Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Stroke and Neurological Clinical Specialist (Occupational Therapist)

The closing date is 01 April 2026

Job summary

The Dorset Stroke and Neuro Service (East) are verypleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Stroke and Neuro Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Development Post (Band 6 to Band 7) to join our team. This is a permanent position of 27 hours per week, and during the first 6 - 12 months in post the successful candidate will be fully supported to work towards specific and individualised development objectives and skills, to achieve the B7 role requirements.

The team works across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and provides assessment and rehabilitation in community settings for patients with Neurological and Stroke and health conditions.

We offer employment in a supportive and pro-active team of Rehabilitation Assistants, Therapy Assistant Practitioners, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, including a Band 7 Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Neurology, and a Band 7 Team Leader.

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.

Main duties of the job

Please see the job description and personal specification for further information.

Main duties of the job

Please see the job description and personal specification for further information.

The successful candidate will :

1) Provide highly specialist clinical assessment, treatment and advice to service users with stroke and neurological health conditions.

2) Provide clinical guidance and advice to other members of the Multi-disciplinary Team through participation in screening of referrals, team meetings, joint treatments, teaching and case conferences.

3) Support the Team Leader to continually enhance service quality and contribute towards service development.

4) Provide an autonomous and flexible approach, balancing leadership and clinical commitments to support service users, Band 6 senior therapists, Rehabilitation Assistants, Therapy Assistant Practitioners and students. Providing supervision, mentorship, training and clinical support.

5) To provide specialist clinical advice, leadership and support ensuring the needs of the service are met by exercising and demonstrating high levels of clinical judgement, critical analysis and advanced decision-making skills.

6) Demonstrate high levels of leadership and positive role modelling.

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

18 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £54,710 a year pa pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-C343.25A

Job locations

Woodlands, Alderney Community Hospital. Kings Park Unit. Loring Road, Christchurch

Ringwood Road

Poole

BH12 4NB


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

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Essential

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

MANAGERIAL/SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Evidence of proactive involvement in the supervision and development of members of the multi-disciplinary team.
  • Evidence of delivering education and training in practice.

JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Experience at Registered Practitioner Band 6 or Band 7 level
  • Able to demonstrate highly specialist clinical reasoning skills to assimilate information in order to make a clinical judgement regarding diagnosis and intervention.
  • Evidence of involvement in the development of programmes of care, protocols and audit.

PERSONAL QUALITIES/ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • Inquisitive and eager to learn, asks questions and responds positively to change in practice/procedure. Seeks ways to improve self and others.
Person Specification

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Essential

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

MANAGERIAL/SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Evidence of proactive involvement in the supervision and development of members of the multi-disciplinary team.
  • Evidence of delivering education and training in practice.

JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Experience at Registered Practitioner Band 6 or Band 7 level
  • Able to demonstrate highly specialist clinical reasoning skills to assimilate information in order to make a clinical judgement regarding diagnosis and intervention.
  • Evidence of involvement in the development of programmes of care, protocols and audit.

PERSONAL QUALITIES/ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • Inquisitive and eager to learn, asks questions and responds positively to change in practice/procedure. Seeks ways to improve self and others.

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

Woodlands, Alderney Community Hospital. Kings Park Unit. Loring Road, Christchurch

Ringwood Road

Poole

BH12 4NB


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

Woodlands, Alderney Community Hospital. Kings Park Unit. Loring Road, Christchurch

Ringwood Road

Poole

BH12 4NB


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:

Team Lead

Jenny Chidley

jennifer.chidley@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

18 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £54,710 a year pa pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-C343.25A

Job locations

Woodlands, Alderney Community Hospital. Kings Park Unit. Loring Road, Christchurch

Ringwood Road

Poole

BH12 4NB


Supporting documents

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