Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Nurse for Children in Care

The closing date is 05 March 2026

Job summary

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 isa permanentrole 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.

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 almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

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 create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Details

Date posted

19 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£30,945 to £37,264 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M545.25

Job locations

Forston Clinic

Herrison Road

Dorchester

DT2 9TB


Job description

Job 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 candidates 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 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.

Job description

Job 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 candidates 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 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.

Person Specification

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

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

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

Travel

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business
Person Specification

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

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

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

Travel

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Forston Clinic

Herrison Road

Dorchester

DT2 9TB


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Forston Clinic

Herrison Road

Dorchester

DT2 9TB


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Specialist Nurse Team Lead

Hayley Matthews

hayley.matthews3@nhs.net

07500993364

Details

Date posted

19 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£30,945 to £37,264 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M545.25

Job locations

Forston Clinic

Herrison Road

Dorchester

DT2 9TB


Supporting documents

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