Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Community Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 18 February 2026

Job summary

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?

If the answer is yes, we have the job for you.

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.

As a key member of the team you will find the experience challenging, rewarding and varied.

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.

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

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

04 February 2026

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-C345.25

Job locations

St Leonards Hospital

Ringwood Road

Hants

BH24 2RR


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 contactdhc.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 contactdhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification

Educational qualifications / requirements

Essential

  • Diploma /BSc/BA Occupational Therapy
  • H.P.C. registration
  • Holds current Full UK driving License.

Desirable

  • Membership of Professional Body
  • Membership of Special Interest Group

Skills / Experience / Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of current best practice in OT
  • Experience in assessing, developing, and implementing Occupational Therapy Programs
  • Relevant supervised experience gained during clinical placements
  • Understanding of professional ethics and their application in practice

Desirable

  • Previous Community experience
  • Documented evidence of continuing professional development
  • Knowledge of partnership working

Information Technology

Essential

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

Additional requirements

Essential

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

Educational qualifications / requirements

Essential

  • Diploma /BSc/BA Occupational Therapy
  • H.P.C. registration
  • Holds current Full UK driving License.

Desirable

  • Membership of Professional Body
  • Membership of Special Interest Group

Skills / Experience / Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of current best practice in OT
  • Experience in assessing, developing, and implementing Occupational Therapy Programs
  • Relevant supervised experience gained during clinical placements
  • Understanding of professional ethics and their application in practice

Desirable

  • Previous Community experience
  • Documented evidence of continuing professional development
  • Knowledge of partnership working

Information Technology

Essential

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

Additional requirements

Essential

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

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

St Leonards Hospital

Ringwood Road

Hants

BH24 2RR


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

St Leonards Hospital

Ringwood Road

Hants

BH24 2RR


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:

EDICRT Team Lead

Verna Goodey

v.goodey@nhs.net

01202584209

Details

Date posted

04 February 2026

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-C345.25

Job locations

St Leonards Hospital

Ringwood Road

Hants

BH24 2RR


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)