Rotational Occupational Therapist

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Rotational Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 12 January 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 5 occupational therapist to join our team. If you are starting out in your career or are looking for a change, and wanting to work in an acute hospital, this could be the role for you. The therapy team at Dorset County Hospital are very proud of the service they offer to patients and are embedded in the MDT working in conjunction with other members of the team.

A full driving licence and access to a car is ideal but not essential. Working patterns will vary dependent on rotation. The therapy team is committed to the principles of 7 day working and are working towards it.

Our rotations are 6 months and include:

• Care of the Elderly
• Orthopaedics
• Front of House
• Hand Therapy
• Acute Stroke
• Stroke Rehabilitation at The Yeatman Hospital

We are looking for a forward thinking OT, who enjoys a challenge. We can offer you:

• One year post graduation preceptorship programme.
• A varied range of rotations.
• Competency based learning structure and profession specific training.
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly skilled and well established team leads.
• Clinical supervision.
• Values based appraisals.
• An opportunity to help shape future services

If you are a forward thinking, dynamic therapist who would like to develop, we look forward to hearing from you.

Dorset County Hospital offers the opportunities to work in acute wards, assessment units, patients homes and out-patient departments.

Dorset isn't just a great place to work; it's also a great place to live. The area boasts the best beaches in England with a range of outdoor activities on your doorstep. The area is largely rural with a good rail and road network. The stunning natural Poole harbour and Quays at both Christchurch and Poole. There is easy access to the New Forest and the Dorset countryside, renowned for its areas of outstanding natural beauty and the spectacular Jurassic Coast, ideal for sports and outdoor activities.

We are a trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.

Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at  if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Please contact us for further informal, and an informal discussion.

UKVI Sponsorship:
This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy*
• Registered as an Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council*

• Experience of working in the acute physical sector as an undergraduate
• Experience of working in the community setting as an undergraduate
• To have an understanding of the homefirst/D2A model
• To show an understanding of clinical governance and its implication for the Occupational Therapy service
• Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality

• Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner.
• Ability to keep accurate and legible clinical notes.
• Ability to demonstrate clear clinical reasoning and knowledge of OT interventions with this patient group, commensurate with Band 5 level.
• Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors
• To have a full UK driving licence.

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.

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust