Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner
Closing date: 25 May 2026
Our Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner will work as part of the Cancer services joint team as an Assistant Practitioner occupational therapy member. You will work independently to cover a delegated caseload of oncology in‑patients at Torbay hospital and support community interventions as required (e.g. D2A / equipment). You will be supported by a qualified therapist within the team.
Main duties of the job
* Work independently and autonomously, providing assessment, support, care, treatment and advice to individuals within guidelines and protocols identified for the role.
* Act within a multi‑professional team undertaking practitioner role.
* Implement treatment and care to patients under the guidance and supervision of a registered professional (e.g. mobility, personal care, equipment provision).
* Contribute to reducing inpatient length of stay where possible.
* Keep the cancer patient at the centre of their care, ensuring patient and carer participation in decision making.
* Take responsibility for the daily care and support of delegated patients; support qualified staff in maintaining best practice within cancer services pathways and data collection.
* Deliver treatment/care in a variety of settings under the guidance of a registered practitioner.
* Practice the principles and philosophy of individualised person‑centred patient care in accordance with Trust policy, procedures and regulatory guidelines.
Job responsibilities
* Communication with patients and families: assess understanding of treatment proposals, obtain consent, provide information on diagnosis, prognosis, recovery and lifestyle adjustments; use verbal and non‑verbal communication tools; motivate, negotiate, counsel and reassure.
* Communication with colleagues: maintain accurate documentation, communicate assessment and treatment results to relevant disciplines; represent therapy in multidisciplinary meetings and advise on physical recovery and discharge planning.
* External communication: discuss patient management with GPs, consultants, district nurses, carer services and social services.
* Planning and organisation: organise and plan appropriate caseload; conduct comprehensive assessments and formulate individualised treatment programmes; manage clinical risk and comply with national/local guidelines.
* Maintain competency through CPD, attend mandatory training, keep up to date with evidence‑based practice.
* Use data recording systems (e.g. EPIC) for patient‑related activity and data; support audit and data collection.
* Support junior staff and student occupational therapists; promote and monitor best practice.
* Work without direct supervision, responsible for defined area or patient group; receive regular formal and informal supervision.
* Participate in 7‑day working rotas including bank holidays and, where required, home visits or alternate settings.
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
* Evidence of continuous professional development.
* Experience working with cancer patients.
Knowledge and Experience
* Varied experience in occupational therapy within NHS setting.
* Knowledge of relevant clinical guidelines/processes.
* Evidence of feedback/presentation skills.
* Experience working as part of an OT team/MDT.
Physical, Mental and Emotional Effort
* Ability to carry out assessments and treatments for patients with psychological, cognitive, behavioural impairment and poor mobility.
* Evidence of reflective practice.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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