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Job summary

Main area
Community
Grade
Band 5
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Part time - 30 hours per week (will include some weekend working)
Job ref
152-C208.26
Employer
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
St Leonards Hospital
Town
Hants
Salary
£25,658 - £31,234 p.a.
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
01/10/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust logo

Community Occupational Therapist

Band 5

 

 

Job overview

Dorset Healthcare Trust’s aim is to be an innovative and responsive provider, delivering high quality integrated care to make a positive difference to the health, well-being and independence of the people in Dorset.

Do you want to be part of a forward thinking, dynamic, friendly innovative team?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Occupational Therapist to be part of our multi professional team here in East Dorset, working out in the community. 

The work will include some weekend working as the service runs over seven days; this is on a rota system.

You should be a committed, dynamic, motivated professional having good assessment skills, organisational skills, the ability to prioritise your work and excellent communication skills.

 Recent experience of working in a similar environment would be beneficial but is not essential.  Awareness of the effects of ill health and the ageing process and a basic level of IT literacy are an essential requirement.

 The post holder will need to have a current full UK driving licence and access to a car as they will be required to monitor patients in their own homes and other community settings.

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.

Main duties of the job

To provide a high-quality person-centred approach to care delivery which always considers people’s safety, privacy and dignity.

To undertake assessment of patients / service users care needs and develop programmes of care / rehabilitation as part of the wider multi-disciplinary care team. 

To provide advice to patients/ service users and carers regarding their care.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.  

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. 

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.

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 [email protected]

Person specification

Educational qualifications / requirements

Essential criteria
  • • Diploma /BSc/BA Occupational Therapy
  • • H.P.C. registration
  • • Holds current Full UK driving Licence.
Desirable criteria
  • • Membership of Professional Body
  • • Membership of Special Interest Group

Skills / Experience / Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • • Knowledge of current best practice in OT
  • • Experience in assessing, developing, and implementing Occupational Therapy Programs
  • • Understanding of team dynamics
  • • Evidence of self-directed learning
Desirable criteria
  • • Previous Community experience
  • • Documented evidence of continuing professional development
  • • Knowledge of partnership working

Information Technology

Essential criteria
  • • Experience of using IT systems such as Microsoft
  • • Experience of using electronic patient/service user record systems

Additional requirements

Essential criteria
  • • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively

Employer certification / accreditation badges

National Interim Quality MarkNHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardModern Slavery ActApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveInvestors in PeopleImproving working livesArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerCare quality commission - OutstandingPrince's Trust - Proud to support the Prince's trust - Youth can do itStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible WorkingArmed Forces Covenant

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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
VERNA GOODEY
Job title
EDICRT Team Lead
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01202 584209
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