Operational Service Manager

Are you an established and dynamic Operational Service Manager, looking to lead and be part of the Children and Young People Mental Health Service? Our Access team, based in Dorset within CYP 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. The Access Team includes our Integrated Front Door which is central to this vision - acting as the single point of access for 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., 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.

Working for our organisation
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 our
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 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.

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.
Applications from candidates that require sponsorship are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
At Dorset HealthCare we want to offer all our staff the opportunity to work flexibly, putting health and wellbeing first, whilst continuing the delivery of excellent patient care. Flexible working looks different for everyone and we welcome applicants to discuss flexible working opportunities with the recruiting manager.
What working for us will provide:
+ 27 days of annual leave, rising to 33 over ten years (for staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions)
+ Excellent NHS pension scheme
+ Health and wellbeing services
+ Flexible working options, including family-friendly hours
+ Free training and one-to-one career coaching to reach your career goals
+ Preceptorship programme for newly qualified nurses and AHPs
+ Access to nine staff networks - have a voice and transform our Trust
+ Relocation costs where applicable
+ Salary sacrifice scheme opportunities - including childcare vouchers, car lease and cycle scheme, home technology equipment, and buying annual leave
+ NHS discounts to save on your shopping, gym membership and more
Visit our careers website to learn more about our culture, staff stories, benefits, development programmes and opportunities.
What you need to do