Occupational Therapy Agency Jobs in the UK

We have created this guide to help you understand what to expect in agency roles and how to get started. We also explain how the Occupational Therapy team at Your World Healthcare can support you along the way.

Article Breakdown

Get Registered with the HCPC
Know What You’re Looking For
Register with a Specialist OT Agency
Sort Out Your Documents
Be Open and Flexible
Start Your Agency OT Career with Support
Helpful Resources for Locum OTs at Your World Healthcare

Get Registered with the HCPC

To work as an Occupational Therapist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. This applies whether you trained in the UK or overseas.

For UK-trained therapists, registration is fairly straightforward. For internationally-trained therapists, the HCPC has a specific process, and it can take time so it's best to plan ahead.

Learn more about obtaining a HCPC registration here.

If you're unsure what you need, the Your World team is always ready to help.

Know What You’re Looking For

Agency work gives you choice, as you can choose from short-term or long-term contracts in full-time or part-time capacities.

Roles are available in the NHS, private healthcare, local councils, community teams, and more. Some jobs focus on mental health, whereas others involve rehab, paediatrics, or physical health.

To start, you should ask yourself the following questions:

  • What hours am I looking for?
  • How far would I like to travel?
  • What type of patients do I prefer to work with?
  • Do I prefer a hospital setting, a community role, or locum work in clinics?

The clearer you are on your preferences, the easier it is for your specialist recruiter to find the right job for you.

Register with a Specialist OT Agency

At Your World Healthcare, we find locum roles for registered healthcare workers in the UK. Finding the right role is much easier when you’re working with people who understand the specialism. We work closely with many NHS trusts and private healthcare providers. This helps us find you the right jobs tailored to your needs as quickly as possible.

When you register with us, a consultant from our Occupational Therapy team will focus specifically on roles for you. They’ll speak with you about your experience, your preferences, and what you’re looking for in your next role. From there, they’ll search for suitable opportunities, help you with your application, and guide you through the process.

Find the right role for you by registering with Your World Healthcare here.

Sort Out Your Documents

Agency roles can move fast, but you can only begin working once your compliance is in order. Compliance is a non-negotiable when working through a multi-framework agency such as Your World Healthcare. You’ll need to ensure you have several key documents. This includes:

Our dedicated compliance team who will help you get all this in place. When you register, you will meet your compliance officer, who will assist you and inform you of what you need. They also help with renewals or updates when the time comes. Your World supports you with your compliance throughout your entire journey.

Be Open and Flexible

Being flexible with agency work can help you get into work quickly. Being open to different places, settings, or short-term contracts can give you more choices. If you’re new to agency work, this is also a good way to build experience and figure out what you enjoy most.

Many Occupational Therapists begin with a locum contract in one area. They often find their niche through hands-on experience. If a role isn’t the right fit for you, your consultant will work with you to find something else.

Start Your Agency OT Career with Support

Finding an agency Occupational Therapy role in the UK can be easy. The process is straightforward if you’re organised and working with the right people. The OT team at Your World Healthcare supports you through every step of the process.

Once you start a job, your dedicated consultant will always check in and ensure you receive full support. If your contract is ending soon, they will ensure they have options for you to choose from for your next role. You also have access to payroll support, ongoing training, and guidance for any issues.

Our OT consultants are experts in your field and can help you find a role that suits your skills and lifestyle. For those seeking flexibility, new experiences, or a change, we can help.

If you're ready to look for your next career move, view our available opportunities here!

Helpful Resources for Locum OTs at Your World Healthcare

We’ve assembled our Occupational Therapy Resource hub with downloadable documents to make your OT career smoother. It includes:

  • Getting Started at Your World Healthcare
  • Shifts & Availability
  • Timesheets & Pay
  • On Assignment at Your World
  • Ending a Booking
  • Useful Contact Information

Why you should trust us

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