Clinical Lead for MHST - fixed term to support expansion

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in England is seeking a Lead Clinician for a 6-month fixed term to support mental health initiatives in schools. Responsibilities include overseeing clinical work, supervising junior staff, and developing operational processes. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in evidence-based interventions and leadership in mental health services.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable track record of providing quality, evidence-based interventions.
• Significant experience supervising clinicians and evidencing operational leadership skills.
• Ability to collaborate with community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical work delivery using evidence-based interventions.
• Provide clinical supervision and leadership to junior colleagues.
• Develop clinical operational processes for interventions in schools.
• Carry out assessments and interventions for young people.

Skills

Evidence-based interventions

Clinical supervision

Operational leadership

Collaboration with stakeholders

Job description

Overview

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 a trailblazer project funded by NHS England, Health Education England and partners, aiming to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in the community. There is a focus on increasing access to emotional support within primary and secondary schools, including special educational provisions and Pupil Referral Units.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of clinical work within the project, ensuring the use of a wide range of evidence-based interventions to support young people’s mental health.
• Provide clinical supervision and leadership to junior colleagues.
• Develop clinical operational processes for the delivery of clinical interventions in schools.
• Carry a small caseload where appropriate, carrying out comprehensive assessments, risk management and interventions for young people with emotional and mental health difficulties.

Qualifications and Experience

• Confident professional with a demonstrable track record of providing quality, evidence-based interventions.
• Significant experience supervising clinicians and evidencing operational leadership skills and abilities.
• Ability to work in partnership with community stakeholders; role involves collaboration with community CAMHS and educational settings.
• Eligibility and requirement for Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check; Trust will cover the cost. Applicants on the DBS update service may present a valid certificate.
• For those in NHS service, the role is offered on a secondment basis only; obtain permission to be released on a secondment before applying.
• Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are ineligible.

About Dorset HealthCare

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We run 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for almost 800,000 people. We are an inclusive, diverse workplace that values equal opportunities and supports employees to be their best.

How to apply

For the main duties and responsibilities, please read the attached job description and person specification. When applying, ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria in those documents and shows how your experience and skills apply to this post.

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This advert closes on Sunday 21 Sep 2025