Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Team Lead - Mental Health Support Teams (MHST)
The closing date is 31 August 2026

Job Summary
The Mental Health Support Teams in Schools (MHST) have been developed with the aim of improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in the community in response to the government's Green Paper for Young People's Mental Health.

We are looking for an inspirational and experienced leader for our wonderful staff team within the Mental Health Support in Schools Team for North and East Dorset and surrounding areas.

This is a unique post leading a team of professionals working within educational settings, some of whom are training to be Education Mental Health Practitioners and some of whom are already qualified.

You will work alongside the Service Lead, and the other Team Leads for the service, in developing the team and ensure that the highest quality of care is delivered to children, young people and families. You'll be part of the Senior Management Team and have the opportunity to influence Team and Service development.

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.

Main duties of the job
We would like to recruit a professional who shares our values and our passion to make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families as well as someone who can work as part of a team, bring enthusiasm and is innovative in their clinical practice and leadership style.

You will support the clinical development of team members to provide services that are accessible and responsive to needs and which will promote participation of children, young people and their families and carers in their own care and in the planning and development of services.

You will take clinical and line management responsibility for a number of the staff within the team, ensuring they deliver a high quality, children and young person focused service.

You will work in partnership with education and Local Authority colleagues attending meetings and panels as needed and promoting joint working practices

You will work alongside other Team Leads from across the service to ensure that provision to our schools and educational provisions is needs led.

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: 29 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year p.a.
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 152-M209.26
Job locations: Blandford Hospital, Milldown Rd, Blandford, DT11 7DD

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

Person Specification
Essential

• Relevant qualification and/or registration
• Current driving license and access to a car
• Leadership experience and experience of managing a team
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
• Experience of working with children and young people who have mental health needs

Desirable

• Experience of working in a multi-agency setting
• Experience of working/knowledge of working with educational settings
• Experience of managing change and of service development

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: Blandford Hospital, Milldown Rd, Blandford, DT11 7DD, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Clinical Lead
Emma Howell
emma.howell2@nhs.net
01258394065