Job overview
As part of an bold transformation programme, Dorset CAMHs are fully embedding the Thrive framework of care. A core part of the developments is the creation of a multi-agency integrated front door for families and professionals seeking support and help.
We are looking for an experienced and innovative Clinical Psychologist to provide clinical leadership of the Integrated Front Door Team.
As Clinical Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and embedding a compassionate, accessible and needs-led approach to supporting children, young people and their families at the earliest point of contact with services.
Working across organisational and professional boundaries, you will lead the development of effective access pathways, ensuring that children, young people, families and professionals receive timely advice, guidance and signposting to the most appropriate support. You will champion the principles of the THRIVE Framework, promoting the empowerment of families in achieving their health solutions, shared decision-making, early intervention and integrated care.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will have a passion for system wide working, be able to foster strong multi-agency partnerships, working collaboratively with health, social care, education, voluntary sector and community partners to improve outcomes and create a seamless experience for families. You will provide expert psychological leadership, consultation and supervision to multidisciplinary colleagues, supporting evidence-based practice and a psychologically informed culture across the system.
The role requires a strategic and operational leader who can drive service development, influence system-wide change and ensure equitable access to support for children and young people. The successful candidate will combine advanced clinical expertise with excellent relationship-building skills, a commitment to innovation and a passion for collaborative working to deliver high-quality, responsive and person-centred care.
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.
Detailed job description and main 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.
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 [email protected]
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as a qualified Clinical Psychologist for a minimum of five years post-qualification, with significant experience across children, young people and/or family mental health.
- Experience of professional leadership of qualified and pre-qualified clinical psychologists.
Desirable
- Evidence of adopting a preventative and/or working in early help services for CYPF
- Evidence of working across partner agencies, specifically local authority and education partners
Additional requirements
Essential
- Must be capable of the clear articulation and interpretation of the role of the profession of clinical psychology based upon a good understanding of the framework of government and national professional policy.
Knowledge Skills and Training
Essential
- Post-graduate doctoral level training in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those who trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the British Psychological Society, (conferring eligibility for graduate membership) including specific models of psychopathology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology.
- Post-doctoral accreditation in one or more additional specialised models of psychological therapy e.g CBT, CAT, DBT
- Skills in developing plans and structures to facilitate the flexible undertaking of complex activities across service and agencies.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Principal Psychologist | Integrated Front Door Clinical Lead with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust in Poole, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Psychologist role. The advertised salary is £66,582 - £77,368 p.a.. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Jul 2026.
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