Operational Service Manager - Access Team (Dorset)
The closing date is 30 April 2026
Job summary
Are you an established and dynamicOperational Service Manager, lookingto lead and be part of the Children and Young People Mental Health Service? OurAccess team, based in Dorset withinCYP Mental Health wants to hear from you!
As the Operational Service Manager, you will be in a pivotal senior leadership role. CYPMH Dorset is entering an exciting period of growth and development, supported by new investment and a strong commitment to transforming how children and young people access mental health support. TheAccess Team includes our Integrated Front Door whichis central to this vision - acting as thesingle point of accessfor referrals, advice, consultation, and triage across Dorset. The service works collaboratively across health, education, social care, and the voluntary and community sector to ensure children and families receive the most appropriate response at the earliest opportunity.
You will be responsible for the operational delivery, performance, and continuous development of the Integrated Front Door, as well as the Psychiatric Liaison and enhanced support team. Ensuring children, young people, families, and professionals experience timely, safe, and consistent access to the right mental health support at the right time. You will provide inspirational, values-led leadership to multidisciplinary teams and will play a key role in system-wide integration, partnership working, and ongoing transformation in line with THRIVE and CYP IAPT principles.
Main duties of the job
To take the lead for strategic pieces of work at a Dorset place-based level and work closely with key partner agencies to achieve successful integration of provision. Be accountable for staff performance within their teams.
A core element of the Service Manager role will be to forge collaborative relationships with key partners across child and family services. A core purpose to the role will be to establish a network with leaders across health, education, VCSE and the local authority which is built on mutual understanding and respect.
You will be accountable to the Head of Service but report to the associated Deputy Head of Service overseeing the delivery of the Integrated Front Door for children and families in the Dorset area. You will have responsibility for ensuring the service adheres to the core components of clinical and information governance, to include robust patient safety, improved patient experience, management of effective patient flow, clinical outcomes, and quality and performance standards.
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.
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 almost 800,000 people.Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and ourWorking 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 be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
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. We are looking for compassionate, adaptable and positive individuals who are inspired by the idea of making a genuine difference and who want to help shape the future of care in our community.
Details
Date posted
16 April 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£57,528 to £64,750 a year p.a.
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
152-M004.26
Job locations
DHC Trust Headquarters
2 Nuffield Road
Poole
BH17 0RB
Employer details
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
DHC Trust Headquarters
2 Nuffield Road
Poole
BH17 0RB
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:
Supporting documents
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