Clinical Lead for MHST - fixed term to support expansion
Job summary
Dorset CAMHS is recruiting a Lead Clinician for a fixed term period of 6 months to support the expansion of the Mental Health in Schools Support Team based in North & East Dorset.
The Mental Health Support Teams are part of an exciting trailblazer project funded by NHS England, Health Education England and partners, withthe aim of improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in the community. There is a specific focus on developing moreaccess to helping and improving the general culture of emotional support within all primary and secondary schools including special educationalprovisions and Pupil Referral Units.
We are looking for a confident professional with a demonstrable track record of providing quality evidenced based interventions. You will have significant experience of supervising clinicians and be able to evidence operational leadership skills and abilities. There will be opportunities to carry a small caseload where you would provide comprehensive assessments, risk management and interventions for young people experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties.
This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.
Main duties of the job
Working alongside community partners the three Mental Health Support Teams in Dorset are fully integrated with community CAMHS and educationalsettings.
You will help to oversee the delivery of clinical work within the project, ensuring that a wide range of evidence based interventionsare used to support young people's mental health.
You will provide clinical supervision and leadership to more junior colleagues and will be involved with developing clinical operational processes for the delivery of clinical interventions in schools.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do, and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do.
Details
Date posted
05 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£33,414 to £37,609 a year p.a.
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
6 months
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
152-M275.25
Job locations
Blandford Hospital
Milldown Lane
Blandford
DT11 7DD
Job description
Job responsibilities
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 dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Job descriptionJob responsibilities
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 dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Person Specification
Professional Qualification & Registration
Essential
- Qualified mental health professional (e.g., Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Nurse, CBT Therapist, Social Worker).
- Current professional registration (e.g., HCPC, NMC, BABCP, SWE).
Experience with Children and Young People (CYP)
Essential
- Minimum 3 years of experience delivering mental health interventions to children and young people.
- Experience working in or with educational settings
Skills / Abilities / Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrated leadership experience (e.g., leading a team, managing service delivery).
- Experience supervising junior staff or trainees (e.g., EMHPs, CBT trainees)
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication, particularly with non-clinical professionals (e.g., teachers, parents)
Clinical Competence
Essential
- Strong assessment, formulation, and intervention skills (e.g., CBT, systemic approaches).
- Risk assessment and safeguarding experience
Multi-agency Working
Essential
- Experience collaborating with schools, CAMHS, social care, and voluntary sector partners.
Service Development and Quality Improvement
Essential
- Experience in service improvement, audits, or implementing new ways of working
Professional Qualification & Registration
Essential
- Qualified mental health professional (e.g., Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Nurse, CBT Therapist, Social Worker).
- Current professional registration (e.g., HCPC, NMC, BABCP, SWE).
Experience with Children and Young People (CYP)
Essential
- Minimum 3 years of experience delivering mental health interventions to children and young people.
- Experience working in or with educational settings
Skills / Abilities / Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrated leadership experience (e.g., leading a team, managing service delivery).
- Experience supervising junior staff or trainees (e.g., EMHPs, CBT trainees)
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication, particularly with non-clinical professionals (e.g., teachers, parents)
Clinical Competence
Essential
- Strong assessment, formulation, and intervention skills (e.g., CBT, systemic approaches).
- Risk assessment and safeguarding experience
Multi-agency Working
Essential
- Experience collaborating with schools, CAMHS, social care, and voluntary sector partners.
Service Development and Quality Improvement
Essential
- Experience in service improvement, audits, or implementing new ways of working
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional informationDisclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Blandford Hospital
Milldown Lane
Blandford
DT11 7DD
Employer's website
https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Blandford Hospital
Milldown Lane
Blandford
DT11 7DD
Employer's website
https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)
Salary range
- £33,414 - £37,609 per year