Job Summary
Are you a compassionate and motivated Occupational Therapist looking to make a real difference in peoples lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, supportive, and forward thinking multidisciplinary team? If so, this could be the perfect next step in your career and a great opportunity to further develop your skills.
Position Overview
Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapist to join our established team within the Acute Service at the Cedars, Exeter (Delderfield Ward). This is a fantastic chance to broaden your experience, take on senior responsibilities, and contribute to a service supporting individuals during acute episodes in their mental health journey. You will be part of an OT provision which consists of one Band 6 OT, one Band 5 OT and OTAs within an ever growing and dynamic multidisciplinary team. We are looking for a skilled, compassionate, and motivated Occupational Therapist who has the desire to work with individuals experiencing an acute episode in their mental health.
Responsibilities
* Having an active role in shaping and evaluating the OT Pathway across our Acute Inpatient Services acting as a deputy advisor and support to the Occupational Therapists manager whilst maintaining clinical caseloads and working within an MDT.
* Implementing the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability (VdT MoCA) as the model of practice within the Acute Services.
* Bringing valued experience and skills to our teams and sharing specialist knowledge.
* Using evidence based, client‑centred principles to assess, plan, implement and review appropriate group and individual interventions for service users.
* Providing Occupational Therapy input as part of the multidisciplinary team, aiming for maximum independence for clients in self‑care, productivity and leisure.
* Providing professional leadership and line management of Band 5 OTs and OT support staff, under the supervision of the Advanced Occupational Therapist.
About Us
We are Devon Partnership NHS Trust, providing mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience – we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Details
* Date posted: 03 February 2026
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: Band 6
* Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time, Flexible working
* Reference number: C9369-26-0080-1
* Job location: Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Dryden Road, Exeter, EX2 5SN
Qualifications
* Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
* Registration with the Health Professions Council
* Commitment to undertake continuing professional development
Desirable Skills
* IT Skills
Experience – Essential
* Sound theoretical understanding of OT practice and recovery principles within Mental Health settings.
* Experience of working in an inpatient setting.
* Understanding of therapeutic boundaries.
* Knowledge of mental health legislation and relevant NICE guidelines/national policies.
* Understanding of role of OT in the multidisciplinary team.
* Understanding of team dynamics.
* Sound Risk Assessment skills.
Experience – Desirable
* Excellent communication skills written and verbal.
* Ability to set clear boundaries and communicate these to others.
* Ability to teach practical skills to people with mental health difficulties.
* Conveys motivated attitude to work.
* OT specific assessment skills and ability to formulate appropriate recommendations and treatment plans.
* Ability to use initiative and take responsibility.
* Good organisation and time management skills.
* Ability to co‑ordinate and delegate caseload and group programme.
* Physically able to participate in a variety of activities e.g. sports, cookery, gardening.
* Understanding of Health, Safety, Risk Assessment and Management.
* Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
* Ability to use supervision appropriate to grade.
* Flexible working hours to include evening and weekend work.
Person Specification – Essential
* Sound theoretical understanding of OT practice and recovery principles within Mental Health settings.
* Experience of working in an inpatient setting.
* Understanding of therapeutic boundaries.
* Knowledge of mental health legislation and relevant NICE guidelines/national policies.
* Understanding of role of OT in the multidisciplinary team.
* Understanding of team dynamics.
* Sound Risk Assessment skills.
Person Specification – Desirable
* Excellent communication skills written and verbal.
* Ability to set clear boundaries and communicate these to others.
* Ability to teach practical skills to people with mental health difficulties.
* Conveys motivated attitude to work.
* OT specific assessment skills and ability to formulate appropriate recommendations and treatment plans.
* Ability to use initiative and take responsibility.
* Good organisation and time management skills.
* Ability to co‑ordinate and delegate caseload and group programme.
* Physically able to participate in a variety of activities e.g. sports, cookery, gardening.
* Understanding of Health, Safety, Risk Assessment and Management.
* Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
* Ability to use supervision appropriate to grade.
* Flexible working hours to include evening and weekend work.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer Details
Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Dryden Road, Exeter, EX2 5SN, https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/
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