Occupational Therapist | Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Southend University Hospital NHS Trust; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Southend-on-Sea is seeking an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist for a band 5 rotation role. This full-time position offers opportunities to work in various clinical specialities, including stroke and orthopaedics, within a supportive team environment. Ideal for those looking to develop their core Occupational Therapy skills, the role includes clinical responsibilities and supports through structured rotations and supervision.

Qualifications

• Registered with Health Professions Council.
• Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists.
• Experience in working within a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Responsibilities

• Manage a clinical caseload as an autonomous practitioner.
• Provide OT specific assessment and intervention.
• Facilitate safe discharge of patients.

Skills

Evidence-based assessment

Clinical intervention

Discharge planning

Education

Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Overview

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our band 5 rotations on a fixed term contract. This post is an ideal opportunity for a clinician looking to gain experience within a variety of clinical specialities to consolidate core Occupational Therapy skills and develop professional knowledge in key acute areas.

The post is rotational across the Southend Hospital site, including respiratory, orthopaedics, admission avoidance, stroke and our regional oncology unit. We also offer the opportunity to rotate to the other hospitals that make up the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

The post would ideally suit an Occupational Therapist who is seeking a supportive team in which to start their Occupational Therapy career.

Full time and part time applicants welcomed. This is a Fixed term opportunity ending 7th June 2026.

The role of the band 5 occupational therapist is to work alongside the MDT to support the clinical care pathway by undertaking evidence based assessment, intervention and discharge planning. The occupational therapist will work under the supervision and guidance of a senior OT or the team leader of the team they are working with.

Rotations

• Acute Stroke Unit & Stroke Rehabilitation
• Medical Wards, including pulmonary rehabilitation
• Oncology Wards
• Surgery including amputees
• Orthopaedics
• Frailty Wards
• A & E and Admission Avoidance Service
• Inpatient paediatric service

The post is subject to a 6 month probationary period to support the successful candidate to settle into and develop within the post. The post will involve weekend working and working an extended working day in the some rotations.

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

We support transition from student to therapist. Our Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and Practice Development Occupational Therapist work closely with the band 5 therapists to provide a supportive environment for staff to develop during their rotations.

We also have highly skilled band 7 Occupational Therapists who are able to provide supportive rotations with regular supervision and teaching to support your development within each rotation. The successful candidate will be a Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists, registered with Health Professions Council and have a Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy.

Main responsibilities

• To work within the MDT as an autonomous practitioner
• To manage a clinical caseload
• To provide OT specific assessment and intervention
• To facilitate safe discharge
• To contribute to service development and support evidence based practice
• To communicate with key stakeholders to support safe and timely discharge of patients
• To prioritise and delegate in order to support the fast pace of the service
• To provide timely and accurate communication with the MDT
• To maintain accurate clinical records

This advert closes on Wednesday 17 Sep 2025