Occupational Therapist in Exeter

Full time (37.5 hours per week) in a 14-bedded dementia assessment unit. The role requires a Band 5 registered occupational therapist to conduct thorough assessments of patients with moderate to advanced dementia, develop tailored interventions and support discharge planning within a multidisciplinary team. The unit has been rated Outstanding by the CQC and operates within the Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to establish patients’ functional and mental-health needs.
• Develop and implement individualized interventions that promote independence in daily living and enhance overall well-being.
• Deliver individual and group therapy sessions in partnership with nursing and MDT staff.
• Provide education and support to patients and families to facilitate recovery and smooth discharge planning.
• Maintain accurate, timely record-keeping in accordance with NHS standards.
• Contribute to service development and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Band 5 OT – Registered Occupational Therapist with current UK registration.

Essential Knowledge

• Clear understanding of core OT skills and theory.
• Awareness of the implications of long-term institutional care.
• Understanding of team dynamics.
• Basic knowledge of health legislation and current practice including risk assessment management.
• Awareness of legal implications of the Mental Health Act and other specific legal frameworks.

Desirable Knowledge

• Awareness of sensory work.

Essential Experience

• Application of the OT Process.
• Use of standardised/functional assessment and activity analysis.
• Previous Band 5 post (or training placement equivalent).

Desirable Experience

• Prior experience working with complex and vulnerable individuals who live with dementia.

Essential Qualifications

• BSc Hons Degree in Occupational Therapy or Diploma from the COT.

Desirable Qualifications

• Evidence of post-graduate courses.

Essential Skills

• Word-processing and internet skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Good self-management skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative as part of MDT & occupational-therapy team.

Desirable Skills

• Group work skills.
• Training and presentation skills.
• Able to participate in physical activities and assist with physical interventions in the management of violence and aggression when required by the service.

Person Specification

The person specification repeats the essential and desirable items listed above and is intended to define the knowledge, experience, qualifications and skills necessary for success in the role.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be required to check for any previous convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

Employer name: Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address: Belvedere Ward, Franklyn Hospital – Franklyn Drive – Exeter – Devon – EX4 1ET

Website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/

Reference Number C9369-25-0913

Contract & Working Pattern Permanent – Full-time – Band 5 – Exeter – Devon

Values & Inclusive Employer

The Trust values quality of care, improvement of lives, respect, dignity and compassion. We recruit individuals who demonstrate behaviours underpinning these core values. We are an inclusive employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community and supporting part-time and flexible working where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.