Locum Community Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist (Locum)

Location: Dorset Council – County Hall, Dorchester

Area: South West

Rate: Up to £35 per hour (umbrella)

Contract: Locum, Ongoing

About the Role

Dorset Council is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to join the expanding Home First Occupational Therapy Team. This service plays a vital role in supporting hospital discharges, active recovery and reablement packages, ensuring timely, safe and person-centred interventions for residents across the county.

This role requires strong collaboration with partners across health, social care and community services to improve outcomes and promote independence. The team operates county-wide, so the successful candidate will be expected to complete visits across Dorset. While office-based working is available, hybrid working arrangements can also be supported.

Main Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality occupational therapy assessments and interventions to support Home First pathways, including hospital discharge, recovery and reablement.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary partners across health and community services to ensure integrated, seamless support.
• Develop person-centred plans that promote independence, safety and wellbeing.
• Provide expert advice on equipment provision, functional ability and rehabilitation needs.
• Support the wider Home First Social Care Team by maintaining strong links across all three area clusters.
• Carry out essential community visits across the county to assess needs and implement interventions.
• Maintain professional standards in line with HCPC requirements and organisational policies.
• Contribute to service development and promote best practice within the team.

Requirements

• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist.
• Degree in Occupational Therapy (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 3 years’ post-qualified experience within the UK.
• Access to a car and willingness to travel across Dorset.
• Strong understanding of relevant theoretical frameworks, practice models and evidence-based approaches.
• Knowledge of human development and psychological theories and how they apply to OT practice.
• Experience in community-based work, hospital discharge, reablement or recovery pathways is desirable.

Working Arrangements

• Office-based and hybrid working options available.
• County-wide role requiring regular community visits.

Why Join?

• Competitive umbrella rate up to £35 per hour.
• Be part of an expanding, high-impact Home First team responding to increased demand.
• Meaningful community-based work supporting early intervention and independence.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment across health and social care.

Ready to make a real impact in Dorset’s Home First service?

Apply today to join the Occupational Therapy team at Dorset Council.

Code: U. 024011.B19058