Newly Qualified Occupational Therapist - rotational
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. We are looking for Newly Qualified Band 5 Occupational Therapists who can start in April 2026 to join our large Therapy Services department. The position will involve work across acute care wards on a rotating basis, providing a broad range of experience across 11 clinical specialties.
Job Overview
The role offers a stimulating environment with a 7‑day therapy service, including weekends and bank holidays. You will work alongside advanced and specialist clinicians and receive regular supervision, in‑service training, and a personal development plan. Responsibilities include specialist assessments, interventions, discharge planning, cognitive assessments, and equipment fitting (pressure relief, bariatric manual handling, splinting, seating). You will also take part in acute rehabilitation and integrated working with physiotherapists and therapy support staff.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
This Band 5 position is open only to newly qualified Occupational Therapists. Rotations last six months, offering experience across diverse specialities such as cancer care, cardiac, surgery, AMU/ED, orthopaedics, neurology, stroke, paediatrics, medicine, and older people’s medicine. You may request rotations as they become available. In addition to clinical work, you will be expected to work as part of the usual schedule, which may include flexible hours.
Essential Skills And Qualifications
* Qualified Occupational Therapist
* HCPC registered, or in process of applying
* Capable of treating patients with care, compassion, and dignity
* Comfortable working autonomously as well as in a team
* Good verbal and written communication skills
* Clear desire to work at UHS, stated in your application
* Clear desire for an acute hospital rotational post, stated in your application
* Knowledge and understanding of NHS systems
Desirable Skills
* Previous experience in an acute hospital as a student or therapy support worker
* Prior NHS experience
* Previous student placement at UHS, with reference in the employment section of the application
Please Note
* Interviews are held in person only; no virtual alternatives will be offered. Practical assessments may be included.
* Smart, comfortable clothing is recommended for interview day.
* Interviews are scheduled for Thursday, 29 January 2026.
* CVs are not accepted; send your details via the application portal.
* We welcome any questions you may have.
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
* Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent
* Current or pending HCPC registration
* Experience with a variety of physical and mental health conditions during student placements
* Experience fitting a range of equipment
* Experience working with support staff
* Experience working in a multidisciplinary team
* Evidence of ongoing professional development
Skills and competencies
* Time management
* Prioritisation
* Working autonomously
* Taking initiative
Seniority Level
* Internship
Employment Type
* Full‑time
Job Function
* Health Care Provider
Industries
* Hospitals and Health Care
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