Community Occupational Therapist

Job Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our team for a fixed secondment period to cover a member of staff on secondment. The role is officially within our Band 5 Rotation across Dorset Healthcare and Universities Hospital Dorset. However, this secondment will be held solely within CBIC for the entire duration.

This role is within an Intermediate Care service which covers the area of Christchurch and Bournemouth. The successful candidate will work closely alongside other Band 5 OTs and Physiotherapists, as well as a large team of Senior OTs, Physiotherapists and Nurses, Assistant Practitioners and Community Rehabilitation Assistants.

To provide a high-quality person-centred approach to care delivery which always considers people's safety, privacy and dignity.

To undertake assessment of patients / service users care needs and develop programmes of care/Rehabilitation as part of the wider multi-disciplinary care team.

To provide advice to patients/ service users and carers regarding their care.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

You will work alongside a large clinical and support team and your role will include supporting timely discharge from hospitals, as well as occasionally supporting a Band 6 clinician to prevent an emergency admission.

To carry out initial interviews with patients to establish their needs of the service taking into account the patient's wishes, their diagnosis, prognosis, current functional status, pre-morbidity level of independence and social needs. Complete baseline assessments relating to function and performance, within the patients' own home/other community setting, assessments will include all PADL & ADL's, as well as a generic assessment which covers clinical observations, skin assessment etc, but are not limited to these.

Set objective treatment goals with the patient, agreeing and prioritising their goals with them to ensure patient ownership of the programme, and plan community visits accordingly.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

At Dorset Health Care 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 and positive team, making a real difference to peoples lives. You will be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

• Date posted: 14 January 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 5
• Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year p.a pro rata for part time
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 10 months
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Compressed hours
• Reference number: 152-C313.25A
• Job locations: CBIC, Shelley Ward. Kings Park Hospital Gloucester Road, Bournemouth BH7 6JF

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post. We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application.

However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its…