Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the Specialist Eating Disorders Unit (SEDU) at Kimmeridge Court, Poole, Dorset. This is a full-time post, although part-time hours will be considered.
Kimmeridge Court provides specialist inpatient care for adults with eating disorders, delivering evidence-based, person-centred treatment that supports recovery, independence, and meaningful engagement in daily life. The Occupational Therapist will play a key role in assessment and intervention, supporting individuals with functional recovery during their inpatient stay and transition back to the community.
The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside nursing, medical, psychology, and dietetic colleagues. The role includes completing occupation-focused assessments, delivering individual and group interventions, contributing to therapeutic programmes on the unit, and supporting discharge planning.
We are committed to staff wellbeing and development. The successful candidate will receive regular clinical supervision and ongoing support with continuing professional development (CPD), with opportunities to build specialist skills and contribute to service development across the eating disorders pathway.
Please note: Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will deliver specialist, person-centred occupational therapy assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation for adults receiving inpatient care, promoting independence, autonomy, and recovery. This includes providing evidence-based, occupation-focused individual and group interventions to support skills in self-care, daily living, productivity, and meaningful activity.
The role involves working collaboratively with service users, carers, and the multidisciplinary team to support safe admission, therapeutic engagement during inpatient stay, and effective discharge planning and transition back into the community. The post holder will design, deliver, and contribute to structured occupational therapy programmes on the ward and, where appropriate, develop specialist programmes for delivery by other professionals.
The Occupational Therapist will assess and respond to clinical and environmental risk, ensuring patient safety and compliance with legal, professional, and organisational requirements. Clinical effectiveness will be demonstrated through outcome measures, audit activity, and reflective practice, supporting quality improvement.
Accurate clinical documentation will be maintained in line with Trust and professional standards, alongside engagement in clinical supervision, CPD, and audit or research activity.
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.
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
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
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
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Professional Registration
Essential
- Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy and Registered with the HCPC
- Membership of professional body
Desirable
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RCOT)
- Post-graduate qualification relevant to mental health or eating disorders
Job-Specific Experience
Essential
- Significant post-registration experience in mental health settings
- Experience of assessment and delivery of occupational therapy interventions relevant to the client group
Desirable
- Experience of working within an eating disorders service
- Experience of leading or coordinating therapeutic interventions or programme
Job specific experience
Essential
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and the framework within which Occupational Therapists practice
- Comprehensive understanding of occupational therapy assessments and interventions
- Ability to assess and manage clinical risk appropriately
Leadership, Supervision & Education
Essential
- Experience of supervising or supporting junior staff and/or students
- Ability to provide clinical advice and guidance to colleagues
Desirable
- Experience of leading service developments or practice improvements
Personal Qualities & Professional Attributes
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks, and work under pressure
- Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own practice
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Person Specification
Qualifications & Professional Registration
Essential
- Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy and Registered with the HCPC
- Membership of professional body
Desirable
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RCOT)
- Post-graduate qualification relevant to mental health or eating disorders
Job-Specific Experience
Essential
- Significant post-registration experience in mental health settings
- Experience of assessment and delivery of occupational therapy interventions relevant to the client group
Desirable
- Experience of working within an eating disorders service
- Experience of leading or coordinating therapeutic interventions or programme
Job specific experience
Essential
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and the framework within which Occupational Therapists practice
- Comprehensive understanding of occupational therapy assessments and interventions
- Ability to assess and manage clinical risk appropriately
Leadership, Supervision & Education
Essential
- Experience of supervising or supporting junior staff and/or students
- Ability to provide clinical advice and guidance to colleagues
Desirable
- Experience of leading service developments or practice improvements
Personal Qualities & Professional Attributes
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks, and work under pressure
- Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own practice
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
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).
