A Vacancy at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
Adult Eating Disorders Specialist Assessment Practitioner
This role will involve conducting specialist assessments of patients referred to the eating disorder service, using a blended approach of assessment via Teams or face‑to‑face where indicated. You will liaise with referrers and provide advice to primary and secondary services and other external agencies such as community mental health teams, and medical and psychiatric wards where required. You will support new staff completing assessments and further your experience within a specialist setting. The role requires motivation, empathy, skill and dedication, with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a dynamic multi‑disciplinary team, and excellent communication skills. You will be supported by a friendly MDT, line management and regular clinical supervision.
Community Team Overview
The Adult Community Team is an integral part of the wider adult eating disorders outpatient service, acting as a front of house for all stakeholders. The team is made up of highly experienced mental health nurses, occupational therapists, dieticians, nursing associates, family therapists, specialist practitioners and consultant psychiatrists. The team has various treatment pathways including FREED (early intervention), an intensive community treatment team and an expanding primary care pathway.
Service Overview
Vincent Square Eating Disorders Service is an all‑age service with an adult inpatient ward, day programme, children and young people service and adult outpatient team. It is the specialist service provider for patients living in the boroughs of Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Brent and Harrow, and accepts national referrals for specialist inpatient and day‑patient care. The service has a main base in South Kensington, a satellite clinic at Roxborough Road (Harrow) and a newly opened site near Paddington. Preferred working site will be considered, and flexible working from home is available as appropriate.
Flexible Working Policy
Since Covid‑19 staff typically work from home up to one day per week. Flexible hours are allowed so long as they fit with team capacity.
Clinical Responsibilities
* Provide specialist eating disorder assessments.
* Provide advice to referring agents on how to access the service.
* Advise other teams about management of eating disorders as part of service users’ package of care when other significant psychiatric or medical comorbidities are present.
* Ensure practice in accordance with professional code of conduct and mental health legislation, respecting differences in gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, culture and disability.
* Participate as an active member of the team, accountable for your practice, and work in partnership with other healthcare professionals, patients and others in the delivery of care.
* Offer support and advice on suitable treatments for severely ill patients awaiting outpatient/inpatient admission to professional staff, families and carers.
* Organise own schedule, maintaining daily contact with the team lead on any issues as they arise.
* Act in a manner that promotes and safeguards the interests and wellbeing of patients, visitors and colleagues.
* Participate in mandatory staff group.
Generic Responsibilities
* Work within the clinical boundaries and model of care of the service.
* Attend regular clinical meetings at the service base and report back on patient contacts.
* Develop and maintain professional and positive inter‑disciplinary relationships within the clinic, Trust and related services.
* Act as lead professional when appropriate and undertake risk assessments.
* Maintain confidentiality standards at all times.
* Inform the team lead and service manager of concerns about care, report incidents, accidents or complaints in accordance with Trust policy, and assist with investigations and statements.
* Have line management supervision.
* Provide written reports adhering to Trust guidelines.
* Be aware of and implement Trust policies, other relevant legislation (Mental Health Act 1983 and others), working within a legal framework.
* Work with patients and staff according to equal opportunities principles.
Communication
* Possess excellent communication skills, forming positive therapeutic relationships.
* Be aware of verbal and non‑verbal communication interpretations, maintain a polite approach.
* Liaise closely with primary and secondary healthcare services, families and carers to ensure coordinated care.
* Liaise with voluntary agencies to create seamless patient care.
* Promote team cohesiveness, multidisciplinary working, collaborating with colleagues across Trust.
* Ensure confidential information is not divulged and is stored per Data Protection Act.
* Ensure documentation is legible and written in line with professional guidelines.
Training
* Participate in planning and facilitating induction of new staff to assessment.
* Identify training and professional needs in supervision and develop educational/training plan under KSF and appraisal.
* Ensure own professional mandatory training is met.
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of evidence‑based treatment for eating disorders.
* Carry out any other duties appropriate to the grade.
Policies and/or Service Development
* Use specialist clinical expertise to contribute to operational and strategic plans for the service and assist its development.
* Ensure implementation of professional and Trust‑wide clinical policies.
Management of Resources
* Ensure agreed Trust policies and procedures are followed.
* Report maintenance requirements through Trust processes.
* Collect qualitative and quantitative data using audit tools in consultation with senior management.
Personal Development
* Keep up to date and participate in training programmes identified in a Personal Development Plan and KSF framework.
* Maintain knowledge of changes in health care, clinical governance, national service framework for mental health and NICE guidelines for eating disorders.
* Participate in formal appraisal system in accordance with Trust policy.
* Participate in special projects, research and surveys related to the clinical area as directed.
RIDER CLAUSE
This outline of the postholder’s duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of the Trust and Department.
Application Deadline
This advert closes on Friday 14 Nov 2025.
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