Occupational Therapist CAMHS
Closing date: 07 May 2026
Join a forward‑thinking CAMHS team that puts children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do. As our OT, you'll lead and innovate across the Thrive Framework's needs‑led groupings so young people receive the right support, at the right time, from the right people.
You will bring advanced OT expertise in functional assessment, sensory processing, and occupational formulation to co‑create meaningful, everyday outcomes with young people. Working in a truly multidisciplinary, neurodevelopmentally aware, trauma‑informed and strengths‑based way, you'll design and deliver therapeutic interventions and groups, co‑ordinate care with our partners (schools, social care, voluntary sector), and guide safe, proportionate care planning that fits each person's goals and context.
You will champion quality improvement, and use outcomes and feedback to iterate pathways. You'll thrive on collaboration, equity and co‑production – elevating young people's voices while shaping a service that is accessible, culturally responsive and community‑centred. Flexible working across the week (including some evening availability) helps us be there when it matters most.
Main duties of the job
Manage own caseload and be responsible for own time management and balance of clinical work and non‑clinical tasks.
Facilitate the improvement and development of the full range of functions (cognitive, sensory, physical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal) of complex young people through the provision of Occupational Therapy Assessment and Treatment.
Provide specialist knowledge and skills in dealing with the needs of children and young people with additional physical disabilities, challenging behaviour and sensory impairments.
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.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
* Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
* Registration with the Health Professions Council
* Active engagement with RCOT
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
* Experience of working with seriously mentally ill clients during acute phases of illness
* Understanding of ICPA and risk assessment
* Understanding of medication management issues and psychotropic medication
* Knowledge of Mental Health Act 1983
* Experience with functional assessments and activity analysis
* Basic IT keyboard skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training
* Previous experience of working with children and young people in mental health services
* Experience of using CBT/DBT/Motivational Interviewing
* Community Experience
Additional Requirements
* Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
* A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
* Ability to apply the Occupational Therapy process
* Ability to travel using your own vehicle on Trust business
Skills/Experience/Knowledge (additional)
* Knowledge of child protection issues and reporting processes
* Good written, verbal and interpersonal skills
* IT skills, basic keyboard skills obtained through practice or practical training
* Ability to apply physical intervention
* Community Experience
* Understanding of current policy and guidance relating to children and young people
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.
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 per year (pro rata for part time)
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.
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