Job summary
- Main area
- Mental Health
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job ref
- 152-M245.25
- Employer
- Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Delphwood/ Blandford hospital
- Town
- Poole
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 p.a.
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 17/09/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Occupational Therapist CAMHS
Band 6
Job overview
Join a forward-thinking CAMHS team that puts children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do. As our OT, you’ll lead and innovate across the Thrive Framework’s needs-led groupings so young people receive the right support, at the right time, from the right people.
You’ll bring advanced OT expertise in functional assessment, sensory processing, and occupational formulation to co-create meaningful, everyday outcomes with young people. Working in a truly multidisciplinary, neurodevelopmentally aware, trauma-informed and strengths-based way, you’ll design and deliver therapeutic interventions and groups, co-ordinate care with our partners (schools, social care, voluntary sector), and guide safe, proportionate care planning that fits each person’s goals and context.
You’ll champion quality improvement, and use outcomes and feedback to iterate pathways. You’ll thrive on collaboration, equity and co-production—elevating young people’s voices while shaping a service that is accessible, culturally responsive and community-centred. Flexible working across the week (including some evening availability) helps us be there when it matters most.
You will assess, treat, monitor and evaluate the progress of the child’s Occupational Therapy treatment, considering the holistic and developmental needs of the individual, and any relevant environmental factors.
Main duties of the job
Manage own caseload and to be responsible for own time management and balance of clinical work and non clinical tasks.
You will facilitate the improvement and development of the full range of functions (cognitive, sensory, physical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal) of complex young people through the provision of Occupational Therapy Assessment and Treatment.
Provide specialist knowledge and skills in dealing with the needs of children and young people with additional physical disabilities, challenging behaviour and sensory impairments.
The service is entering an exciting period of growth, with new investments and initiatives underway. This role will evolve alongside the development of our service; initially, you may support existing teams while new structures are implemented. All positions are pan-Dorset and will involve having a temporary base during the transitional phase. As our service develops, some roles may involve working flexibly within extended hours to reflect our commitment to being there at the moments that count most. This is more than just a role - it’s a chance to help shape a growing service and be part of something that really matters. We are looking for compassionate, adaptable and positive individuals who are inspired by the idea of making a genuine difference and who want to help shape the future of care in our community.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main 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 [email protected]
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.
Person specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Degree/ Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- Registration with Health Professions Council
Desirable criteria
- Active engagement with RCOT
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Experience of working with seriously mentally ill clients during acute phases of ilness
- Understanding of ICPA and risk assessment
- Understanding of medication management issues and psychotropic medication
- Knowledge of Mental Health Act 1983
- Experience with functional assessments and activity analysis
- Basic IT keyboard skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience of working with children and young people in mental health services
- Experience of using CBT/DBT/Motivational Interviewing
- Community Experience
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
- A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
- Ability to apply the Occupational Therapy process
Desirable criteria
- Ability to travel using your own vehicle on Trust business
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Knowledge of child protection issues and reporting processes
- Good written, verbal and interpersonal skills
- IT skills, basic keyboard skills obtained through practice or practical training
- Ability to apply physical intervention
Desirable criteria
- Community Experience
- Understanding of current policy and guidance relating to children and young people
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Susan Quigley
- Job title
- Team lead
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01202 305882
- Additional information
Kathryn Amos - Clinical service manager
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