Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, enthusiastic and self-motivated Occupational Therapist to join our band 6 rotation. East Sussex Healthcare Trust is the largest combined acute and community trust in the South East of England. Our Band 6 rotation gives the opportunity to work within the acute sites in Eastbourne and Hastings, our intermediate care Units and within community rotations.

The Rotational post would be suitable for someone seeking to develop their occupational therapy clinical and leadership skills at Band 6 level in a wide range of specialities.

We will offer the successful candidates the opportunity to broaden their clinical practice in a variety of settings, whilst developing leadership skills and supporting occupational therapy students and apprentices on placement. Promoting the role of occupational therapy within the Trust and more widely is an essential part of the role.

The occupational therapy department is part of the Community Health and Integrated Care division, we are committed to professional development and evidence-based practice. This is demonstrated through regular departmental training, the commitment to new initiatives and a constant review and improvement of services.

All applicants must have current HCPC registration.

Closing date: 18 November 2026

Main duties of the job
We will offer the successful candidates the opportunity to broaden their clinical practice in a variety of settings, whilst developing leadership skills and supporting occupational therapy students and apprentices on placement. Promoting the role of occupational therapy within the Trust and more widely is an essential part of the role.

The occupational therapy department is part of the Community Health and Integrated Care division, we are committed to professional development and evidence-based practice. This is demonstrated through regular departmental training, the commitment to new initiatives and a constant review and improvement of services. Our excellent appraisal programme demonstrates our commitment to our staff.

All applicants must have current HCPC registration.

About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

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Details
Date posted: 04 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 374-KN375-A
Job locations: Acute/IMC sites, St. Leonards-On-Sea/Eastbourne, TN37 7RD, United Kingdom

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Essential: Diploma / degree in Occupational Therapy. Current registrant as required by HPC
• Essential: Post-graduate qualification or proven equivalent experience / training in a relevant field
• Essential: Evidence of continued professional development
• Desirable: Post graduate qualifications in a relevant topic

Experience

• Essential: Full range of undergraduate placements
• Essential: 2 years post graduate experience within an acute hospital environment
• Essential: Completion of core rotations
• Desirable: Experience as a band 6 Occupational Therapist
• Desirable: Experience within acute services

Skills

• Essential: Confident with core occupational therapy skills
• Essential: Will have the ability to carry out therapy assessment and intervention incorporating manual therapy techniques, therapeutic handling and safe use of equipment, using the skills of highly developed dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory senses
• Essential: Flexible approach to work so able to work alone and within an MDT

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.

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

Employer contact details
Contact: Emma Pope, Professional Lead - Occupational Therapy, emma.pope3@nhs.net, 07879474650

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