Job summaryWe have an exciting opportunity for a Band 7 Occupational Therapist to join the Dorset Forensic CAMHS Team.
The post holder will gain experience in working with young people, families and professionals supporting them, where concerns about risk of significant harm to others have been highlighted. You will be supported by two experienced consultants; however ability to work autonomously is necessary. You will be asked to contribute to the assessment of complex needs of this group, whether directly or via liaising with the relevant adults. There is no expectation for you to be a care-coordinator. The young people often have a mix of developmental concerns and trauma symptoms, making the work varied and exciting. Knowledge and skills in sensory integration would help you to feel more confident in working with this population. Forensic CAMHs is a dynamic and evolving service, therefore you will be able to contribute to the development of specialist input into this population.
Main duties of the jobTo be responsible for the Occupational Therapy service withinFCAMHS.
To provide evidence based Occupational Therapy and sensoryintegration, advise, consultation and assessment and treatments on anindividual and group basis to children, young people (age 0 - 18 years),and their families and professionals involved in their care who havebeen referred for occupational therapy within the Forensic CAMHSservice.
Provide specialist OT involvement using evidence based client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate intervention with people with complex Mental Health needs and their families/carers.
To be responsible for the planning, developing and evaluating of the Occupational Therapy provision. Working in close liaison with other managers and lead clinicians within CAMHS/FCAMHS.
To promote the maintenance of functional independence in self-care, productivity and leisure, through the use of activity.
To participate in implementation of best practice and service development, particularly embedding principles of the Recovery Agenda into service delivery.
About usAt 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 almost800,000 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 create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.
DetailsDate posted: 13 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £14,816 to £16,954 a year p.a.
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 152-M238.26
Job locations: Wareham Hospital, Streche Road, Wareham, BH20 4QQ, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesFor 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 AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidates individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.
All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, 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
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Person SpecificationKnowledge, skills and trainingEssential- NVQ/degree/post-graduate training/Masters or equivalent level of training
Desirable- Experience working with clients with complex learning, emotional and behavioural needs
Job specific experienceEssential- Assesses, develops and implements occupational therapy programmes within a specialist field e.g. trauma, rehabilitation, mental health.
Information TechnologyEssential- Able to use IT equipment incl word and RIO
Business travel EssentialEssential- Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle/ Trust Vehicle on Trust business Level 1 application form/references/ interview
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Wareham Hospital, Streche Road, Wareham, BH20 4QQ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact: Clinical Lead, Acute Pathway, Dr Amanda Leather, amanda.leather@nhs.net
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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
