Specialist Nurse /Therapist Eating Disorders Team

The Eating Disorders Team covers Essex, Southend and Thurrock. Our main office base is in Chelmsford in Essex.

An exciting opportunity has arisen; we are developing our Intensive Support Pathway offering support to families. We want to reduce Tier 4 admission and facilitate early discharge, supporting young people and their families on their recovery journey.

We are seeking an individual with the knowledge and skills to work as part of a multi-professional team and be innovative in their approach to supporting this client group. The post holder is expected to have knowledge or understanding of the factors contributing to the onset of eating disorders and how to adapt treatment for young people with neurodiversity. The post holder is expected to work well within a team setting; however, should be able to deliver an autonomous service as part of the role, operating within recognised professional guidelines and the overall framework of the eating disorder service’s policies and procedures.

The candidate should have experience of working with CYP (Children and Young People) with eating disorders and complex mental health needs. They should have knowledge and/or experience in working in partnership with other agencies. The candidate should also have experience and/or understanding of evidence-based approaches to children and young people with eating disorders in line with NICE guidelines. Ideally, experience in working with CYP with eating disorders and their families is desirable. We will support candidates to develop skills in delivering treatment in line with NICE guidelines.

The main responsibilities of the post:

• To provide specialist assessments and provide evidence-based interventions such as FT-AN and cognitive behavioural interventions to young people and their families seen within the NELFT eating disorders team.
• To contribute to the training activities of the team both within the service and externally.
• To provide consultation and advice on eating disorders and related psychological issues to other services within the CAMHS service, and external services/provisions, e.g. schools, acute hospitals and social services.
• To provide consultation and advice on risk assessment and risk management of service users with an eating disorder.

To hold a caseload of young people to offer evidence-based therapy for CYP Eating Disorders.

Our Values 2025 - 2030
Working with our colleagues, patients and carers, we have co-produced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.

They are:

• We are kind.
• We are respectful.
• We work together with our communities.

These three values help us to strive to provide the best care by the best people.

Starting with NELFT
NELFT places a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process, new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period.

High Cost
To provide care and treatment for young people in Essex, Southend and Thurrock with an Eating Disorder.

• To provide specialist assessments and evidence-based interventions such as family and cognitive behavioural interventions to young people and their families seen within the NELFT eating disorders team.
• To contribute to the training activities of the team both within the service and externally.
• To provide consultation and advice on eating disorders and related psychological issues to other services within the Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health service, and external services/provisions, e.g. schools, acute hospitals and social services.
• To provide consultation and advice on risk assessment and risk management of service users with an eating disorder.

The post includes practicing at an advanced level demonstrating a high level of autonomy and clinical decision making. They will work as a highly specialised member of the CYP to assist in reducing protracted inpatient stays.

Would you like to be at the forefront of exciting developments within eating disorders? Do you have a passion for helping young people struggling with mental health problems such as eating disorders? NELFT Children and Young People's (CYP) Eating disorder service is based in Chelmsford. We are part of SET CAMHS. The service is commissioned to provide assessment for CYP presenting with symptoms of an eating disorder and treatment for CYP with a diagnosis of an eating disorder across Essex, Southend and Thurrock. The service is expanding and is developing a home treatment and day program to support young people in the community and reduce the need for inpatient admission. We will be providing an intense program which will encompass group work as well as support for parents and meal support.

Team members benefit from excellent CPD opportunities focused around developing skills in working with eating disorders and related conditions in children and young people. We are seeking an RMN or Mental Health trained practitioner to join our dedicated team. The service provides the latest in evidence-based NICE compliant psychological interventions to children, young people and their families with an Eating Disorder. The team’s multi-disciplinary approach to the assessment and treatment of individuals with an eating disorder is a real strength.

Certificates of Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.

Use of AI
Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.