Newly Qualified Occupational Therapist - rotational
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. This Band 5 post is only open to Newly Qualified Occupational Therapists who can start in April 2026, transitioning from student to qualified professional with support from a large department of therapy staff. The role is part of a wider Therapy Services department with over 300 staff and offers 6‑month rotations across 11 clinical areas, providing broad experience in acute care.
Job Overview
The Therapy Services department runs a 7‑day service; you will be expected to work on a rota basis, including weekends and bank holidays. You will work alongside advanced and specialist clinicians, have access to regular supervision, in‑service training, and a personal development plan. Responsibilities include specialist assessments and interventions in the assigned area, such as complex discharge planning, cognitive assessments, pressure relief, bariatric manual handling, splinting, seating, and acute rehabilitation; you will integrate working with physiotherapists and therapy support staff.
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
The B5 post offers a variety of acute rotations, with rotations lasting 6 months each. You will initially slot into vacancies and may request rotations when they change. Rotations include cancer care, cardiac, surgery, AMU/ED, orthopaedics, neurology, stroke, paediatrics, medicine, and medicine for older people. The post is designed to give you a broad knowledge base and help you decide on future specialisation or continuing rotations.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
* Qualified Occupational Therapist
* HCPC registered, or in process of applying
* Able to treat patients with care, compassion, and dignity
* Happy working alone and as part of a wider team
* Good communicator (verbal and written)
* Clear desire to work at UHS (given in application)
* Clear desire for acute hospital rotational post (given in application)
* Knowledge and understanding of NHS systems
Desirable Skills
* Previous experience working in an acute hospital as a student, or therapy support worker
* NHS experience
* Previous experience working at UHS on a student placement (please reference in employment section of form)
Please Note
* Before applying, please ensure you can attend an interview in person – no virtual alternatives will be offered. Practical assessments will be part of the interview.
Please dress in smart, comfortable clothing.
Interviews will take place on Thursday 29 January 2026.
We do not accept CV applications.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Specific to this role we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work; please discuss this at interview.
For other therapy opportunities please email: annette.purkis@uhs.nhs.uk.
Person Specification
Trust Values
* Patients First
* Always Improving
* Working Together
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 multi‑disciplinary team
* Evidence of continuing 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
We look forward to hearing from you.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. We are committed to a flexible working environment and to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered.
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