Job overview

Band 5 Occupational Therapist – Rotational Post

We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our rotational programme—an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified or early‑career clinician wanting to build strong foundational skills across a range of acute specialities.

This role offers rich clinical experience across rotations at the Southend Hospital site, including respiratory, orthopaedics, admission avoidance, stroke, and our regional oncology unit. It is ideal for someone seeking a supportive, well‑structured environment to begin or develop their Occupational Therapy career. Both full‑time and part‑time applicants are welcome.

Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, you will deliver evidence‑based assessment and interventions, contributing to patient‑centred discharge planning. You will be supported by senior occupational therapists and team leaders throughout each rotation, ensuring you gain confidence and competence in key areas of practice.

Rotation opportunities include:

Acute Stroke Unit & Stroke Rehabilitation
Medical Wards, including Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Oncology Wards
Surgery, including Amputee Rehabilitation
Orthopaedics
Frailty Wards
A&E and Admission Avoidance Service
Inpatient Paediatric Service

If you are motivated, compassionate, and ready to grow within a friendly and supportive team, we encourage you to apply.

Main duties of the job

We support transition from student to therapist our Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and Practice Development Occupational Therapist work closely with the band 5 therapists to provide a supportive environment for staff to develop during their rotations. 

We also have highly skilled band 7 Occupational Therapists who are able to provide supportive rotations with regular supervision and teaching to support your development within each rotation. The successful candidate will be a Member of British Association of Occupational Therapy, registered with Health Professional Council and have a Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy.

The main responsibilities of the Band 5 Occupational  Therapist

To work within the MDT as an autonomous practitioner
To manage a clinical caseload
To provide OT specific assessment and intervention
To facilitate safe discharge
To contribute to service development and support evidence based practice
To communicate with key stakeholders to support safe and timely discharge of patients
To prioritise and delegate in order to support the fast pace of the service
To provide timely and accurate communication with the MDT
To maintain accurate clinical records

Working for our organisation

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers. 

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.