Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 27 January 2026

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our band 5 rotations on a fixed term contract. This post is an ideal opportunity for a clinician looking to gain experience within a variety of clinical specialities to consolidate core Occupational Therapy skills and develop professional knowledge in key acute areas.

The post is rotational across the Southend Hospital site, including respiratory, orthopaedics, admission avoidance, stroke and our regional oncology unit. We also offer the opportunity to rotate to the other hospitals that make up the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

The post would ideally suit an Occupational therapist who is seeking a supportive team in which to start their Occupational therapy career.

Full time and part time applicants welcomed. This is a Fixed term opportunity ending 7th June 2026.

The role of the band 5 occupational therapist is to work alongside the MDT to support the clinical care pathway by undertaking evidence based assessment, intervention and discharge planning. The occupational therapist will work under the supervision and guidance of a senior OT or the team leader of the team they are working with.

The Band 5 Occupational Therapy rotations we offer are:

• Acute Stroke Unit & Stroke Rehabilitation
• Medical Wards, including pulmonary rehabilitation
• Oncology Wards
• Surgery including amputees
• Orthopaedics
• Frailty Wards
• A & E and Admission Avoidance Service
• Inpatient paediatric service

The post is subject to a 6 month probationary period to support the successful candidate to settle into and develop within the post. The post will involve weekend working and working an extended working day in some rotations.

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

We support transition from student to therapist. Our Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and Practice Development Occupational Therapist work closely with the band 5 therapists to provide a supportive environment for staff to develop during their rotations. We also have highly skilled band 7 Occupational Therapists who are able to provide supportive rotations with regular supervision and teaching to support your development within each rotation.

The successful candidate will be a Member of British Association of Occupational Therapy, registered with Health Professional Council and have a Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy.

• To work within the MDT as an autonomous practitioner
• To manage a clinical caseload
• To provide OT specific assessment and intervention
• To facilitate safe discharge
• To contribute to service development and support evidence based practice
• To communicate with key stakeholders to support safe and timely discharge of patients
• To prioritise and delegate in order to support the fast pace of the service
• To provide timely and accurate communication with the MDT
• To maintain accurate clinical records

• BSc / MSC
• Qualifying student
• BAOT
• HCPC

• NHS experience
• Variety of placements

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.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

£31,049 a year per annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)