Go back Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 26 February 2026
This is an exciting opportunity for an occupational therapist to work as part of a CMHT in Bournemouth- If you are looking for a challenging, varied and rewarding job this could be the post for you!
Community Mental health Teams are part of Access Wellbeing which is the new approach to community mental health and wellbeing support in Dorset. As an occupational therapist in a CMHT you will be working with people in Dorset receiving specialist CMHT support and working with colleagues across Access Wellbeing.
We are looking for a reliable, committed, dynamic, and motivated occupational therapist with excellent communication, organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work. Having experience of working in a community mental health environment would be useful, but not essential, you will need to be able to apply the philosophies of engagement and recovery within your work with service users.
As an OT employed in Dorset Healthcare Trust you will be linked in with community OT service meetings which provide profession specific peer support, leadership and CPD opportunities. Additional professional leadership and support will also be available from the OT lead for Access Wellbeing.
We would happily tell you more about the post and/or arrange an informal visit for you to come to our service. We look forward to hearing from you.
Main duties of the job
To work as an integral team member within a multi-disciplinary environment, providing specialist occupational therapy assessments and interventions for a adults who experience a range of complex mental health difficulties.
Manage a defined caseload of complex cases using evidence based, patient centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions in order to encourage their independence in self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.
To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of OT services within the Multi-disciplinary team (MDT).
To supervise Occupational Therapy students on practice placement.
To contribute towards the development of an evidence-based, person centred, outcome focused, Occupational Therapy service and participate in the planning, development and evaluation of the service, with lead responsibility for defined projects as required.
To provide training, supervision and mentorship to other members of staff, and supervise, educate and assess OT students (undergraduate and post graduate) on practice placement, as appropriate to service.
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 be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
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
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.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
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 in mental health settings
* Understanding of risk assessment
* 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 children and young people in mental health services
* Experience of using CBT/DBT/Motivational Interviewing
* 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.
* A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
* Ability to apply the Occupational Therapy process
* Ability to travel using your own vehicle on Trust business
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
* Knowledge of safeguarding adults and child reporting processes
* Good written, verbal and interpersonal skills
* IT skills, basic keyboard skills obtained through practice or practical training
* Ability to apply physical intervention
* Community Experience
* Understanding of current policy and guidance relating to children and young people
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
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time,Part-time,Flexible working,Home or remote working
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