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Job Title: Occupational Therapist
Location: Dorset (Blandford Forum and Sherborne)

Salary: £35k-£43k

As an Occupational Therapist you have the opportunity of working with the people we support to truly enhance their lives, increase their confidence and improve their wellbeing.

fantastic benefits:

Generous Annual leave entitlement - starting at 27 days, rising to 31 after 5 years (exc. Bank holidays) pro rata

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Occupational Sick pay entitlement from day one

Funded Blue Light discount package (superb discounts on travel, leisure, entertainment and more)

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Comprehensive induction

Excellent training & development opportunities supporting career progression.

Access to Litmos online learning platform – our one stop shop for learning & development

Refer a Friend Bonus - up to £300 per person you refer (uncapped and paid on successful appointment)

Celebrated success through annual awards ceremony

Job Purpose:
As an Occupational Therapist you will play a vital role in the delivery of therapy input to the people we support in our homes and community-based services. Your focus will be on enabling independence and improving quality of life through tailored occupational therapy interventions. You will provide outcome-focused assessments, deliver evidence-based therapeutic plans, and contribute to the ongoing development of a person-centred, strengths-based service aligned with the Care Act (2014).

Key Responsibilities:

Assessment and InterventionDeliver timely, person-centred Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions to adults with physical disabilities and age-related conditions within the bedded reablement settings.

Set, monitor, and review SMART goals in partnership with individuals, focusing on regaining or maintaining independence.

Case Management

Manage a diverse caseload, including complex cases requiring advanced clinical reasoning, while ensuring safe, effective, and goal-oriented outcomes.

Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams to address holistic needs and promote integrated care planning.

Service Delivery

Provide a high-quality Occupational Therapy service in accordance with national legislation, local policies, and professional standards.

Champion a reablement approach through the provision of specialist equipment, functional adaptations, and assistive techniques.

Team Support and Development

Support and mentor our Reablement Officer (ROs) through hands-on coaching, informal training, and joint interventions.

Guide and collaborate with Reablement Assistants (RAs) in goal-setting, intervention planning, and progress reviews, promoting a learning culture.

Consultation and Advocacy

Act as a specialist resource to promote the effective use of equipment and adaptations to maximise independence, reduce reliance on care services, and prevent hospital admissions.

Provide consultative input to colleagues, individuals, carers, and external partners as needed.

Communication and Documentation

Maintain accurate, timely, and professional records using the Nourish electronic recording system.

Engage in clear and effective communication with individuals, families, carers, and partner organisations to ensure coordinated support.

Professional Development and Team Contribution

Participate in continuous professional development, including training, reflective supervision, and practice improvement initiatives.

Actively contribute to team meetings, case reviews, and multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings.

Play a key role in shaping and developing the reablement support Care Dorset provides.

Operational Contribution

Attend and engage in weekly full caseload reviews.

Represent Care Dorset in inter-agency forums and external meetings as required.

Undertake other responsibilities as delegated by the Home Manager to support service delivery.

Essential Skills and Qualities:

Strong clinical reasoning and goal-setting abilities.

Excellent interpersonal and collaborative working skills.

Proactive, flexible, and solution-focused approach to care.

Passion for promoting independence and enhancing quality of life.

Qualifications and experience

Experience working with adults, particularly older adults or individuals with physical disabilities, in hospital discharge, community, or intermediate care settings.

Direct experience delivering short-term, goal-focused interventions aimed at promoting independence and preventing or delaying long-term care needs.

Proven ability to carry out functional, person-centred assessments and develop SMART goals that support recovery and independence.

Experience in prescribing equipment and recommending minor/major adaptations to support safe mobility, transfers, and activities of daily living.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of professionals, such as physiotherapists, social workers, nurses, and care staff in a team environment.

Skilled in risk management and knowledgeable about safe moving and handling practices, including risk reduction strategies in home and care settings

Experience managing a varied and sometimes complex caseload independently, balancing competing demands within service timelines.

Knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and Relevant Legislation

Practical understanding of legal frameworks guiding Occupational Therapy in adult social care, especially relating to assessment, eligibility, and care planning.

Familiarity with digital systems for recording interventions and outcomes.

Experience providing informal training, coaching, or support to junior staff, support workers, or reablement assistants is highly valued.

Be registered with the Health and Social Care Professions Council as an Occupational Therapist.

Valid UK driving licence and use of own vehicle.

Care Dorset is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and expects colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. We are inclusive. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We are an equal opportunities employer and expect staff to respect the personal choice and lifestyles of colleagues, carers, and people with care needs.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative and supportive service that makes a real difference to people’s lives. If you are a motivated Occupational Therapist with a commitment to reablement and integrated working, we would love to hear from you