Band 6 Locum Acute Senior Occupational Therapist

Senior Occupational Therapist – Band 6

Location:

 
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust – Poole Hospital  
 

Area:

 
South West NHS  
 

Salary:

 
£Negotiable  
 

Job Type:

 
Locum  
 

Contract Length:

 
Ongoing  
 

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Occupational Therapist (Band 6) to join the Acute Inpatients Team at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust – Poole Hospital.  
This exciting locum opportunity offers the chance to work within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary acute setting, supporting patients across a range of specialisms including older adults, neurology, orthopaedics, and acute medicine.  

As part of the inpatient therapy team, you will assess and treat patients with complex needs, supporting safe discharge and promoting functional independence. You will also supervise and guide junior staff and assistants, contributing to high-quality, evidence-based patient care.  
 

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of patients in acute hospital settings to identify functional needs and establish effective treatment goals.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualised care and rehabilitation plans to promote recovery, independence, and timely discharge.
• Work across a range of specialties, including older adults, orthopaedics, neurology, and acute medicine.
• Contribute to discharge planning and coordination with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring patient safety and continuity of care.
• Provide education and advice to patients, carers, and families on coping strategies, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
• Demonstrate strong clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice to deliver high-quality interventions.
• Supervise, mentor, and delegate work appropriately to junior Occupational Therapists, students, and therapy assistants.
• Maintain up-to-date patient documentation, complying with NHS and HCPC professional standards.
• Engage in service development, audit, and quality improvement initiatives.

About You

 
You are a skilled and confident Occupational Therapist with a strong background in acute physical settings. You bring enthusiasm, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-moving hospital environment.  

You demonstrate leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and a passion for empowering patients to regain independence and return safely home.  
 

Requirements

• BSc (Hons) Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC Registration as an Occupational Therapist.
• Minimum of 2 years’ NHS experience post-qualification.
• Proven experience in acute inpatient therapy covering core areas: Older Adults, Neurology, Orthopaedics, and Acute Medicine.
• Strong knowledge of discharge planning, manual handling, and rehabilitation processes.
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills, able to build rapport across diverse groups.
• Proven ability to teach and supervise junior staff and therapy assistants effectively.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise workload.
• IT proficiency for clinical documentation and NHS systems.
• Ability to critically evaluate research and apply findings to clinical practice.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (desirable for community liaison).
• Fluent English communication skills for clinical and teaching purposes.

Contract & Working Pattern

• Working Hours: 08:00 – 16:00 (shift-based)
• Days: Monday – Friday
• Contract: Ongoing locum role
• Salary: £Negotiable (dependent on experience)
• Location: Poole Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

About the Service

 
The Acute Inpatients Therapy Team at Poole Hospital provides comprehensive assessment and rehabilitation for patients with a wide range of acute medical and surgical needs. Working within a supportive and forward-thinking multidisciplinary team, the service is dedicated to promoting safe discharge, independence, and recovery.  

You will have access to ongoing professional development, clinical supervision, and opportunities to contribute to service improvement and innovation.  
 

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced Senior Occupational Therapist seeking a rewarding acute inpatient role in a dynamic NHS environment, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.

Code: U. GKQ6C.007011.B18946