
Job overview
Are you a motivated, forward thinking Occupational Therapist?
Do you have a keen interest in neuro rehabilitation with a passion for community working?
We are looking for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our Early Supported Discharge team at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. This fixed term post is to cover maternity leave for 34 hours per week.
Participation in weekend working and late shifts are integral to this role.
We are keen to discuss your individual requirements and development needs so do get in touch with us to see what we can offer you!
This role requires State Registered (HCPC) Qualification/ BSc (Hons), MSc or Equivalent in Occupational Therapy
Base Location: Community post with UHD base at Canford House, Poole.
Interview Date: 10th September 2026
Main duties of the job
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Sound understanding of the pathology of neurological conditions
- Basic understanding of Neuroplasticity and theoretical rationale behind neurotherapy interventions
- Knowledge of the clinical pathway for neurological patients from acute care to long term management
- Knowledge and understanding of the Discharge to Assess pathways
Experience
Essential
- Relevant postgraduate experience across core areas - Neurology - Older Peoples Services - Orthopaedics
- Experience of working within an NHS acute/rehab hospital
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons), MSc or Equivalent in Occupational Therapy
- State Registered (HCPC)
Desirable
- Member of RCOT and RCOT SS Neurological Practice
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Self motivated
- Flexibility to respond to urgent requests, changes to plans etc
Technical Skills Competencies
Essential
- Ability to assess, manage & treat neurological conditions and patients with complex multi pathologies at specialist level
- Therapeutic moving & handling skills at specialist level
- Ability to teach & supervise band 5 staff & assistants
- Skills in goal setting & evaluating outcome measures
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Occupational Therapist - Stroke & Neuro Early Supported Discharge with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust in University Hospitals Dorset - Canford House. It is listed as a Band 6 Occupational Therapist role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 pa / pro rata. The contract type is 9 months (Fixed Term/ Secondment). The application deadline is 03 Sep 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (24 Aug 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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