Lived Experience Practitioner in Trauma Informed Approaches

The Wellbeing and Recovery Partnership, a collaboration between Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Mental Health Forum, is excited to recruit for a new Lived Experience Practitioner role in Trauma Informed Approaches. We seek an individual with experience using their Lived Experience in work or clinical settings, particularly relating to distress, which may include personality disorder, complex emotional needs, or dissociative experiences.

This role involves intentionally sharing and utilizing personal Lived Experience expertise throughout all aspects of work. The partnership aims to ensure that Lived Experience perspectives are valued alongside clinical and technical expertise in designing and delivering Mental Health services in Dorset. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of our Lived Experience Leads in Trauma Informed Approaches. This is a temporary position to cover maternity leave, available until 31 March 2026. We offer up to full-time hours but are open to part-time arrangements.

The Lived Experience Practitioner will support the implementation of the WaRP strategy by delivering Trauma Informed Approaches across DHC and the wider Dorset system, including community engagement. Responsibilities include developing, delivering, and evaluating high-quality Trauma Informed Training focused on Trauma, Complex Trauma, and Safety. This involves staff training and collaboration with the Recovery Education Centre (Dorset's Recovery College). The practitioner will also support supervision and reflection sessions for trainers with Lived Experience and/or Clinical Experience within DMHF and DHC.

The role involves working closely with Lived Experience Leads in TIA and WaRP colleagues to promote, develop, and embed lived experience, TIA principles, and recovery-oriented practices. Additionally, the practitioner will contribute to efforts to challenge stigma and perceptions surrounding individuals with experiences of complex trauma in Dorset.

Applicants requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship in the UK are ineligible. The role is fixed-term, and for NHS service members, it will be offered on a secondment basis, subject to obtaining release permission. Dorset HealthCare is committed to empowering individuals through outstanding, integrated healthcare services. Recognized as outstanding by CQC in 2019, we serve a population of nearly 800,000 across diverse settings. Our 7,000-strong workforce is central to our success, and we strive to build an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive.

Joining us means being part of a dedicated team, challenging yourself, developing your career, and contributing to our vision of continuous improvement through excellence, compassion, and expertise. For main duties and responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification. When applying, ensure your supporting statement addresses the criteria outlined in these documents, demonstrating how your experience and skills align with the role.

In partnership with The Princes Trust, Dorset HealthCare supports employment initiatives for individuals aged 16-30, offering assistance with applications, interview skills, and employment support. If interested, please contact us for more information.