Job summary
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our friendly, supportive and dynamic Therapy Service at Watford General Hospital.

This role offers the opportunity to develop your skills and gain valuable experience across a variety of rotations, including Stroke, Care of the Elderly, Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics and Emergency Medicine.

This role is ideal for final-year students or apprentices looking to secure their first qualified position, as well as Occupational Therapists who have left the HCPC register and are looking to return to practice.

Our Trust has one of the largest Acute Assessment Units, offering opportunities to carry out rapid yet comprehensive assessments to help patients access the most appropriate care. We have strong, established relationships with our community teams, including Rapid Response and Early Supported Discharge for Stroke, and we also run a Frailty Service.

In addition, our specialist Dementia and Delirium Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists provide guidance and support to Band 5 colleagues when managing complex patients in the acute setting.

Main duties of the job
Throughout each rotation, you will be supported by experienced team members to develop your skills and meet your individual learning needs. Our established supervision and appraisal process will support your professional development, alongside access to regular in-service training. There are also opportunities for study leave and course funding, both internally and externally.

The department operates a seven-day service, with weekend working approximately once every 4-6 weeks and rest days provided the following week. This is supported by a structured competency framework to ensure you feel confident and well-prepared in your role.

About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. Apply through our website for flexible working information. If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Details
Date posted: 03 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £33,677 to £40,996 a year pa inc. HCA
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 360-C-11915
Job locations: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB, United Kingdom

Person Specification
Education and qualifications

• Essential: Occupational Therapy degree qualification or equivalent.
• Essential: Current registration with the Health Care Professions Council.
• Essential: Evidence of Continued Professional Development and reflective practice.
• Desirable: Membership of RCOT.

Knowledge

• Essential: Knowledge and understanding of NHS discharge pathways and processes relevant to the acute hospital setting.
• Essential: Understanding of the Occupational Therapy role within the acute hospital setting, including assessment, intervention, discharge planning and multidisciplinary working.
• Essential: Knowledge of Occupational Therapy evidence-based practice and relevant clinical guidelines, with the ability to apply these within the acute clinical setting.
• Essential: Understanding of client centred non-discriminatory practice.
• Essential: Awareness and understanding of risk assessment related to equipment provision.
• Desirable: Understanding of clinical governance and the implications for the service.

Experience

• Essential: Relevant NHS experience in acute hospital setting.
• Essential: Experience of assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating OT treatment programmes for patients with varying health, functional or psychosocial needs.
• Essential: Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Essential: Experience of managing and prioritising a clinical caseload.

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. 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.

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

Employer details
Employer name: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB, United Kingdom
Employer's website: http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Therapy Team Lead, Ahmed Elbastawisy, ahmed.elbastawisy2@nhs.net

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