At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to provide high-quality care and support patients in their homes.
- Company: Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, committed to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and extensive staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and clinical supervision of students and apprentices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be an autonomous practitioner with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Would you like to join a friendly, dynamic & supportive service, based in a health and social care hub in Central & East Exeter? We are seeking a Band 6 substantive Occupational Therapist to join our team based within the Urgent Community Response (UCR) Team in Central & East Exeter.
We aim to provide high quality care to maximise independence and quality of life at home through a strength-based approach. This is completed within a supportive network of experienced therapists offering a structured induction, time to shadow other community teams, peer support groups and opportunities for career development. Our focus is on keeping patients safe in their own home environment through assisting hospital discharges and preventing hospital admission.
The UCR function covers 8am‑8pm across 7 day working and provides a 2‑hour response to admission avoidance patients within the community, supporting the National Ageing Well Agenda within the NHS Long Term Plan. We work extremely closely and hold a team‑based caseload to assist group-focused problem solving through daily team meetings.
Due to the workstreams, we see a variety of patients, including and not exclusively:
- Working with patients with long-term conditions
- Frailty
- End of life
- Neurological conditions
- Respiratory conditions
- Trauma, orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions
- Moving and handling including equipment prescription
There will be an opportunity to provide clinical supervision to rotational staff members as well as support workers. We strongly support a learning environment, therefore we also support students and apprentices within the team, which you will have an opportunity to work with.
The successful candidate will be an autonomous practitioner who is confident with lone working. You will require excellent communication skills, with the ability to prioritise, problem solve and be a team player who is adaptable to change.
Working Pattern: We are happy to support a 5-day working (7.5 hour shifts) or 4-day working (9.5 or 9.0 hour shifts) week. The service runs Monday‑Sunday, 8am‑8pm and you would be rota'd for shifts within these hours.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit. You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme.
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
Occupational Therapist (Internal Only) in Exeter employer: Rdehospital
Join the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Occupational Therapists. Located in the vibrant health and social care hub of Central & East Exeter, we offer flexible working patterns, generous annual leave, and extensive professional development opportunities, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist (Internal Only) in Exeter
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Rdehospital. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Rdehospital.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Rdehospital:Take some time to research Rdehospital and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rdehospital
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Rdehospital's values and approach.
