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Specialist Nurse for Children in Care

Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust

Location
Salary
£30,945 - £37,264 p.a.
Profession
Clinical nurse specialist
Grade
Band 6
Deadline
05 Mar 2026
Contract Type
Permanent
Posted Date
19 Feb 2026

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join a flexible and friendly team working with children and young people in care to fulfil the Trusts responsibility to improve the outcomes for Children in Care and Care Leavers.

If you are a registered nurse with a SCPHN and/or have significant experience working with Children and Young People with the highest level of vulnerability, and would like to further your knowledge and skills within a specialist area, we would like to hear from you.

The post holder will need to be resilient and have experience of managing a complex caseload working with a trauma attuned approach. We offer excellent supervision models and support and development in leadership. We welcome enquiries prior to submitting your application for this post, please contact Hayley Matthews (Team Lead - Dorset) 07500 993364 or Emily Garner (Team Lead - BCP) on 07770 736050

This is a permanent role of 30 hours a week, primarily based in Dorset however travelling Pan-Dorset (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area) and to neighbouring counties is a requirement. You will be supported by the Team Lead and Named Nurse for Children in Care, with opportunities for supervision, training and development.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Main duties of the job

To have excellent communication skills with children between the ages of 5-18 to conduct statutory Children in Care Review Health Assessments which includes the developmental and emotional wellbeing of Children in Care in accordance with national and local guidance and policy. This may be in home, clinic or other setting.

To contribute to the implementation of healthcare plans following the identification of health need.

Take appropriate action when further support, advice or intervention is needed in relation to health needs, signposting and referring to other services where necessary.

As a Specialist Nurse we would expect some experience in leadership and management as there will be some supervisory responsibilities to other members of the team as part of this role.

To be able to take responsibility for a defined caseload and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the caseload is managed effectively and safely.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

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]

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Specialist Nurse for Children in Care at Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust | Job Clerk