North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Apprentice Occupational Therapist *Internal*

The closing date is 11 July 2025

Job summary

INTERNAL ONLY TO NORTH CUMBRIA INTEGRATED CARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST (NCIC) EMPLOYEES ONLY

We have a rare and exciting opportunity at the West Cumberland Hospital for a motivated individual who wants to become an Occupational Therapist.

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic about the profession and will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of an Occupational Therapist through their own experience. This is a fantastic chance for someone interested in helping people overcome difficulties affected by injury, illness or disability by supporting individuals to improve their ability to do everyday tasks. Across specialities you will work with people to analyse their daily activities and support them to compensate or adapt how they do them using Occupational Science as an evidence base.

The apprenticeship is a degree level program for an Occupational Therapy (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc (Hons) during which you will learn all the skills needed to become a registered Occupational Therapist. You will be provided with a work placed mentor to provide guidance, support and knowledge in the Occupational Therapy profession.

The successful applicant would be offered the post subject to being accepted onto the University Occupational Therapy Apprentice degree program. Support to complete this application will be provided.

Main duties of the job

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team learning alongside them in the workplace. The academic and placement component is supported by the University.

The services in some areas provide 7 day cover and the successful applicant must therefore be prepared to work weekends and extended days. Applications will only be considered from people with recent experience working as a Therapy Assistant within an NHS Service.

Upon qualifying and being registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) you will be given the opportunity to apply for a Band 5 Occupational Therapy post. Band 5 rotational posts offer the opportunity to work across medicine, care of the elderly, orthopaedics, surgery, neuro rehabilitation, community hospital and the community rehabilitation team.

About us

At NCIC, we have an ambition to deliver outstanding healthcare services to the population of North Cumbria. The Trust is committed to creating a centre of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare and provides a wide range of community and acute services throughout our county.

Our 5 key principles demonstrate our belief in the delivery of 'safe, high quality care every time':

  • Being a clinically led organisation
  • Quality and safety at the heart of our Trust
  • A positive patient experience every time
  • A great place to work
  • Managing our money well

As an organisation we are serious about supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our local community and are very much focused on being an inclusive and compassionate place to work.

Across the North East and North Cumbria we are working together to deliver our ambition to be the greenest region in England by 2030. All staff are expected to support sustainability.

Details

Date posted

03 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £36,483 a year Agenda For Change - Annex 21

Contract

Apprenticeship

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

262-A-25-7266500

Job locations

West Cumberland Hospital

Homewood Road

Whitehaven

CA28 8JG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.

Please note, due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL). Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment.Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed.

If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.

Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Please see our Policy for eligible vacancies.

Please ensure that you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information.

If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.

Important Information

Candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for interview will be asked via an email notification to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time. This will usually be within 2 weeks of the closing date.

For candidates applying using a Hotmail account or have strict firewall settings please ensure the following:

  • Junk Mail is checked regularly

Disclosure and Barring Service:

On 28 November 2020, the new Disclosure and Barring Service filtering rules will come into effect.

The changes mean that:

  • youth cautions, reprimands and final warnings will no longer be subject to automatic disclosure
  • the multiple conviction rule has been removed, meaning that if an individual has more than one conviction, regardless of offence type or time passed, each conviction will be considered against the remaining rules individually, rather than being automatically disclosed.

If you are unsure about whether you need to disclose certain criminal record information, free confidential advice may be sought from one of the charity bodies listed below. These bodies can advise you on what you are legally required to declare and may also be able to advise you on how you can disclose criminal record information to a prospective employer and your legal rights when doing so.

Nacro Tel: 0300 123 1999, or email: helpline@nacro.org.uk

Unlock Tel: 01634 247350, email advice@unlock.org.uk or complete the online form on the Unlock website

Please note the cost of the DBS check is increasing from 2nd December and the new cost will be

Standard DBS check £21.50, Enhanced DBS check £49.50 + any admin costs.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding adults and children therefore if the post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended) the successful candidate(s) will be subject to a criminal records check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as followsif applicable to the post:

Standard Check: £18 + Administration cost of £3.85 = £21.85. Deducted at £6.85 from 1st month salary and £5 deducted from salary over following 3 months.

Enhanced Check: £38 + administration cost of £3.90 = £41.90. Deducted at £11.90 from 1st month salary and £10 deducted from salary over following 3 months.

As part of the one of the largest employers in the UK NCIC future employees will have also access to the following benefits.

A lease car may be available for this position; further details will be provided upon appointment if applicable.

27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years

Flexible working Scheme

Excellent opportunities for development

Competitive NHS Pension scheme

Access to NHS discounts with retailers and leisure companies

EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work-related problems

These schemes are subject to availability

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.

Please note, due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL). Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment.Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed.

If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.

Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Please see our Policy for eligible vacancies.

Please ensure that you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information.

If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.

Important Information

Candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for interview will be asked via an email notification to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time. This will usually be within 2 weeks of the closing date.

For candidates applying using a Hotmail account or have strict firewall settings please ensure the following:

  • Junk Mail is checked regularly

Disclosure and Barring Service:

On 28 November 2020, the new Disclosure and Barring Service filtering rules will come into effect.

