Job Title: Occupational Therapist Location: Dorset
As an Occupational Therapist working with Care Dorset you have the opportunity of working with the people we support to truly enhance their lives, increase their confidence and improve their wellbeing.
Care Dorset offers fantastic benefits:
Generous Annual leave entitlement - starting at 27 days, rising to 31 after 5 years (exc. Bank holidays) pro rata
Enhanced Maternity Pay
Occupational Sick pay entitlement from day one
Funded Blue Light discount package (superb discounts on travel, leisure, entertainment and more)
Access to Employee Assistance Programme
Excellent training & development opportunities supporting career progression.
Access to Litmos online learning platform – our one stop shop for learning & development
Refer a Friend Bonus - up to £300 per person you refer (uncapped and paid on successful appointment)
Celebrated success through annual awards ceremony
As Care Dorset’s Occupational Therapist you will play a vital role in the delivery of therapy input to the people we support in our homes and community-based services. Your focus will be on enabling independence and improving quality of life through tailored occupational therapy interventions. You will provide outcome-focused assessments, deliver evidence-based therapeutic plans, and contribute to the ongoing development of a person-centred, strengths-based service aligned with the Care Act (2014).
Deliver timely, person-centred Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions to adults with physical disabilities and age-related conditions within the bedded reablement settings.
Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams to address holistic needs and promote integrated care planning.
~ Provide a high-quality Occupational Therapy service in accordance with national legislation, local policies, and professional standards.
Support and mentor our Reablement Officer (ROs) through hands-on coaching, informal training, and joint interventions.
Act as a specialist resource to promote the effective use of equipment and adaptations to maximise independence, reduce reliance on care services, and prevent hospital admissions.
Professional Development and Team Contribution
Participate in continuous professional development, including training, reflective supervision, and practice improvement initiatives.
Play a key role in shaping and developing the reablement support Care Dorset provides.
~ Represent Care Dorset in inter-agency forums and external meetings as required.
Essential Skills and Qualities:
Proactive, flexible, and solution-focused approach to care.
Passion for promoting independence and enhancing quality of life.
Experience working with adults, particularly older adults or individuals with physical disabilities, in hospital discharge, community, or intermediate care settings.
~ Direct experience delivering short-term, goal-focused interventions aimed at promoting independence and preventing or delaying long-term care needs.
~ Proven ability to carry out functional, person-centred assessments and develop SMART goals that support recovery and independence.
~ Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of professionals, such as physiotherapists, social workers, nurses, and care staff in a team environment.
Skilled in risk management and knowledgeable about safe moving and handling practices, including risk reduction strategies in home and care settings
Knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and Relevant Legislation
Practical understanding of legal frameworks guiding Occupational Therapy in adult social care, especially relating to assessment, eligibility, and care planning.
~ Familiarity with digital systems for recording interventions and outcomes.
~ Experience providing informal training, coaching, or support to junior staff, support workers, or reablement assistants is highly valued.
~ Be registered with the Health and Social Care Professions Council as an Occupational Therapist.
~ Valid UK driving licence and use of own vehicle.
Care Dorset is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and expects colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and expect staff to respect the personal choice and lifestyles of colleagues, carers, and people with care needs.
If you are a motivated Occupational Therapist with a commitment to reablement and integrated working, we would love to hear from you.