greater London, Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000

Job description

DBT Therapist/Locum Community Mental Health Practitioner

Location: Kingsbury, NW9
Salary: £35-£40+ per hour
Contract Type: Temporary/Locum Contract
Hours: Full-time
Start Date: ASAP

We are looking for a highly skilled Locum Community Mental Health Practitioner with significant experience in delivering full-programme Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to adult clients. In this role, you will provide therapeutic support to individuals with complex mental health needs, using DBT as a primary intervention to improve emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills.

As a key member of our multidisciplinary team, you will work closely with clients to support their recovery and wellbeing in the community setting. You will also collaborate with other mental health professionals, ensuring a holistic and integrated approach to care.

Key Responsibilities

1. Deliver the full DBT programme, including individual therapy and skills training groups, to adult clients with borderline personality disorder and other complex mental health conditions.
2. Provide comprehensive assessments and develop personalized care plans based on DBT principles.
3. Work with clients to build and develop skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
4. Lead and facilitate DBT skills groups, ensuring a supportive and structured learning environment.
5. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide integrated care and support, including psychiatrists, social workers, and clinical psychologists.
6. Conduct risk assessments and manage high-risk situations, providing crisis intervention when necessary.
7. Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records in accordance with trust policies and legal requirements.
8. Ensure the delivery of a person-centered approach to care, empowering clients in their recovery journey.
9. Attend case reviews, supervision sessions, and team meetings to ensure professional development and cohesive team working.

Requirements

1. Registered with the NMC or HCPC as a Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, or Occupational Therapist.
2. Extensive experience in delivering the full DBT programme to adult clients.
3. In-depth knowledge of DBT techniques and their application in community settings.
4. Previous experience in community mental health services, ideally working with clients with personality disorders and complex needs.
5. Strong understanding of risk assessment, crisis management, and safeguarding.
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Demonstrated ability to engage and build therapeutic relationships with clients.
9. Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain one).

Desirable

1. Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
2. Additional DBT qualifications or training (e.g., DBT Linehan Board of Certification).