About this role
Job summary
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.
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.
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.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
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]
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications Essential
Degree/ Diploma in Occupational Therapy Registration with Health Professions Council
Desirable
Active engagement with RCOT
Skills/Experience/Knowledge Essential
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
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
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 Ability to travel using your own vehicle on Trust business
Skills/Experience/Knowledge Essential
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
Community Experience Understanding of current policy and guidance relating to children and young people
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).
Employer details Employer name Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Shelley Clinic
22 Tower Road
Bournemouth
BH1 4LB
Employer's website https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)