Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with previous health or social care experience to support our team in providing occupational therapy to elective orthopaedic patients. The team are predominately based at the new Princess Royal Bristol Surgical Centre at Southmead Hospital.

The post may close early if sufficient applications are received so you are advised to apply as soon as possible.

The newly formed Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is a great place to work. Situated in the vibrant city of Bristol, Southmead Hospital is an award-winning building opened in 2014, offering exceptional facilities for patients and staff. We are a large teaching trust that provides multiple specialties including regional services for neurosciences, major trauma, orthopaedics and surgery (major arterial centre and burns & plastics).

There is plenty of support in each team with development opportunities and training courses available. Additional benefits include award schemes for excellence, staff restaurants, green spaces and an extensive wellbeing programme.

Main duties of the job
Under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist, you will work with patients on the wards and in therapy areas to provide a range of interventions to facilitate recovery and promote independence. This will include supporting individuals to use the toilet, wash & dress or carry out other domestic tasks.

To understand more about Occupational Therapy at Southmead Hospital, click here to watch our video.

About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.

Job responsibilities
The post holder will support the delivery of Occupational Therapy services within acute clinical settings under the direction and supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist.

The role involves implementing delegated rehabilitation programmes, assisting patients to maximise independence in activities of daily living, supporting discharge planning and maintaining accurate clinical records.

The post holder will work directly with patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team, monitoring and reporting patient progress and undertaking administrative, equipment and departmental duties to support the effective and efficient delivery of the Occupational Therapy service.

Person Specification
Education/Training/Qual
Essential

• GCSE Level Education or Equivalent
• Evidence of Literacy & Numeracy Skills

Desirable

• Level 3 qualification in health or social care

Work Experience
Essential

• Experience working in a healthcare, social care or patient-facing environment
• Experience supporting patients with rehabilitation or daily living activities

Desirable

• Previous NHS experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential

• Good Written Communication/IT Skills
• Knowledge of rehabilitation, disability and the role of Occupational Therapy in promoting independence.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details
Employer name: Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Pathway Lead Occupational Therapist (MSK), Suzanne Billings, Suzanne.Billings2@nbt.nhs.uk

Details
Date posted: 24 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 339-CCS7762-MJA
Job locations: Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, United Kingdom

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them.