Specialist Occupational Therapist

NHS; Exeter; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Devon is seeking a dynamic and motivated Occupational Therapist to join a large, friendly community team. The role involves managing a varied caseload, supervising junior therapists, and providing high-quality care. Ideal candidates will have strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and relevant experience. The position offers competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

27 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working and family-friendly policies

NHS Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Occupational health services

Qualifications

• Experience in high-quality care delivery.
• Ability to supervise and develop Band 5 Occupational Therapists and students.
• Driving license and access to a car for community visits.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied, domiciliary caseload.
• Supervise and support community team members.
• Conduct assessments and provide therapeutic support.

Skills

Sound moving and handling skills

Problem-solving

Prioritisation

Excellent communication

IT skills

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Job summary

We manage a varied, largely domiciliary caseload from post-op rehab, Pathway 2 rehab in care homes to long-term condition management, falls prevention, and same-day equipment assessments to keep patients safe at home. Applicants will require sound moving and handling skills, good problem solving, prioritisation, and excellent communication. Our offices are shared with Community Nurses, Social Workers, and Urgent Community Response, enabling a high level of integrated working for the benefit of our patients.

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team dedicated to helping our patients stay healthy when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern, and Mid Devon, we have over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, provided to more than 615,000 people across an area of over 2,000 square miles, include emergency, specialist, and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). We also offer integrated health and social care services across various settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and patients' homes. Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies, and strong links to universities position us at the forefront of research and innovation.

It's never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help shape our services during our ongoing integration journey.

Details

Date posted: 31 July 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per year (pro rata)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 185-86058-11193

Job locations: Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW

Job description

More information about the role

About the role

Are you dynamic, motivated, and passionate about providing high-quality care? We seek an experienced Occupational Therapist to join our large, friendly community team.

Tiverton and Cullompton have excellent transport links, with quick access to Dartmoor, Exeter, and Bristol via the M5. The North Devon Link Road provides access to North Devon Coast, Exmoor, and Blackdown Hills. Direct trains to London from Tiverton Parkway take less than 2 hours.

We support professional development through supervision, CPD groups, training, and peer support. Our Champions Network connects you with therapists sharing their expertise. The successful candidate will supervise and develop Band 5 Occupational Therapists, students, and support staff. Excellent IT skills are essential for service coordination and utilizing our online MyCare portal.

The post-holder needs a driving license and access to a car for community visits. Shifts typically run from 8:30 to 16:30, with rota support for evening and weekend shifts to support admission avoidance and timely hospital discharges, with toil time provided.

Interview Date: Tuesday 2nd September

Pay: The salary reflects the 2025/6 Agenda for Change rates, including a 3.6% pay award to be implemented later this year. If you join before then, the pay will be backdated to your start date, based on 2024/5 pay bandings.

For more information: Alice Scully, Therapy Manager, [e-mail]

Our commitment to diversity

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their potential. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, reflecting the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status, including NHS At Risk staff across Devon.

Note: The Royal Devon reserves the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, merging the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We foster a supportive culture that develops your skills through funding for qualifications, days off for CPD, and rotational placements. We promote work-life balance with flexible working and family-friendly policies. Starting with 27 days of paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days, staff have access to occupational health services, counselling, wellbeing activities, and discounts on shopping, fitness, and leisure. Other benefits include:

• Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts
• Salary sacrifice options, including an onsite nursery at Exeter
• Car lease schemes
• The NHS Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme