Overview
Go back Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 12 November 2025.
Are you a caring and compassionate Occupational Therapist? Join our Older Persons Community Mental Health Team in Weymouth & Portland. This post will complement the team as we currently do not have a OT role in the team.
As an Occupational Therapist you will be part of a team responsible for providing the Occupational Therapy input in the community offering assessment, providing treatment to complex service users, within an Occupational Therapy and theoretical framework.
You will be working within a supportive team to provide individual care to those within the unit in accordance with the integrated care programme approach. You will be expected to participate in creating and adding to my wellbeing plans for patients.
This is a full time post based at Melcombe, Weymouth Community Hospital. For further information or to discuss the role in more detail please contact Emma Pancar.
Email- emma.pancar@nhs.net. Tel- 01305 762505.
Main duties of the job
To conduct clinical assessments to understand a client's needs, strengths, and the impact of their mental and physical health on their daily life.
Work with clients to set personal, shared goals for recovery and independence.
Assess and support the maintenance of physical and cognitive abilities through tailored assessments, activities and routines.
Evaluate and recommend adaptations to the home or community environment to ensure safety and support independence.
Introduce technology, equipment, or assistive devices, such as walking aids, to facilitate daily activities.
Create opportunities for social contact to reduce isolation.
Use creative and sensory approaches to improve mood, communication, and social interaction, particularly for those with dementia.
Work as a core member of the OP- CMHT, collaborating with nurses, social workers, doctors, and other professionals.
Serve as a Care Co-Ordinator, in some cases. The post holder will not be part of the duty rota but there will be the expectation they cover the role of the duty worker, as and when required.
Manage own caseload and to be responsible for own time management and balance of clinical work and non clinical tasks.
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.
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 almost800,000 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.
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
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.
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
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
* Degree/ Diploma in Occupational Therapy
* Registration with Health Professions Council
* Active engagement with RCOT
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
* Experience of working with seriously mentally ill clients during acute phases of ilness
* Understanding of ICPA and risk assessment
* Understanding of medication management issues and psychotropic medication
* Knowledge of Mental Health Act 1983
* Experience with functional assessments and activity analysis
* Basic IT keyboard skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training
* Previous experience of working with older adult population in mental health services
* Community Experience
Additional Requirements
* Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
* Ability to apply the Occupational Therapy process
* Ability to travel using your own vehicle on Trust business
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.
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
£38,682 to £46,580 a yearp.a., pro rata for part time
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