Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
B5 Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 29 November 2026
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Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity to join the South Somerset Reablement Therapy Team as a full time Band 5 Occupational Therapist.

The Reablement Team covers the intermediate care pathway beds in the South of Somerset. This currently includes beds at Sherborne House, La Fontana and Crewkerne Community Hospital.

Do you enjoy completing rehabilitation in an inpatient setting for a varied, complex caseload? We receive service-users discharged from the acute hospitals that require ongoing rehabilitation prior to discharge to their next destination for a period of up to 6 weeks.

Please get in touch if you think this may be the job for you.

Main duties of the job
To provide a high standard Occupational Therapy Service as part of the Intermediate Care Bedded Pathway team.

To hold responsibility for own caseload and undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner, working without direct supervision but having access to a Senior Occupational Therapist on a regular basis and participating in the Service's formal Professional Supervision & Appraisal Programme.

Provide support, guidance and training to junior rehabilitation assistants, apprentices, discharge facilitators and students.

Responsibility for a caseload of suitable patients within the speciality services of Intermediate Care.

To work with patients in a range of community locations, which can include community hospitals, care home rehabilitation units and in service users own homes.

Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service.

The post holder will be required to work their hours over 7 days, including out of hours, weekends and bank holidays, to meet the needs of the service.

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?
Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Details
Date posted: 11 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year, Pro Rata, Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 184-OL-BL-5825

Job description
Please see attached job description for further information about the role and the personal requirements and specification.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential: Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy; HCPC registration; Evidence of CPD maintained in a portfolio including attendance at recent postgraduate course.
Desirable: Post graduate accredited course in care of the elderly and/or rehabilitation; Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy
Experience
Essential: Evidence of reflection; Critical appraisal of own performance; Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team; Experience in a range of clinical rehabilitation areas of practice to include elderly patients, neurological, cognitive decline etc.
Desirable: Experience in an NHS community hospital/community setting at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Additional Criteria
Essential: Please see attached job description and person specification.

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).

Employer details
Employer name: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Crewkerne Community Hospital, Middle Path, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 8BX, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Hiring Manager, Esme Diment, esme.diment@somersetft.nhs.uk, 01935606142

Job locations
Crewkerne Community Hospital, Middle Path, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 8BX, United Kingdom
Disch Pathway Sherbourne House, 131 Sherbourne Road, Sherborne, Somerset, BA21 4HF, United Kingdom
Disch Pathway La Fontana, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6PQ, United Kingdom

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