Occupational Therapist | Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community healthcare provider is seeking a Band 6 Occupational Therapist for the Inpatient Therapy Team at Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital. In this role, you will assess and implement patient treatment plans, supervise staff, and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. Qualified candidates must have a degree in Occupational Therapy and 2 years of relevant experience. This position requires a full UK driving licence for home visits.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in elderly care and community work.
• Ability to drive and access to a car for home visits is essential.
• Experience working in the NHS system.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients' physical, social and psychological needs.
• Formulate and implement treatment programmes.
• Support and supervise Band 5 staff and therapy assistants.

Skills

Clinical assessment skills

Communication skills

Proactivity

Knowledge of physical conditions

Experience in elderly care

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy

Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council

Job description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the Inpatient Therapy Team at Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital.

Friends Ward is a well‑established Inpatient Rehabilitation and Recovery Ward providing care and therapy for the local community. The ward mainly caters for the older population but also serves younger patients with long‑term conditions or following significant trauma.

As a Band 6 OT you will benefit from working with a multidisciplinary team including Speech Therapists, Pharmacists, Dietitians, Doctors, Consultants, Nurses, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy staff. You will gain further experience working in an inpatient setting with patients who have multiple comorbidities and may become a potential link worker for issues such as falls.

To accept applications, you must be able to provide documentary evidence of right to work in the United Kingdom. This vacancy does not meet sponsorship criteria. If you qualify for a discounted salary threshold, please contact us at [e-mail] quoting the vacancy reference number and how you feel you qualify.

Job Responsibilities

You will assess patients’ physical, social and psychological needs within the hospital setting and, in discussion with the patient, carers, family and multidisciplinary team, formulate and implement treatment programmes and discharge planning.

You will be expected to support and supervise Band 5 staff, therapy assistants and participate in the training of others as appropriate. You should also be able to supervise students should the need arise.

As a community trust many of our roles require individuals to be able to drive. You will be asked to confirm you have a full UK driving licence if driving is required. We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities; if you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team.

If you need an application form in an alternative format or have any other questions, please contact the recruiting manager (contact details can be found in the job advert).

Qualifications and Requirements

• A Degree level qualification or equivalent in Occupational Therapy.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• At least 2 years post‑qualification experience including elderly care, community work and working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Very good knowledge of a range of physical conditions relating to older people, including rehabilitation, falls and orthopaedics.
• Very good clinical assessment skills.
• Very good communication skills.
• Be pro‑active.
• Be passionate about empowering patients, their carers and their family.
• Experience of working in the NHS system.
• Ability to drive and access to a car essential for access and home visits as appropriate.

Diversity and Equality

We are rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC and pride ourselves on delivering high standards of patient care. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion; the data we collect helps us ensure all colleagues have equitable access to career opportunities. We welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. We collect information about protected characteristics on our application form, which is only visible to those involved in shortlisting or interviewing.

Working Arrangements

We are a flexible‑working friendly organisation and will support you to work flexibly in a way that suits both you and our patients. Please discuss any flexible working arrangement with us.

This advert closes on Sunday 21 Dec 2025.