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, a leading employer in Devon.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous leave, and extensive staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a strong focus on inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be an autonomous practitioner with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 39959 - 48117 £ per year.
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.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
About Us: Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes.
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
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. We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
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.
Salary Band 6: £39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata.
Frequency Annual.
Vacancy Reference 185-325-13957.
Contract Type Permanent.
Closing Date 23 August, 2026.
Job Category Occupational Therapy.
Staff Group Allied Health Professionals.
Location Poltimore Centre, Exeter Community Hospital, Hospital Lane, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom.
Occupational Therapist (Internal Only) in Exeter employer: Royal Devon
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to diversity and a culture that fosters belonging, staff enjoy generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, access to comprehensive occupational health services, and opportunities for further education and training. Located in the beautiful regions of Exeter and Barnstaple, employees can benefit from a healthy work-life balance while contributing to world-class healthcare services for the local 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 Royal Devon. 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 Royal Devon.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist (Internal Only) in Exeter
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 Royal Devon:Take some time to research Royal Devon 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 Royal Devon
✨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 Royal Devon's values and approach.
