Specialist Occupational Therapist - rotational Southampton

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Main Duties of the Job

We are looking for enthusiastic and experienced Occupational Therapists, with robust postgraduate experience, who are looking to progress to a B6 post, developing their leadership skills, and who feel they would benefit from working across a wide range of speciality clinical areas before choosing their main area of interest. The current rotations are in proportionate care, critical care, cancer care, surgery, CT, medicine, MOP, vascular, AMU, paediatrics, ortho and neurology, however these are subject to change as services grow and develop. You will be responsible for managing a varied and complex caseload as well as supporting and supervising B3‑5 therapy staff and students. All our therapy staff are required to be able to undertake flexible working over a 7‑day period, including weekends and bank holidays. This post is part of the wider Therapy services department. You will have many opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge through our in‑service training. You will be part of a large department of over 300 therapy staff including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Therapy support staff, so will have peer support available to you.

About Us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs, and Jurassic Coast. We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time‑management and commitment to innovation. Our flexible working environment supports balancing family, study, or well‑being with your career. We proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We are committed to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Job Responsibilities

This post is suitable for qualified B5 Occupational Therapists, with robust B5 postgraduate experience, having completed multiple 6‑month rotations in different clinical areas, or equivalent experience, demonstrating a wide knowledge of conditions and treatments. It may suit you if you wish to gain wider experience in acute care by rotating every 9 months to a different clinical speciality, and have already started your leadership and management journey. There will be regular clinical supervision as well as peer support. There are also opportunities for involvement in audit, research and service development – always encouraged as we strive for new and innovative ways of working.

Essential Skills

• Robust postgraduate experience of working across multiple clinical areas/6‑month rotations in the acute setting, or equivalent, demonstrating a broad knowledge base.
• Evidence of postgraduate personal development to support enhanced skills and decision‑making.
• Postgraduate experience in assessment, provision and fitting of specialist/complex equipment including managing pressure care.
• Experience supervising your own OT student, or therapy support staff.
• Clear, expressed reasoning to work in this B6 OT rotational post within UHS.

Desirable Skills

• Evidence of developing leadership skills through department or team responsibility.
• Postgraduate involvement in audit, research, clinical project, or service development.
• Evidence of providing teaching to therapy staff and students.

Training and Support

Training and support can be offered to meet your learning requirements.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience – Essential

• Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Experience with a variety of physical and mental health conditions/multiple pathology.
• Experience of fitting a range of equipment.
• Experience of working with support staff.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience in independently managing a caseload of patients.
• Previous experience within relevant clinical area.

Skills and Competencies – Essential

• Communication.
• Time management.
• Prioritisation.
• Diplomacy.
• Working autonomously.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Taking the initiative.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Employer Information

Employer name: University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address: Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, United Kingdom

Employer's website: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx