Rotational Occupational Therapist

Closing date: 14 August 2026

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our team. If you are starting out in your career or are looking for a change, and wanting to work in an acute hospital, this could be the role for you. The therapy team at Dorset County Hospital are very proud of the service they offer to patients and are embedded in the MDT working in conjunction with other members of the team.

Dorset County Hospital offers the opportunities to work in acute wards, assessment units, patients homes and out-patient departments.

Dorset isn't just a great place to work; it's also a great place to live. The area boasts the best beaches in England with a range of outdoor activities on your doorstep. The area is largely rural with a good rail and road network. The stunning natural Poole harbour and Quays at both Christchurch and Poole. There is easy access to the New Forest and the Dorset countryside, renowned for its areas of outstanding natural beauty and the spectacular Jurassic Coast, ideal for sports and outdoor activities.

We are a trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Main duties of the job
A full driving license and access to a car is ideal but not essential. Working patterns will vary dependent on rotation. The therapy team is committed to the principles of 7 day working and are working towards it.

Our rotations are 6 months and include Care of the Elderly, Orthopaedics, Front of House, Hand Therapy, Acute Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation at The Yeatman Hospital,

We are looking for a forward thinking OT, who enjoys a challenge. We can offer you:-

• One year post graduation preceptorship programme.
• A varied preceptorship programme.
• A varied range of rotations.
• Competency based learning structure and profession specific training.
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly skilled and well established team leads.
• Mentorship/Peer support.
• Clinical supervision.
• Values based appraisals.
• An opportunity to help shape future services

If you are a forward thinking, dynamic therapist who would like to develop, we look forward to hearing from you.

About us
We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate's individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability or this role, we may withdraw your application.

Details
Date posted: 31 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 405-26-AHP385ROT
Job locations: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at View email address on meeveem.com if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Please contact us for further informal, and an informal discussion.

UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.

Person Specification
Education & qualifications
Essential

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy*
• Registered as an Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council * It is acknowledged that these may be in the process of being obtained if about to qualify.

Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner.
• Ability to keep accurate and legible clinical notes.
• Ability to demonstrate clear clinical reasoning and knowledge of OT interventions with this patient group, commensurate with Band 5 level.
• Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors
• To have a full UK driving licence.
• Computer literate

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in the acute physical sector as an undergraduate
• Experience of working in the community setting as an undergraduate
• To have an understanding of the homefirst/D2A model
• To show an understanding of clinical governance and its implication for the Occupational Therapy service
• Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Head of Occupational Therapy, Vicki Piper, View email address on meeveem.com, View phone number on meeveem.com