Job overview

Are you committed to furthering and developing your career by undertaking an educational hands-on approach via an apprenticeship? We have a fantastic opportunity to grow your career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and gain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy within our Children and Young Peoples Mental Health service.

CYPMH Dorset is entering an exciting period of growth and development, supported by new investment and a strong commitment to transforming how children and young people access mental health support. As part of this growth, we are offering further education roles as we see value in supporting and developing your career!

You must be passionate, empathetic, and have a desire to start or further develop their career in Occupational Therapy in Dorset. You must be able to demonstrate compassion, commitment, and respect in line with the NHS values and behaviours as well as flexibility to work across more than one employer.

This is a development role Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship standard. You will be a trainee supported by a qualified Occupational Therapist and will complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. We have roles available in both Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole & Dorset areas.

For any queries, please contact the apprenticeship team [email protected]

Main duties of the job

You will undertake a three year Occupational Therapy apprenticeship programme. You will work with a diverse range of service users providing essential care that helps people overcome barriers to their daily activities.

As well as academic study, you will gain hands-on experience alongside qualified Occupational Therapists in various settings, receiving structured mentorship and support throughout your training.

The Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship Programme integrates academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between Dorset HealthCare and our education providers. You can expect to spend approximately 20% of your time in academic study (off-the-job learning) and the remainder working in practice under the supervision of a clinical mentor.

On successful completion of the programme, you will be equipped with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and behaviours to ensure competence at the point of qualification. You will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and will meet the professional standards set by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).

Working for our organisation

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people. 

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves. 

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.