University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Occupational Therapist- rotational

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Occupational Therapist- rotational
Band 5 Occupational Therapist (Acute Care Rotational) – University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust invites outstanding Occupational Therapists (OTs), including new and recent graduates starting in 2026, to join our Therapy Services department—one of the UK’s largest.
You’ll work across 12+ acute specialities, with 6-month rotations to build expertise in:
- Specialist assessment & discharge planning
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Pressure-relief & bariatric manual handling
- Seating & splinting
- Acute rehabilitation
- Collaborative working with Physiotherapists & Therapy Support staff
The role spans 7 days a week, with weekend/Bank Holiday rotas, and supports flexible working where possible.
Desiree a dynamic career in acute care? Apply now.
The Role in Depth
Core Responsibilities
- Work 6-month rotations across clinical areas including:
- Cancer, cardiac, trauma/surgery
- AMU/ED, orthopaedics, neurology, stroke
- Paediatrics, medicine, and medicine for older people
- Lead complex discharge planning, specialised assessments, and interventions
- Head-to-toe therapy delivery, aligning with patient needs
- Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, integrating with Physios, nursing, and support staff
- Attend regular supervision & in-service training
Key Benefits
✅ Personal development support: Mentorship, supervision, and a personal development plan ✅ Optional preceptorship: 1-year programme (for <1 year post-qualified) ✅ CPD funding and learning opportunities for career-long growth ✅ National multi-site Trust: Join one of UK’s largest NHS Teaching Trusts ✅ Location perks: Coastal setting, हुई with the New Forest, South Downs, and Jurassic Coast
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
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Working with Us
Currently employed in the best interest of our community, our diverse Therapy team’s growth and adult learning also align with our strategic goals. At UHS, we make every effort to empower you as a professional and a person contributing to our inclusive culture.
Our philosophy is based around three core commitments:
- Your personal development (Connect, adapted us & harness resources)
- Individual pandemic (ᴢ) provision through ongoing learning and new opportunities
- Team performance (Priority permitting adaptable / erbability syslyF&सरम/тенाई
We are yielding through paradigm shifting leadership in care by combing healthcare innovation with personal care for our population.
Please apply by completing the online form and attending our face-to-face interviews on 23-24 July 2026.
Eligibility Criteria & Person Specification
Essential Requirements
(Qualification of the Applicant as well as alignment with values and practice)
- Degree in Occupational Therapy (qualification or final year complete)
- HCPC registration or application accepted
- Ability to treat patients with care, compassion, and dignity
- Autonomous working and collaborative team approaches
- Close oral & written communication skills
- Knowledge of NHS systems and structures
- Clear desire to work at University Hospital Southampton in this rotational role


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Desirable Skills
- Semianf Expanded experience in acute healthcare (e.g. student/volunteer roles)
- Preference for clinicians with recent NHS experience or prior UHS placements
Performance-Based Assessment Process
Detailed person specification includes five core prompt responses. You’ll address how your dis dapt to the meanings of:
- Patients First
- Working Together
- Always Improving
- Patient Scenarios 1, 2 & 3
Note: Applications assessing similar AI-prompted generic content without personalization may be reviewed accordingly.
There will be no remote application screening option available
Certification & Application Details
For fair and informed application: ✏️ Read the full Job Description & Person Specification ✏️ Answer all application questions wit your specific experience
⚠ Key Dates
- Interviews: 23/24 July 2026 (insperior and practicum asorted)
- Venue: Southampton (face-to-face only)
Compensation & Employment Type
- 15-22 hours (negotiable) per week, fixed-term/permanent roles available
Kind Regards Annette Purkis Therapy Recruitment Administrator annette.purkis@uhs.nhs.uk
For job vacancies not advertised here, email annette.purkis@uhs.nhs.uk
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