The changes mean that:

  • youth cautions, reprimands and final warnings will no longer be subject to automatic disclosure
  • the multiple conviction rule has been removed, meaning that if an individual has more than one conviction, regardless of offence type or time passed, each conviction will be considered against the remaining rules individually, rather than being automatically disclosed.

If you are unsure about whether you need to disclose certain criminal record information, free confidential advice may be sought from one of the charity bodies listed below. These bodies can advise you on what you are legally required to declare and may also be able to advise you on how you can disclose criminal record information to a prospective employer and your legal rights when doing so.

Nacro Tel: 0300 123 1999, or email: helpline@nacro.org.uk

Unlock Tel: 01634 247350, email advice@unlock.org.uk or complete the online form on the Unlock website

Please note the cost of the DBS check is increasing from 2nd December and the new cost will be

Standard DBS check £21.50, Enhanced DBS check £49.50 + any admin costs.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding adults and children therefore if the post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended) the successful candidate(s) will be subject to a criminal records check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as followsif applicable to the post:

Standard Check: £18 + Administration cost of £3.85 = £21.85. Deducted at £6.85 from 1st month salary and £5 deducted from salary over following 3 months.

Enhanced Check: £38 + administration cost of £3.90 = £41.90. Deducted at £11.90 from 1st month salary and £10 deducted from salary over following 3 months.

As part of the one of the largest employers in the UK NCIC future employees will have also access to the following benefits.

A lease car may be available for this position; further details will be provided upon appointment if applicable.

27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years

Flexible working Scheme

Excellent opportunities for development

Competitive NHS Pension scheme

Access to NHS discounts with retailers and leisure companies

EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work-related problems

These schemes are subject to availability

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • 112 - 120 UCAS points (preferably including a science) OR a Level 3 in a health-related subject plus apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) based on education and experiential learning and experience as an assistant in an allied health professional (AHP) role. An RPL document will be shared with applicants to this route;
  • Maths and English at GCSE grade C or 4 or above (or equivalent).
  • Care Certificate

Skills and Aptitudes

Essential

  • Ability to establish relationships with patients and carers and work with them in a supported environment
  • Good personal organisation skills and able to prioritise workload
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to demonstrate the compassionate values and behaviours needed for dignified care
  • Good observational skills
  • Ability to teach practical skills
  • Able to work autonomously and use own initiative

Desirable

  • Ability to complete patient assessments in a range of clinical settings, including a patients own home

personal circumstances

Essential

  • Ability to participate in weekend working rota
  • Commitment to undergo training and complete competencies required for the post within the timescales of the apprenticeship
  • Commitment to attend University when required for face-to-face training
  • Enthusiasm and self-motivation
  • Willing to work flexibly

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Work as an allied health professional assistant.
  • Previous experience of working in an Multi-Disciplinary Team.
  • Understanding of the principles of Occupational Therapy.
  • Understanding of disability and its impact on a persons function.
  • Professional conduct requirements.
  • Health & safety; risk awareness.
  • Equality legislation and best practice.

Desirable

  • Caring responsibilities.
  • Employment in an clinical setting.
  • Evidence of relevant health related training courses.
  • Specialised occupational therapy equipment.
  • Knowledge of falls prevention principles and management techniques.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • 112 - 120 UCAS points (preferably including a science) OR a Level 3 in a health-related subject plus apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) based on education and experiential learning and experience as an assistant in an allied health professional (AHP) role. An RPL document will be shared with applicants to this route;
  • Maths and English at GCSE grade C or 4 or above (or equivalent).
  • Care Certificate

Skills and Aptitudes

Essential

  • Ability to establish relationships with patients and carers and work with them in a supported environment
  • Good personal organisation skills and able to prioritise workload
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to demonstrate the compassionate values and behaviours needed for dignified care
  • Good observational skills
  • Ability to teach practical skills
  • Able to work autonomously and use own initiative

Desirable

  • Ability to complete patient assessments in a range of clinical settings, including a patients own home

personal circumstances

Essential

  • Ability to participate in weekend working rota
  • Commitment to undergo training and complete competencies required for the post within the timescales of the apprenticeship
  • Commitment to attend University when required for face-to-face training
  • Enthusiasm and self-motivation
  • Willing to work flexibly

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Work as an allied health professional assistant.
  • Previous experience of working in an Multi-Disciplinary Team.
  • Understanding of the principles of Occupational Therapy.
  • Understanding of disability and its impact on a persons function.
  • Professional conduct requirements.
  • Health & safety; risk awareness.
  • Equality legislation and best practice.

Desirable

  • Caring responsibilities.
  • Employment in an clinical setting.
  • Evidence of relevant health related training courses.
  • Specialised occupational therapy equipment.
  • Knowledge of falls prevention principles and management techniques.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

West Cumberland Hospital

Homewood Road

Whitehaven

CA28 8JG


Employer's website

https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

West Cumberland Hospital

Homewood Road

Whitehaven

CA28 8JG


Employer's website

https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Occupational Therapy

Joni Mitchell

joni.mitchell@ncic.nhs.uk

01228814445

Details

Date posted

03 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £36,483 a year Agenda For Change - Annex 21

Contract

Apprenticeship

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

262-A-25-7266500

Job locations

West Cumberland Hospital

Homewood Road

Whitehaven

CA28 8JG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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