Job overview

Main duties of the job

We are looking for Band 5 Occupational Therapists, who are able to start work with us in 2026, to join our large Therapy Services department, working in acute care, on a variety of wards as part of our therapy workforce. Our appraisal programme includes a one-year preceptorship programme for anyone with less than 1 years’ experience, and you will be allocated a mentor to support you.

You will have the opportunity to work in over 12 different clinical areas, with rotations lasting 6 months, enabling you to expand your knowledge and develop robust skills in acute care. 

This post is part of the wider Therapy Services department and therefore 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.

We run a 7-day therapy service working on weekends and Bank Holidays, on a rota basis, as part of your usual working hours.

You will be working alongside advanced and specialist clinicians in all areas, and will have access to regular supervision, in-service training, development, and a personal development plan. 

This role involves specialist assessments and interventions, including complex discharge planning, cognitive assessments, specialist equipment (pressure relief, bariatric manual handling, splinting, seating) and acute rehab, integrated working with Physios and Therapy Support staff.

Working for our organisation

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. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re 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.