Band 5 - Rotational Occupational Therapist, Inpatient Therapies

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Watford seeks a qualified Occupational Therapist to join their supportive Therapy Service. This role offers a chance to gain experience across various clinical rotations including Stroke and Orthopaedics. Ideal for final year students or those returning to practice, the position emphasizes professional development and offers a 7-day working service with flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance. Join us in our exciting journey as we enhance healthcare delivery.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Support for professional development

In-service training opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in providing assessment and treatment for patients.
• Ability to communicate effectively with health professionals and patients.
• Familiarity with audit and research processes.

Responsibilities

• Assess and treat patients with complex needs.
• Maintain records as an autonomous practitioner.
• Participate in audit, research, and clinical supervision.

Skills

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Autonomous practice

Team collaboration

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. We have an opportunity to start or progress your Occupational Therapy career within our friendly, supportive and dynamic Therapy Service at Watford General Hospital. This position will allow the post holder to gain experience across a variety of rotations, including Stroke, Care of the Elderly, Medicine, Surgical, and Orthopaedics. We offer an award‑winning preceptorship programme to support you within your first 12 months of starting in a newly qualified role. We also provide a supportive programme for international occupational therapists who are new to living in the UK and working in the NHS.

The role would be ideal for final year students or apprentices looking to secure their first qualified role, and also for those who have left the HCPC register and are looking to return to practice. Our Acute Assessment Unit provides opportunities for rapid but comprehensive assessments. We have established relationships with community teams for rapid response and early supported discharge for stroke, and run a Frailty Service with Dementia and Delirium specialist therapists to support Band 5s with complex patients.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment and treatment for patients with complex needs and give expert advice, guidance and information to health and social care professionals, carers, relatives and other non‑professionals.
• Maintain own records as an autonomous practitioner with access to a senior member of staff for advice and support.
• Communicate with patients and relevant medical and nursing staff, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, and patients’ relatives and carers regarding patient care.
• Participate in audit, research, and clinical supervision.
• Receive support from experienced team members to develop individual learning needs, and benefit from a strong supervision and appraisal process.
• Access in‑service training opportunities, study leave and course funding both internally and externally.

Working Pattern & Development

The department offers a 7 day working service with a 1:4 – 1:6 weekend frequency and rest days in the following week, underpinned by a competency framework. With a new hospital planned for Watford and updates at St Albans City Hospital and a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners, and embracing advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, and flexible working options are available to support work‑life balance.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, and offer support for those with disabilities or long‑term health conditions, and for those who are Service Leavers, Veterans, Military Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, or partners/spouses of those serving. Please contact [e-mail] if you require specific support.

We reserve the right to close early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Advert closes on Sunday 14 Dec 2025.