Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals overcome daily challenges through tailored therapy plans.
- Company: Pulse is a top recruitment agency connecting therapists with leading UK healthcare providers.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and diverse work environments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while exploring various specialisations and settings.
- Qualifications: A degree in occupational therapy and HCPC registration are required.
- Other info: Opportunities available in NHS, community, and private sectors.
The predicted salary is between 28407 - 34581 £ per year.
Pulse is a leading recruitment agency for occupational therapy jobs in the UK. We have strong relationships with leading hospitals and trusts across the country, providing us with the best employment opportunities for occupational therapists in the NHS, community, social services, and private healthcare organisations. With the help of our specialist recruitment consultants, you can find the perfect permanent, temporary, or locum role to suit your professional and personal ambitions.
An occupational therapist’s role is to help people with day-to-day activities who, for some reason such as disability, illness, or trauma, have difficulty with these types of tasks. This may involve developing personalised plans with specific goals and adjustments to help individuals carry out daily activities and engage in the tasks they wish to do. For example, some tasks you may be involved with adapting are:
- Commuting to work
- Playing sports
- Doing the dishes
Your clients will vary depending on whether you work for the NHS or in private practice, but they will often include individuals with mental health conditions, physical disabilities, and elderly people.
Occupational therapy is a broad profession. As an occupational therapist, you can often choose to specialise in a particular area. Some of the specialities are:
- Acute
- Autism
- Brain Injuries
- Community
- Diabetes
- Hand Therapy
- Mental Health
- Neuro rehab
- Orthopaedic
- Paediatrics
- Rapid response
- Stroke
As well as specialisms, there are also a range of seniority levels, for example, occupational therapy assistants all the way up to highly specialist occupational therapists. The type of job can also differ depending on whether you choose to work for the NHS or an occupational therapy agency, as there are plenty of permanent, temporary, and locum occupational therapy roles in the industry.
The starting salary for an occupational therapist is an average of £28,407 and can reach £34,581, depending on the level of experience and specialism of the position. A senior occupational therapist with more years’ experience is likely to reach band 7, which can earn around £45,839 a year. The salary band hourly rates for an occupational therapist are:
- Band 5 £18-23+ per hour
- Band 6 £23-28+ per hour
- Band 7 £28-33+ per hour
- Band 8a £33-£42+ per hour
These are based on the rates that occupational therapists in London can expect and may be slightly lower in areas outside of the higher cost area payment zones.
To become an occupational therapist in the NHS, you need to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree or Master of Science degree in occupational therapy or complete an apprenticeship. Then you will need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can start practising. This is because occupational therapy is a protected title and practising without registration could result in legal action.
As occupational therapy is vital to our communities, there is always a high level of locum occupational therapist roles within the healthcare system. With a range of patients and the ability to move around as a locum occupational therapist, you can reap certain benefits that you wouldn’t have access to in a full-time role. These include higher rates of pay and work flexibility. In a locum occupational therapist job, you control your own working hours, be your own boss, and have the option to work as a part-time employee on days, nights, or weekends.
Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings to help patients from all walks of life with their daily activities. Some of the places you can expect to work in as an occupational therapist include:
- Hospitals
- Community facilities
- Schools
- Businesses
- Prisons
occupational therapy employer: Pulsejobs.com
Contact Detail:
Pulsejobs.com Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land occupational therapy
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the occupational therapy field. Attend industry events, workshops, or webinars to meet potential employers and learn about job openings that may not be advertised online.
✨Tip Number 2
Consider joining relevant professional organisations or associations. Being a member can provide access to exclusive job listings, resources, and networking opportunities that can help you land a role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in occupational therapy. This knowledge can help you during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the profession, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to recruitment agencies like Pulse that specialise in occupational therapy jobs. They can provide valuable insights into the job market and connect you with opportunities that match your skills and preferences.
We think you need these skills to ace occupational therapy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what an occupational therapist does. Familiarise yourself with the various specialisations and settings mentioned in the job description to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any relevant experience you have in occupational therapy or related fields. Mention specific roles, responsibilities, and achievements that align with the job requirements.
Personalise Your Application: Address your application to the specific recruitment agency or hiring manager if possible. Use their name and mention why you are interested in working with them, showcasing your enthusiasm for the role.
Proofread Your Documents: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pulsejobs.com
✨Know Your Specialisation
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific area of occupational therapy you want to specialise in. Whether it's mental health, paediatrics, or neuro rehab, being able to discuss your passion and knowledge in that area will impress your interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
As an occupational therapist, you'll be working closely with clients who may be vulnerable. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively communicated and shown empathy in past roles. This will highlight your suitability for the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients. Practising these types of questions can help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with the organisation you're interviewing with, whether it's an NHS trust or a private healthcare provider. Understanding their values, mission, and the specific services they offer will show your genuine interest and help you tailor your responses.
