Job summary
Are you a caring, compassionate, motivated individual who is interested in developing an exciting and progressive career within the health service? Join us at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (OHFT), train to become a qualified Occupational Therapist and gain a BSc (Hons) Degree in Occupational Therapy whilst you work!
The Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship programme combines clinical employment, work based learning, and academic learning. It is a fully funded route towards qualification as a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist.
As an employee of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, you will demonstrate our values, and once you have completed all the requirements for registration as a qualified Occupational Therapist, you will be supported to apply for Band 5 vacancies within the Trust.
Main duties of the job
You will be employed as an Apprentice Occupational Therapist, working as part of a therapy team across a range of settings, with protected time to study for a degree in Occupational Therapy. The apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Buckinghamshire New University, with teaching at the Aylesbury and High Wycombe campuses.
During the apprenticeship, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in a dynamic healthcare environment. You will be based in one team within our community and mental health services, while also completing placements across different settings within Oxford Health and with external providers. Travel to university and between placement sites is required. Applicants must hold a full, valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work. Reasonable adjustments will be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010.
This post is based in the Oxford Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Team (CRHTT), providing rapid, county-wide support to adults in mental health crisis to help them remain safely at home. OTs assess function and risk, support independence and meaningful activity, and contribute to discharge and recovery planning.
We are also advertising a post in the Chiltern Adult Mental Health Team. If you're interested in both posts, you don't need to apply for both - please indicate on 1 application you would like to be considered for both posts.
Other areas may become available and be discussed at interview.
About us
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.
Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible.
Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive:"Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are:"Caring, safe and excellent"
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
- Excellent opportunities for career progression
- Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
- 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
- NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
- Competitive pension scheme
- Lease car scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
- Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applicants must demonstrate they meet the following academic criteria before applying:
- A minimum of 120 - 136 UCAS points (minimum of three A levels grade BBB and above).
The following Level 3 qualifications can also be accepted if A levels are not held:
- Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
- International Baccalaureate (30 points)
- Access to Higher Education course in Science, Health, Social Care or similar (60 credits, of which 45 credits will be at Level 3, including 30 at distinction grade and 30 at merit grade)
- Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
- NVQ level 3 in Health and Social care, Science
- Level 3 Healthcare Support Worker qualification
Applicants who cannot evidence any of the qualifications above may have relevant professional experience can submit a 500 1000 word personal statement.
Other Documentation
- GCSE grade C/4 or above in English & Maths or equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills / Key Skills / Level 2 Numeracy & Literacy.
- Current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health (OH) checks and Covid Risk Assessment (record of vaccination) and record of any previous fitness to practice investigation.
Please ensure that you meet the above academic requirements before applying for this role as we will not be able to take applications forward without these.
As Oxfordshire is a rural county and many of our bases are away from public transport routes, applicants must have a full valid driving licence and have access to a car for work. If necessary, adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Interviews will be held on 14th May 2026 at Abingdon Community Hospital.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the recruitment day in person for a full day. We are unable to offer alternative dates.
For more information and a detailed overview of the role, please refer to the job description provided or get in touch for more details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applicants must demonstrate they meet the following academic criteria before applying:
- A minimum of 120 - 136 UCAS points (minimum of three A levels grade BBB and above).
The following Level 3 qualifications can also be accepted if A levels are not held:
- Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
- International Baccalaureate (30 points)
- Access to Higher Education course in Science, Health, Social Care or similar (60 credits, of which 45 credits will be at Level 3, including 30 at distinction grade and 30 at merit grade)
- Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
- NVQ level 3 in Health and Social care, Science
- Level 3 Healthcare Support Worker qualification
Applicants who cannot evidence any of the qualifications above may have relevant professional experience can submit a 500 1000 word personal statement.
Other Documentation
- GCSE grade C/4 or above in English & Maths or equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills / Key Skills / Level 2 Numeracy & Literacy.
- Current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health (OH) checks and Covid Risk Assessment (record of vaccination) and record of any previous fitness to practice investigation.
Please ensure that you meet the above academic requirements before applying for this role as we will not be able to take applications forward without these.
As Oxfordshire is a rural county and many of our bases are away from public transport routes, applicants must have a full valid driving licence and have access to a car for work. If necessary, adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Interviews will be held on 14th May 2026 at Abingdon Community Hospital.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the recruitment day in person for a full day. We are unable to offer alternative dates.
For more information and a detailed overview of the role, please refer to the job description provided or get in touch for more details.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience Requirements
Essential
- Understanding of the scope of the role of the OT in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service developmen
- Experience of having worked in a clinical setting
Desirable
- Understanding of evidence-based practice
Qualifications - Academic/Skills/Professional
Essential
- Level 3 academic qualification i.e.AS/ A level, access to higher education diploma etc
- Demonstrable ability to study at Level 6 of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Degree programme
- Level 2 qualification in both Maths and English
Further Training or Job Related Aptitude and Skills
Essential
- Intermediate IT skills
- Ability to communicate with patients and members of the team
- Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
Desirable
- Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional
- Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and well being (Making Every Contact Count)
Personal Qualities & People Skills
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate professional behaviours, values and attitudes.
- Demonstrates excellent team working skills.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to working in a rapidly changing environme
- Works in a polite and non-judgemental manner.
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Able to seek help when needed.
People Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Able to seek help when needed.
Contractual Requirements or other requirements
Essential
- Hold a full valid driving license and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.
- Able to work flexibly to access staff on shift patterns out of hours and between sites in order to achieve an equal approach throughout the Trust.
- Ability to travel between sites and to regional meetings
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience Requirements
Essential
- Understanding of the scope of the role of the OT in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service developmen
- Experience of having worked in a clinical setting
Desirable
- Understanding of evidence-based practice
Qualifications - Academic/Skills/Professional
Essential
- Level 3 academic qualification i.e.AS/ A level, access to higher education diploma etc
- Demonstrable ability to study at Level 6 of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Degree programme
- Level 2 qualification in both Maths and English
Further Training or Job Related Aptitude and Skills
Essential
- Intermediate IT skills
- Ability to communicate with patients and members of the team
- Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
Desirable
- Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional
- Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and well being (Making Every Contact Count)
Personal Qualities & People Skills
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate professional behaviours, values and attitudes.
- Demonstrates excellent team working skills.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to working in a rapidly changing environme
- Works in a polite and non-judgemental manner.
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Able to seek help when needed.
People Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Able to seek help when needed.
Contractual Requirements or other requirements
Essential
- Hold a full valid driving license and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.
- Able to work flexibly to access staff on shift patterns out of hours and between sites in order to achieve an equal approach throughout the Trust.
- Ability to travel between sites and to regional meetings
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.
