Occupational Therapist

Enquiries from qualified individuals seeking return to practice support, relocation (either within the UK or from overseas) are welcomed.

Our sought-after rotation includes neurosciences, stroke, orthopaedics, trauma, acute medicine, complex care and surgery. Each rotation is of nine months’ duration with senior support always accessible and regular supervision provided. Non rotational posts are also a possibility. We run a preceptorship programme for new graduates and offer other development opportunities to facilitate your CPD.

This advert may close early, if we have received a sufficient amount of applications. Therefore you are highly advised to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Main duties of the job
The caseloads are varied, challenging and rewarding requiring application of a wide range of therapeutic skills to encompass functional and cognitive assessments, early interventions, social and environmental needs for discharge planning and onward referrals.

Close multi-disciplinary working and links with community partners in the wider health and care system exist to address needs at all stages of the clinical pathways, with occupational therapy playing a crucial role.

Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust is a great place to work. Situated in the vibrant city of Bristol is our award-winning building opened in 2014, offering exceptional facilities for patients and staff alike. We are a large teaching Trust that provides multiple specialties including regional services for neurosciences, major trauma, orthopaedics and surgery (major arterial centre and burns & plastics).

There is plenty of peer and senior support in the team, and various professional development opportunities and training courses are available. Quality improvement projects and service development ideas are actively encouraged. Additional benefits include award schemes for excellence, staff restaurants, green spaces and an extensive well being programme.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To provide an effective patient centred occupational therapy service to patients, working in conjunction with other members of the team and under the direction and supervision of a senior occupational therapist.
To manage a defined caseload, using evidence-based principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions in hospital and on home visits in order to provide a safe, timely and effective discharge.
To maintain clinical records
To develop skills and knowledge through participation in the band 5 Preceptorship Programme (new graduates).
Regular placements are provided for undergraduate students from the local university. Roster patterns include one weekend shift every four weeks.

Person specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential criteria

Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Work Experience
Essential criteria

Application of the OT Process
Use of functional assessments
Documented evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable criteria

Experience of acute hospital setting
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria

Effective written and verbal communication skills
IT skills
Desirable criteria

Wheelchair skills
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria

Registration with HCPC
Desirable criteria

Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists


If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from this Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that this Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.

If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151.

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.



The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.

Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post. Please refer to the ‘Information for Prospective Employees’ attachment for information relating to DBS charges.