Rotational Occupational Therapist

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Torquay; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Torbay Hospital, part of the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, is seeking an Occupational Therapist for a Band 6 rotational role. You will deliver rapid assessment, discharge planning and admissions avoidance across acute wards and emergency pathways.

The role offers 6-month rotations with strong clinical and leadership support, including a Clinical Development Lead. There is a focus on professional growth, CPD, supervision, and opportunity to develop leadership and service

Qualifications

• HCPC registered and registered occupational therapist with NHS experience.
• Experience working in an acute hospital setting and MDTs.
• Proven ability to supervise juniors and students; clinical leadership.
• Strong assessment, discharge planning and service improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Rapid assessment and functional intervention within acute wards and ED.
• Discharge planning to support safe, timely discharges and admission avoidance.
• Work autonomously while receiving support from senior clinicians and Clinical Development Lead.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff and students to promote learning.
• Contribute to service improvement and audits within acute and urgent care.

Skills

NHS Experience

Acute Hospital Setting

Autonomous Working

Clinical Leadership

Student Mentoring

Education

Degree/Masters in Occupational Therapy

HCPC registered

Job description

We're looking for a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our Urgent and Emergency Care rotational service at Torbay Hospital, delivering rapid assessment, admission avoidance and discharge planning across acute inpatient and emergency pathways. This is an exciting Band 6 rotational post with 6‑monthly rotations, designed to support clinicians to grow in confidence, autonomy and leadership. Whether you're an experienced Band 5 ready to step up or a current Band 6 looking for a fresh challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Why join our team? Live and work in Torbay & South Devon - offering a unique opportunity to combine a rewarding NHS career with an exceptional quality of life – from coastal walks and beaches to Dartmoor National Park right on your doorstep. Structured 6‑monthly rotations across acute wards, emergency care and admission avoidance services. Strong clinical support and leadership, including a dedicated Clinical Development Lead, who will work with you – alongside the OT leadership team – to actively support your career progression, skills development and longer‑term goals. High priority on learning and development, with protected supervision, CPD planning and opportunities to develop leadership, teaching and service improvement skills. A visible and well‑respected OT service, fully embedded within the MDT and valued across the Trust.

Main duties of the job

You’ll play a key role in:

• Rapid assessment, functional intervention and discharge planning within acute wards and the emergency department
• Supporting admission avoidance and safe, timely discharges
• Working autonomously while being supported by senior clinicians and the Clinical Development Lead
• Supervising and mentoring junior staff and students
• Contributing to service development and innovative approaches to acute and urgent care

The post includes participation in a 7‑day service, with appropriate rota planning and senior support. A friendly, supportive OT team that values wellbeing and professional growth. Innovative Preceptorship programme to support transition into the trust.

Responsibilities include clinical leadership, supervision of junior staff and students, and participation in service development and audits. You are required to complete accurate documentation and timely data input. The role requires advanced therapeutic skills, effective communication with patients, carers, and external agencies, and compliance with national and local policies. Additionally, you will support staff training and contribute to research and quality improvement initiatives.

HCPC‑registered with experience in acute and/or community Occupational Therapy. Confident in assessment, clinical reasoning and person‑centred discharge planning. Knowledgeable in the Mental Capacity Act. Keen to develop your leadership, supervision and service improvement skills. Motivated, reflective and committed to high‑quality, evidence‑based practice.

• HCPC registered
• Degree/Masters in Occupational Therapy
• NHS Experience
• Experience of working in the Acute Hospital Setting
• Experience of supervising junior members of a team, Experience of having a student
• Experience of complex discharge planning
• Experience of working within an MDT, Experience of having a student
• Experience of complex discharge planning
• Experience of working within an MDT

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Why Work With Us

We actively support our team members. Career Growth – by supporting your professional development with mentorship and training opportunities. Impact Lives – Help improve mobility, independence, and quality of life for older adults. Collaborative Team working – Work alongside experienced physiotherapists, OT's, discharge coordinators, and multidisciplinary teams. We provide a flexible & Supportive Environment – We value our team's well‑being and encourage innovative approaches to care. Please note: Priority will be given to applicants with recognised 'Priority' or 'At Risk' status, including NHS staff identified across Devon.