Stroke and Neurological Clinical Specialist (Occupational Therapist)
The closing date is 01 April 2026
The Dorset Stroke and Neuro Service (East) are very pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Stroke and Neuro Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Development Post (Band 6 to Band 7) to join our team. This is a permanent position of 27 hours per week, and during the first 6‑12 months in post the successful candidate will be fully supported to work towards specific and individualised development objectives and skills, to achieve the B7 role requirements.
The team works across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and provides assessment and rehabilitation in community settings for patients with neurological and stroke health conditions.
We offer employment in a supportive and pro‑active team of Rehabilitation Assistants, Therapy Assistant Practitioners, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, including a Band 7 Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Neurology, and a Band 7 Team Leader.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Main duties of the job
Please see the job description and personal specification for further information.
* Provide highly specialist clinical assessment, treatment and advice to service users with stroke and neurological health conditions.
* Provide clinical guidance and advice to other members of the Multi‑disciplinary Team through participation in screening of referrals, team meetings, joint treatments, teaching and case conferences.
* Support the Team Leader to continually enhance service quality and contribute towards service development.
* Provide an autonomous and flexible approach, balancing leadership and clinical commitments to support service users, Band 6 senior therapists, Rehabilitation Assistants, Therapy Assistant Practitioners and students. Provide supervision, mentorship, training and clinical support.
* Provide specialist clinical advice, leadership and support ensuring the needs of the service are met by exercising and demonstrating high levels of clinical judgement, critical analysis and advanced decision‑making skills.
* Demonstrate high levels of leadership and positive role modelling.
Job application guidance
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over‑reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates' individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
Employment support
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined‑up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward‑looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here – it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000‑strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.
Person Specification
Business Travel
* Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.
Managerial/Supervisory Experience
* Evidence of proactive involvement in the supervision and development of members of the multi‑disciplinary team.
* Evidence of delivering education and training in practice.
Job Specific Experience
* Experience at Registered Practitioner Band 6 or Band 7 level
* Able to demonstrate highly specialist clinical reasoning skills to assimilate information in order to make a clinical judgement regarding diagnosis and intervention.
* Evidence of involvement in the development of programmes of care, protocols and audit.
Personal Qualities/Attributes
* Inquisitive and eager to learn, asks questions and responds positively to change in practice/procedure. Seeks ways to improve self and others.
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.
Address
Woodlands, Alderney Community Hospital, Kings Park Unit, Loring Road, Christchurch
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