Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 09 December 2025

Job summary

Band 5 Occupational Therapist - Adult Inpatient (DAEDS)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives?

We're looking for a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join the Dorset All Age Eating Disorders Service. You'll work on our 10-bed Adult Specialist Eating Disorder Unit (SEDU) at Kimmeridge Court, St Ann's Hospital, Poole - a supportive environment where your skills truly matter.

Experience with eating disorders is an advantage, but if you bring transferable skills and a commitment to person-centred care, we'd love to hear from you.

As part of a dynamic Multi-Disciplinary Team, you'll deliver specialist OT assessments and interventions - individually and in groups - supporting patients from admission through discharge, including some home-based work. Collaboration and empowerment are at the heart of what we do.

You'll also help shape service development and champion OT principles in care delivery. Flexible working across 7 days ensures we meet patient needs.

We value our team and invest in your growth with training opportunities, annual appraisals, clinical supervision, and preceptorship for newly qualified OTs. Join us and be part of a service that's making a difference every day.

Main duties of the job

To implement a thorough assessment process using specialist Occupational Therapy and mental health assessment tools to subsequently identify clear goals and treatment plans for all inpatients and some community patients.

To implement occupational therapy interventions to address a range of areas including social skills, anxiety management, occupational balance, vocational rehabilitation, meal preparation and social eating. For all inpatients to support transition back into the community. This will include supporting the inpatient unit during meal and snack times.

To evaluate, modify and adapt interventions regularly to ensure clinical effectiveness, review progress and identify and resolve barriers to change.

To plan, implement and review therapeutic group interventions alongside the multi -disciplinary team. This includes setting up group spaces, preparing materials, assessing risk and using therapeutic skills to manage group dynamics.

To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and to support colleagues in supporting patients and family, often dealing with highly emotional issues

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 almost800,000 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.

Details

Date posted

20 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-M386.25

Job locations

Kimmeridge Court, St Ann's Hospital

Haven Road, Poole.

Poole

BH13 7LN


Job description

Job 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 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 candidates 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.

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 dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Job description

Job 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 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 candidates 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.

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 dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification

Business travel

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential

  • Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy HCPC Registration

Job specific experience

Essential

  • Experience of implementing the OT process including use of OT assessment tools.
  • Experience of client-centred practice with a strong focus on collaboration and empowerment of patients
  • Skills in problem solving and adapting practice according to need/resources.

Desirable

  • Clinical experience of working with individuals with eating disorders

Managerial/supervisory experience

Desirable

  • Experience of mentoring others.

Additional requirements

Essential

  • A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
Person Specification

Business travel

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential

  • Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy HCPC Registration

Job specific experience

Essential

  • Experience of implementing the OT process including use of OT assessment tools.
  • Experience of client-centred practice with a strong focus on collaboration and empowerment of patients
  • Skills in problem solving and adapting practice according to need/resources.

Desirable

  • Clinical experience of working with individuals with eating disorders

Managerial/supervisory experience

Desirable

  • Experience of mentoring others.

Additional requirements

Essential

  • A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kimmeridge Court, St Ann's Hospital

Haven Road, Poole.

Poole

BH13 7LN


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kimmeridge Court, St Ann's Hospital

Haven Road, Poole.

Poole

BH13 7LN


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:

Lead Occupational Therapist - DAEDS

Liz Eustace

e.eustace@nhs.net

03000191771

Details

Date posted

20 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-M386.25

Job locations

Kimmeridge Court, St Ann's Hospital

Haven Road, Poole.

Poole

BH13 7LN


Supporting documents

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