Professional Skills Instructor/Mentor in Occupational Therapy

University of Derby; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Professional Skills Instructor/Mentor to support the development of students in healthcare disciplines. The ideal candidate will have relevant work experience, a degree, and HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. Responsibilities include mentoring and coaching students, supporting their learning needs, and ensuring they achieve their professional goals. The position offers generous annual leave, pension benefits, and a commitment to professional development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days

Local Government Pension Scheme

Holistic wellbeing benefits

Staff discounts at retailers

Discounted onsite gym

Flexible working environment

Commitment to personal development

Qualifications

• Healthcare professional with a relevant degree.
• Registered with the HCPC as an Occupational Therapist.
• Commitment to professional development in mentoring or coaching.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Mentor and coach students to enhance learning.
• Monitor progress and address individual learning needs.
• Maintain records of training activities.

Skills

Experience in healthcare

Strong communication skills

Time-management skills

Ability to mentor

Education

Relevant degree and HCPC registration as Occupational Therapist

Teaching qualification or willingness to obtain

Job description

About the College/Department

At the heart of shaping future professionals and creative thinkers, the College of Health and Humanities brings together two dynamic and diverse schools:

The School of Health and Social Care

Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and social care leaders through hands‑on learning, expert teaching, and strong industry partnerships. Our courses are designed to meet the demands of real‑world practice and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.

• Adult Nursing
• Associate and Enhanced Healthcare Practice
• Midwifery, Children’s Nursing and Professional Practice
• Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing
• Public Health and Social Care
• Diagnostics and Clinical Interventions
• Therapy and Rehabilitation

Through an integrated approach to learning and professional development, our students are equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in their chosen fields and make a lasting impact.

The School of Humanities, Law and Creative Arts

Celebrating creativity, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. This school nurtures writers, performers, thinkers and artists, offering opportunities to grow intellectually and creatively across subjects like English, History, Creative Writing, Fine Art, and Media.

Together, the College of Health and Humanities delivers a rich, interdisciplinary environment where students gain the skills, experience, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in society.

About the discipline

The discipline of Therapy and Rehabilitation at the University of Derby champions the restoration of health, function, and wellbeing—empowering people to live life to the fullest.

Our wide‑ranging expertise spans Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Therapeutic Arts, and related rehabilitation professions.

Through evidence‑based teaching, interprofessional collaboration, and immersive clinical education, our students gain the skills to support recovery and enhance quality of life across a diverse range of populations and settings. Our programmes are enriched by research‑informed practice, creative methodologies, and strong connections with health and care providers.

The Therapeutic Arts strand integrates the healing power of creative expression with clinical insight—an innovative area that continues to grow in impact and relevance.

About the Role

Our Professional Skills Instructor/Mentors support the development of professional skills, practical, technical, vocational, and associated learning for students and apprentices and, where necessary, support their individual learning needs and progress; monitoring both in the workplace, on placement, at alternative venues, on College/University premises or online. This includes supporting teaching, learning, and assessment, and the provision of work and learning mentoring and coaching. Your role will be to work with our academic teams to support our students develop to their full potential.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting teaching, learning, and assessment
• Mentoring and coaching to enhance learning and growth
• Monitoring progress and addressing individual learning needs
• Maintaining accurate records of both formal and informal training activities

If you’re committed to helping learners succeed and thrive in their careers, we’d love to hear from you!

The anticipated interview date will be week commencing 22nd January 2026.

About You

We're looking for healthcare professionals who have an interest in education and supporting students to achieve highly. This role is suitable for anyone at any stage of their professional career for example early-career professionals or those considering a change from clinical work. We value all of your knowledge and skills, from whichever field of practice you are in.

We are seeking a healthcare professional with a relevant degree and current registration with the HCPC as an Occupational Therapist, who holds or is willing to work towards a teaching qualification and can demonstrate continued professional development in mentoring or coaching.

You will bring experience from the health or care sectors, with the ability to engage learners and deliver high‑quality outcomes through strong communication, organisation, and time‑management skills.

You will be confident working both independently and as part of a team, committed to widening participation and supporting professional development, and flexible in working across multiple sites and with external partners.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Kathryn Cassidy, Subject Lead for Therapy and Rehabilitation, via [e-mail].

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail]