Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 03 December 2025

Job summary

Are you an enthusiastic, passionate, forward thinking Occupational Therapist looking to develop their skills and experience?

The Community Learning Disability in Ferndown and Purbeck is staffed by a passionate, supportive, and dedicated team, and is looking for a like-minded Occupational Therapist to join us.

This is an excellent opportunity to practice Occupational Therapy within the rewarding and diverse field of community learning disability.

Working part-time (30hrs per week, also opened to job share), the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their commitment to work proactively and in partnership with people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, supporting them to live successfully in the community.

This role requires you to maintain effective links with mainstream services, working in partnership to support equal access and promote independence. You will be committed to improving outcomes for people with a Learning Disability and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills in supporting health and occupational needs.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Main duties of the job

Our successful candidate will work flexibly supporting people living across our area to achieve their occupational outcomes. If you are interested in supporting a wide range of individuals to achieve their occupational outcomes, develop your skills and knowledge, and working within a supportive and experienced team then we look forward to your application. The role offers opportunities to work within both a local and service wide Multidisciplinary team, regular training opportunities; regular management and clinical supervision; CPD opportunities; NHS benefits.

Whilst we are looking for a band 6 practitioner, we would welcome enquires from a band 5 with previous experience of working within this or similar settings and who are looking for a development band 5 - band 6 opportunity.

Please read the job description and personal specification carefully before applying for this position ensuring that you meet the requirements of the role.

For informal enquiries and visits please contact Karen Tancock on 07786624846 or Sean Farrow on 07979702399.

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.

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 6

Salary

£30,945 to £37,264 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M376.25

Job locations

East Dorset

Penny's Walk

Ferndown

BH22 9JY


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.

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.

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

Appropiate qualification

Essential

  • BSc Hons/Diploma in Occupational Therapy

Appropiate registeration

Essential

  • registration with HCPC

Knowledge of OT role

Essential

  • Able to clearly indtify needs of individuals with a learning disability nd how Occupational Therapy can support functional independence and meet these needs

Knowledge of the legislative framework within which occupational therapists work including MCA

Essential

  • understanding of Professional code of conduct and working within MCA framework

Experience of working with clients with complex and additional needs.

Desirable

  • Able to discuss assessment, intervention and outcomes of individuals with a LD within a Occupational therapy framework

desirable

Desirable

  • An understanding of emotional and physical impact of LD and additional difficulties on the individual and their family/carersto discuss assessment, intervention and outcomes of individuals with a LD within a Occupational therapy framework
Person Specification

Appropiate qualification

Essential

  • BSc Hons/Diploma in Occupational Therapy

Appropiate registeration

Essential

  • registration with HCPC

Knowledge of OT role

Essential

  • Able to clearly indtify needs of individuals with a learning disability nd how Occupational Therapy can support functional independence and meet these needs

Knowledge of the legislative framework within which occupational therapists work including MCA

Essential

  • understanding of Professional code of conduct and working within MCA framework

Experience of working with clients with complex and additional needs.

Desirable

  • Able to discuss assessment, intervention and outcomes of individuals with a LD within a Occupational therapy framework

desirable

Desirable

  • An understanding of emotional and physical impact of LD and additional difficulties on the individual and their family/carersto discuss assessment, intervention and outcomes of individuals with a LD within a Occupational therapy framework

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

East Dorset

Penny's Walk

Ferndown

BH22 9JY


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

East Dorset

Penny's Walk

Ferndown

BH22 9JY


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:

Clinical Lead/ Occupational Therapist

Sean Farrow

Sean.farrow@nhs.net

07979702399

Details

Date posted

20 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£30,945 to £37,264 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M376.25

Job locations

East Dorset

Penny's Walk

Ferndown

BH22 9JY


Supporting documents

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