
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) on 07500 993364 or alternatively Emily Garner (Team Lead – BCP) 07770 736050
This is a 37.5 hours a week role, and will be based in Dorchester however travelling Pan-Dorset 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.
This is a fixed term post for 12 months, however if you currently work within Dorset Healthcare, this would be offered as a secondment opportunity, so please gain permission from your line manager when applying.
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.
Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.
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 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 candidate’s 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.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Travel
Essential
- Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business
Additional requirements
Essential
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekend and evening when required
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively
Job Specific Experience
Essential
- Experience of public health approaches in community setting
- Experience of Multi-disciplinary and multiagency working
- Experience of working with vulnerable families and looked after children
- Providing clinical supervision and Mentorship
- Experience of making judgements in complex situations
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Desirable
- Previous experience at Band 6 level
- Experience of contributing towards policy and service development
Knowledge, Skills and Training
Essential
- Registered Nurse with at least 2 years experience of working with children and young people in care or with complex health and social needs.
- Excellent time management. Ability to organise self and others to achieve tasks
- Proficient with information technology, i.e. Patient administration systems and email
- Experience of assessing, planning and implementing programmes of care, for Children and young people. Demonstrating clinical excellence and high standards of practice to others
- Evidence of resilience and the ability to use a trauma informed approach
Desirable
- Clinical Supervisor Training
- Evidence of effective leadership and service development
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 6 Clinical Nurse Specialist roles in Dorchester
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Specialist Nurse for Children in Care with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust in Forston Clinic. It is listed as a Band 6 Clinical nurse specialist role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 p.a.. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (12 months from start date). The application deadline is 31 Aug 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (17 Aug 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.
