Location: Buckinghamshire County Wide
Overview
Are you a Newly Qualified Occupational Therapist looking for a supportive first step into community practice?
Our Adult Occupational Therapy Team is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Newly Qualified Occupational Therapist (NQOT) or experienced band/range 5 to join our forward-thinking and evolving service. This is an excellent opportunity to consolidate your university learning, grow your confidence, and develop your professional practice within a well-supported community setting.
Why join us?
We’ve designed our NQOT programme to give you the space, support and experience you need to thrive. You’ll benefit from:
1. A structured, supportive NQOT programme.
2. A protected caseload, building confidence at a manageable pace.
3. Rotations across triage, clinics and community-based work.
4. Regular reflective supervision and mentorship.
5. We cover the cost of your HCPC registration
6. Free parking
7. We offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme to those who are eligible and have passed their probation period
8. 5 dedicated study days over the course of the year to support learning and development.
9. A clear pathway to Range 6 Occupational Therapist roles (subject to vacancies).
In addition to the salary advertised, you will receive a market premium of £1,500 per annum. You will also be entitled to a ‘Golden Hello’ lump-sum payment of £1,000 paid on successful completion of your probationary period.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
Our Adult Occupational Therapy service is a supportive, forward‑thinking team, committed to helping people live independently and well within their own homes and communities.
We have transformed our service away from traditional, task‑led models towards a strengths‑based, preventative approach, focused on positive risk‑taking, innovation and meaningful outcomes for the people we support. Our work aims to prevent, reduce or delay the need for ongoing care, while promoting choice, independence and wellbeing.
You’ll be encouraged to develop your practice, share ideas, and be part of a service that is continually evolving. We’re looking for motivated, ambitious individuals who want to start their career in an environment where they are supported to grow, build confidence, and make a real difference to people’s lives.
About the role
As a Newly Qualified Occupational Therapist, you’ll support adults aged 18+ to remain independent, safe and well in their own homes and communities. With guidance and supervision, you’ll:
10. Carry out holistic OT assessments in people’s homes, clinics or virtually.
11. Support OT assessment clinics across the county.
12. Develop skills in moving and handling, equipment provision, and home adaptations.
13. Contribute to OT triage, understanding referral pathways and innovative interventions.
14. Work collaboratively with Health, Social Care and partner organisations.
15. Build your confidence in evidence-based, strengths-focused practice.
You won’t be doing this alone - support is embedded throughout your first year.
Mobile:
A ‘mobile’ role gives you the flexibility to schedule your own diary, so you can meet with colleagues and clients in a variety of locations. You’ll access digital folders and resources on your Council laptop and will be able to access the network wherever you are based. Working from home will be common, as well as meeting your team in the office where necessary.
About you
We’re looking for someone who is:
16. Newly qualified with a minimum 2:2 BSc in Occupational Therapy (or equivalent)
17. Registered with the HCPC
18. Keen to learn, reflect and develop as a practitioner
19. Able to manage priorities, keep accurate records and work collaboratively
20. Passionate about supporting independence and positive outcomes
No previous community or post-qualifying experience is required - just the right motivation and values.
For further details, please refer to the full job summary attached.