Family and Systemic Psychotherapist | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a highly skilled and motivatedFamily and Systemic Psychotherapist (Band 7)to join ourChild and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)in Bournemouth and Christchurch. This is a senior clinical role within a multi‑disciplinary team, providing specialist systemic assessments and therapeutic interventions to children, young people and their families presenting with moderate to complex mental health difficulties.

The post holder will work autonomously within professional and organisational frameworks, offering high‑quality, evidence‑based family therapy, contributing to service development, and providing consultation, supervision and leadership to colleagues across CAMHS and partner agencies. This role offers the opportunity to influence clinical practice, support workforce development and contribute to improving outcomes for children and families across Dorset.

The post holder will deliver specialist systemic and family therapy assessments and interventions for children, young people and their families referred to Core CAMHS, working across a range of settings and cultures. They will formulate, risk‑assess and manage complex presentations, including safeguarding concerns, and develop time‑limited, evidence‑based care plans that are regularly reviewed. The role includes acting as a key worker where appropriate, chairing and contributing to multi‑agency meetings, maintaining high‑quality clinical records, and supporting outcome monitoring and audit activity.

In addition, the post holder will provide clinical leadership through consultation, supervision and line management of colleagues, contribute to service development and quality improvement, and represent Dorset HealthCare in strategic and partnership forums. They will actively promote collaborative working with education, social care and health partners, support the delivery of national and local performance standards, and uphold professional, ethical and governance requirements in line with Trust policies and values.

At Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people through high‑quality, compassionate and joined‑up care. Our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) support children, young people and their families across Dorset, working closely with health, education and social care partners to deliver evidence‑based and person‑centred interventions.

We are proud to be anOutstanding‑ratedTrust, with our people at the heart of everything we do. Our CAMHS workforce is part of a compassionate, inclusive and supportive culture where diversity is valued, professional development is encouraged and staff are empowered to make a meaningful difference. Working across a mix of urban, rural and coastal communities, our teams have the opportunity to provide care that truly reflects local need.

CAMHS is entering an exciting period of transformation and growth, with new investment, evolving pathways and innovative models of care being developed. Roles will grow alongside service redesign, offering opportunities to shape future CAMHS provision. All posts are pan‑Dorset and require flexibility during the transition period. This is more than a role – it’s a chance to help build sustainable, responsive CAMHS services and positively impact the lives of children, young people and families.

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 candidate’s 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 dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

This advert closes on Thursday 28 May 2026