Occupational Therapy Assistant

Devon Partnership Nhs Trust; North Tawton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Devon Partnership NHS Trust's Moorland View Ward at North Devon District Hospital is seeking a Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to support and assist qualified Occupational Therapists across a 7-day service. The post holder will work on an acute adult mental health ward and in the community, delivering therapeutic activities and enabling patient recovery.

You will join a friendly, committed multidisciplinary team and be part of a Trust that values compassionate care, safeguarding, and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mental health and basic understanding of physical health presentation.
• Understanding of how Occupational Therapy works for patients in a mental health setting.
• Awareness of safeguarding principles
• IT Skills and good written communication
• Ability to work in a team effectively

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients' needs.
• Carry out individual interventions in the community and in peoples' homes as directed by qualified staff.
• Contribute towards development of an innovative, needs-led OT service.

Skills

Mental health knowledge

OT knowledge

Safeguarding

IT skills

Teamwork

Education

GCSE level or equivalent

Care Certificate within 6 months

Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated multi-disciplinary team based on Moorland View Ward, North Devon District Hospital. The post holder will be based on the 16 bedded Adult Mental Health Ward and will support and assist the qualified Occupational Therapists across a 7 day service. The post holder will be working in a friendly and supportive environment, with a focus on providing the very best patient care in a locality combining sea, moor, history and opportunity.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by the supervising Occupational Therapist. The post holder will also carry out individual interventions in the community and in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff. The successful post holder will need to have a passion for working with people experiencing mental health conditions, whilst being flexible, motivated and a team player. The post holder will be required to have a high level of adaptable communication skills, be compassionate, respectful and value individual patient needs.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide 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.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.

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: 23 October 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 3

Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year. Shift work enhancements applicable

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number: C9369-26-0778

Closing date: 01 November 2026

Job responsibilities

Working as part of the OT service for adults with a mental illness in the acute and inpatient care network, the post holder will support and assist the qualified OTs. The post holder will plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by the supervising OT. The post holder may also carry out individual interventions in the community and in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff.

The post holder will contribute towards the development of an innovative and needs led OT service.

Please see separate document for full Job Description.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of mental health and basic understanding of physical health presentation
• Understanding of how Occupational Therapy works for patients in a mental health setting.
• Awareness of safeguarding principles
• IT Skills and good written communication
• Ability to work in a team effectively

Qualifications

Essential

• Basic Education up to GCSE level or equivalent
• Completion of Care Certificate or equivalent, or the ability to complete this within the first 6 months of commencing in post.

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification
• Other relevant training or development relevant to working within Mental Health Settings

Experience

Essential

• Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation

Desirable

• Previous care experience with people who have mental health difficulties
• Proven ability to support patients to engage in a range of therapeutic activities.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name: Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address: North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4JB, United Kingdom

Employer's website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact:
Occupational Therapy Manager, Anne Ward, [e-mail], 01271443203

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