Job summary
An exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist to work within the Therapies Team at St Ann's Hospital.

This role is to provide an evidenced based, client centred Occupational Therapy service to our Older Persons Mental Health ward. However, as part of the Therapies team, you will have the opportunity to practice a diverse range of functional assessments, devising creative and meaningful goal orientated interventions, using outcome measures to monitor progress across all the wards.

You will receive regular supervision and be connected to a peer support network. Ongoing learning and development and regular CPD opportunities will be made available to you.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver high-quality, timely and evidence-based occupational therapy assessments, interventions and evaluations to individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to develop, implement and review person-centred care plans that support recovery, independence and meaningful occupation.
• Undertake holistic assessments of functional abilities, occupational performance and mental health needs, using clinical reasoning to inform intervention planning.
• Provide therapeutic interventions to support service users in developing daily living skills, improving wellbeing and achieving their recovery goals.
• Liaise effectively with external agencies, community services, carers and family members to ensure coordinated and seamless care.
• Contribute to discharge planning, producing comprehensive reports and recommendations to support safe transitions and ongoing care needs.
• Maintain accurate, timely and professional clinical records in accordance with organisational and professional standards.
• Promote service user engagement, empowerment and involvement in care planning and decision-making.
• Participate in service development, quality improvement and audit projects to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of occupational therapy practice through reflective practice, supervision, training and continuous professional development.

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 create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Details
Date posted: 04 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year pa pro rate
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 152-M410.26

Person Specification
Essential

• Degree Level in Occupational Therapy
• Membership of Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
• Current HCPC registration
• Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business - Level 1
• Willingness to complete Breakaway and PMVA training
• Knowledge and application of occupational therapy assessments and interventions relevant to the client group
• Knowledge of the legislative framework within which Occupational Therapists work
• Experience working with people, families, carers and other professionals
• Documented evidence of continuous professional development
• Evidence of effective team working
• Ability to work autonomously, safely within our code of practice
• An understanding of emotional and physical impact of illness / disability on an individual and their family / carers
• Able to analyse data and produce reports using Microsoft Excel and Word
• Experience of using electronic patient / service user record systems
• Values in line with Trust Values and Behaviours
• Willingness to advance own clinical knowledge, skill and competence based on current evidence
• Demonstrable leadership qualities and the ability to perform as a role model
• Ability to communicate effectively at different levels of the organisation and with staff, patient/service users, visitors or external organisations both verbally and in writing in the exchange of highly complex, sensitive or contentious information which may require the use of negotiating and/or persuasive skills

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of Trust Strategy relevant to role
• Post graduate relevant experience
• Previous experience in working in the community and inpatient setting
• Experience in service improvement projects

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Employer details
Employer name: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: St Ann's Hospital, 69 Haven Road, Poole, BH13 7LN, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Contact
For questions about the job, contact: Kelly Haysom, Therapy Lead, kelly.haysom@nhs.net, 01202492074

Please note that we understand AI can be a useful tool when completing your application; all submissions must be truthful and your supporting statement should be in your own words.