At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide patient-centred occupational therapy and collaborate with a diverse healthcare team.
- Company: Join the newly formed Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, a leading healthcare provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while growing your career in a vibrant city.
- Qualifications: Ideal for new graduates or those with relevant experience in occupational therapy.
The predicted salary is between 30332 - 37072 £ per year.
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This creates an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people. Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognises the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our large, diverse team and are keen to talk to you about the opportunities we can offer. Our sought-after rotation includes neurosciences, stroke, orthopaedics, trauma, acute medicine, complex care and surgery. Each rotation is of six months’ duration with senior support always accessible and regular supervision provided. Non-rotational posts are also an option. We run a preceptorship programme for new graduates and offer other development opportunities to facilitate your CPD. This vacancy is for a 12 month fixed term contract to cover an employment break.
The caseloads are varied, challenging and rewarding requiring application of a wide range of therapeutic skills to encompass functional and cognitive assessments, early interventions, social and environmental needs for discharge planning and onward referrals. Close multi-disciplinary working and links with community partners in the wider health and care system exist to address needs at all stages of the clinical pathways, with occupational therapy playing a crucial role.
The newly formed Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is a great place to work. Situated in the vibrant city of Bristol, Southmead Hospital is an award-winning building opened in 2014, offering exceptional facilities for patients and staff. We are a large teaching Trust that provides multiple specialties including regional services for neurosciences, major trauma, orthopaedics, renal and surgery (major arterial centre and burns & plastics).
There is plenty of peer and senior support in the team, as well as the wider service. Various professional development opportunities and training courses are available, with quality improvement projects and service development ideas actively encouraged. Additional benefits include award schemes for excellence, staff restaurants, green spaces and an extensive wellbeing programme.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston. With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them.
To provide an effective patient centred occupational therapy service to patients, working in conjunction with other members of the team and under the direction and supervision of a senior occupational therapist. To manage a defined caseload, using evidence-based principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions in hospital and on home visits in order to provide a safe, timely and effective discharge. To maintain clinical records. To develop skills and knowledge through participation in the band 5 Preceptorship Programme (new graduates). Regular placements are provided for undergraduate students from the local university. Roster patterns include one weekend shift every four weeks.
We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.
Occupational Therapist in Bristol employer: BFT
BFT East Croydon is an exceptional employer that prioritises individual member experiences and fosters a supportive, inclusive work culture. As a Head Coach, you will not only lead high-energy sessions but also have the opportunity to develop your coaching team, ensuring personal growth and career progression within one of the fastest-growing fitness franchises globally. With reliable pay, free training, and a focus on long-term success, BFT East Croydon is the perfect place for passionate coaches looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist in Bristol
✨Network with Local Healthcare Professionals
Getting a temporary role in health sciences administration is all about who you know! Hit up local healthcare meetups or professional gatherings to make connections. Chat with people already in the field; they might know about temporary gigs at places like BFT before they even hit the job boards!
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're still studying or recently graduated, don’t forget about your university's career services. They often have exclusive links to temporary roles in health administration—it's a goldmine for finding opportunities that might not be advertised publicly. Plus, they can help you polish your interview skills!
✨Use Online Job Boards Wisely
When hunting for temporary roles, make sure you’re using job boards that cater specifically to health administration. Websites like NHS Jobs or HealthCareers might have listings for roles at BFT. Set up alerts for new postings, so you jump on any opportunities as soon as they come up!
✨Showcase Your Adaptability in Interviews
Temporary roles often require you to hit the ground running. Use your interviews to highlight any past experiences where you’ve had to adapt quickly, whether it’s in a volunteer position or a past job. This will show BFT you’re ready to step in and make an immediate impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Health Sciences Knowledge:When applying for the Occupational Therapist at BFT, make sure to showcase any relevant courses or degrees you have in health sciences or related fields. This background helps to demonstrate that you understand the sector and can hit the ground running in a temporary role.
Emphasise Administrative Skills:Since this is an administrative role, it’s essential to highlight your organisational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with software commonly used in health sciences administration. Mention any specific tools or systems you’ve used, as these can really make you stand out to BFT.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:As this is a temporary role, brevity is key. Make sure your CV is succinct and focuses on your most relevant experiences. Highlight your ability to adapt quickly and learn on the job, which is crucial in a short-term position like this.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your enthusiasm for the health sciences sector and your interest in the specific tasks you'd be handling at BFT. Being clear about why you're the perfect fit for a temporary position will help demonstrate your motivation and readiness to contribute.
How to prepare for a job interview at BFT
✨Brush Up on Health Regulations
Given that you're diving into health sciences administration, make sure you're well-versed in the latest health regulations and compliance standards. It’s a temporary role, so showing that you’re up to speed with current guidelines will highlight your readiness to hit the ground running for BFT.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
In health sciences administration, organisational skills are key. Prepare examples of how you’ve managed multiple tasks or handled administrative challenges in the past. Be ready to speak about your tools—whether that's a particular software or a method of project management—that you use to keep everything in check.
✨Tailor Your Motivation to the Temporary Nature
As this is a temporary position, it’s essential to express your enthusiasm for the role during the interview. Talk about what you aim to learn and how you see this experience fitting into your overall career goals. Employers love to see that you’re eager to contribute, even if it's just for a short time!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might also encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. Be ready to demonstrate how you'd handle specific administrative challenges in a health setting. Think about common situations in health sciences and formulate your responses beforehand, so you come off as calm and capable when it counts.
