Operational Service Manager - Access Team (Dorset)
The closing date is 30 April 2026
Are you an established and dynamic Operational Service Manager, looking to lead and be part of the Children and Young People Mental Health Service? Our Access team, based in Dorset within CYP Mental Health wants to hear from you!
As the Operational Service Manager, you will be in a pivotal senior leadership role. CYPMH Dorset is entering an exciting period of growth and development, supported by new investment and a strong commitment to transforming how children and young people access mental health support. The Access Team includes our Integrated Front Door which is central to this vision - acting as the single point of access for referrals, advice, consultation, and triage across Dorset. The service works collaboratively across health, education, social care, and the voluntary and community sector to ensure children and families receive the most appropriate response at the earliest opportunity.
You will be responsible for the operational delivery, performance, and continuous development of the Integrated Front Door, as well as the Psychiatric Liaison and enhanced support team. Ensuring children, young people, families, and professionals experience timely, safe, and consistent access to the right mental health support at the right time. You will provide inspirational, values‑led leadership to multidisciplinary teams and will play a key role in system‑wide integration, partnership working, and ongoing transformation in line with THRIVE and CYP IAPT principles.
Main duties of the job
* Take the lead for strategic pieces of work at a Dorset place‑based level and work closely with key partner agencies to achieve successful integration of provision.
* Be accountable for staff performance within their teams.
* Forge collaborative relationships with key partners across child and family services.
* Establish a network with leaders across health, education, VCSE and the local authority built on mutual understanding and respect.
* Accountable to the Head of Service, reporting to the Deputy Head overseeing the delivery of the Integrated Front Door for children and families in Dorset.
* Ensure the service adheres to core components of clinical and information governance, including robust patient safety, improved patient experience, effective patient flow, clinical outcomes, and quality and performance standards.
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 can present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
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. Our 7,000‑strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and 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.
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 shape the future of care in our community.
Person Specification
Professional Qualification & Registration
* Degree level qualification or demonstrable equivalent training/experience in relevant profession.
* Current professional registration (e.g., HCPC, NMC, BABCP, SWE).
* Core professional qualifications as Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, Applied Psychologist, Occupational Therapist or equivalent.
Leadership Skills / Abilities / Knowledge
* Demonstrated leadership experience (e.g., leading a team, managing service delivery).
* Extensive experience working at a senior level, with young people, their families and carers.
* Robust knowledge and understanding of the THRIVE service framework.
* Experience of delivering service development projects / service redesign.
Clinical Competence
* Strong assessment, formulation, and intervention skills (e.g., CBT, systemic approaches).
* Ability to undertake comprehensive risk assessment and implement risk management plans with a wide range of client groups that reflect full range of clinical severity.
* Ability to supervise clinically at an advanced level.
Multi‑agency Working
* Experience of multi‑agency/professional working and influencing others at a strategic level.
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.
Applications from candidates that require sponsorship are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
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