Systemic Family Psychotherapist | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 29 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 28 January 2026 |
| Location: | Bournemouth, BH4 8EP |
| Company: | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7685962/152-M44025 |
Summary
We're seeking a dedicated Family Therapist to work in our high-intensity environment, providing exceptional care to young people aged between 13 and 18 experiencing acute mental health difficulties.
This brand new, high-specification unit has been designed in close collaboration with young people, families and clinicians to provide a safe and therapeutic environment to those that need our support. Our aim is to provide outstanding care, promoting recovery and wellbeing in a modern, purpose-built setting to make a difference and have a positive change on the lives of young people.
As theSystemic Family Psychotherapist, you willuse highly developed communication skills in working with families to facilitate understanding of their personal and often very sensitive difficulties within a systemic formulation framework. You will work as a dedicated member of a multi-disciplinary team to provide systemic assessments and interventions for CYP/adults and their families across the Tier 4 service. You will provide systemic psychotherapeutic programmes of intervention for families experiencing high levels of distress and acute care needs.
The Systemic Family Psychotherapist is a full-time weekday post, we welcome part time applicants of a minimum of 30 hours per week. We would be flexible in how hours can be met; this can be discussed further at interview stage. For further information, please contact Andrew O'Toole, Lead Systemic Therapist Acute Pathwayandrew.o'toole@nhs.net
To be an integral part of the wider CAMH service specialist family therapy assessment and intervention team, and to participate in service wide clinical pathways for systemic interventions e.g., NVR
To provide family therapy consultation and supervision to colleagues in Tier 4 services and the wider system e.g., social care.
To provide specialist systemic family interventions. Such programmes may include Non-Violent Resistance and FFT.
To provide systemic family plans and utilise theory, knowledge and practice based on a conceptual framework using evidence-based practice.
Make highly skilled evaluations and decisions about treatment options taking into account highly complex relationship factors.
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.
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.
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.
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 docontactdhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
This advert closes on Sunday 18 Jan 2026