Community Occupational Therapist: Learning Disabilities
The closing date is 25 March 2026
Job summary
Are you looking for a new challenge and would like a bit of variety in your caseload? The BCP Adult Learning Disability Service are looking for an experienced Occupational Therapist to join us. As an integrated health and social care team, this is an exciting opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary and multi-agency team.
You will be based in our Bournemouth office, near Ensbury Park, although the majority of the workload will be in community settings across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP). The clients on your caseload will all have a Learning Disability (LD) and may include those with multiple disabilities, complex communication difficulties, sensory needs, and behaviours that challenge. A broad range of clinical experience is essential but does not need to be specific to the learning disabilities field. This is a challenging but rewarding role and no two days are ever the same.
Experience of working with people with Learning Disabilities is not vital, but a desire to work with this client group and a knowledge and understanding of their needs is important.
The ideal candidate would have experience of the following:
- Working with adults with neurological or complex health needs
- Community working
- Hybrid working (home and office)
- Managing a varied caseload
- Working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Creative problem solving
- Thinking on your feet
- A passion to learn and to support others with their development
Main duties of the job
Working alongside other Occupational Therapists based in the team, and with support from a Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in the wider Learning Disability service, you will facilitate the development of the full range of function (physical, cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal) in the occupational areas of productivity, self-care, and leisure, for people with Learning Disabilities who have been referred to Occupational Therapy for assessment and treatment.
This is an excellent opportunity to practice Occupational Therapy within the challenging and rewarding field of Community Learning Disabilities. If you are interested in developing your skills through supporting a diverse caseload, within a supportive multidisciplinary team, then we look forward to your application.
Driving is essential for this role. You will be required to have a full and valid UK driving licence and to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.
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.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
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 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 be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Details
Date posted
11 March 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£38,682 to £46,580 a year p.a
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
152-M580.25
Job locations
Hillcrest
31 Slades Farm Road
Bournemouth
BH10 4EU
Employer details
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Hillcrest
31 Slades Farm Road
Bournemouth
BH10 4EU
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:
Supporting documents
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