Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Vocational Services Manager

The closing date is 16 April 2026

Job summary

Secondment Opportunity at New Leaf!

An exciting career development opportunity has arisen for a six month 0.8wte (30 hours per week) secondment as a Band 7 Vocational Services Manager at New Leaf.

New Leaf supports work focussed rehabilitation for people challenged by their mental health. Goal focussed placements across our woodwork and horticulture departments, support people to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to explore volunteering and employment opportunities as their next step.

New Leaf is situated in a lovely setting on the edge of Exminster and is a genuinely lovely place to work.

For expressions of interest or more information regarding the job description, please contact trevor.moir@nhs.net.

Main duties of the job

You will be a healthcare professional with a keenness to develop your skills in managing a small team of staff including a vocational specialist, horticultural and woodwork technical instructors, support workers and a group of volunteers.

You may be required to cover a clinical caseload at times or to support the team with clinical decision making.

An interest in leading the commercial element of the role and overseeing the health and safety requirements on site would be beneficial.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Date posted

02 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year pro rata (30 hours per week)

Contract

Secondment

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-26-0109

Job locations

Newleaf

Farm House Rise

Exminster

Devon

EX6 8AB

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached person specification and job description for full details of the role and the duties required.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached person specification and job description for full details of the role and the duties required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Degree in either occupational therapy, careers guidance, vocational rehabilitation or equivalent
In addition to a degree a relevant trade qualification at diploma or equivalent level or above

Desirable

Management qualification at NVQ 5 or above
IT qualification such as CLAIT
Willing to work towards a higher level vocational rehabilitation qualification

Knowledge

Essential

Comprehensive understanding of current mental health services
A comprehensive understanding of the current research and thinking about vocational services
Knowledge of Equality Act
Awareness of benefits, government employment and training schemes
Be conversant with the principles and requirements of Social Enterprise and Social Firms
Be fully conversant with Trust requirements of the service and of you as a manager

Desirable

An understanding of Individual Placement and Support approach to vocational rehabilitation

Experience

Essential

Substantial experience of working in a management/leadership position in an organisation
Substantial experience of working in vocational services for people with mental health issues
Experience of negotiating and pricing contracts

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Degree in either occupational therapy, careers guidance, vocational rehabilitation or equivalent
In addition to a degree a relevant trade qualification at diploma or equivalent level or above

Desirable

Management qualification at NVQ 5 or above
IT qualification such as CLAIT
Willing to work towards a higher level vocational rehabilitation qualification

Knowledge

Essential

Comprehensive understanding of current mental health services
A comprehensive understanding of the current research and thinking about vocational services
Knowledge of Equality Act
Awareness of benefits, government employment and training schemes
Be conversant with the principles and requirements of Social Enterprise and Social Firms
Be fully conversant with Trust requirements of the service and of you as a manager

Desirable

An understanding of Individual Placement and Support approach to vocational rehabilitation

Experience

Essential

Substantial experience of working in a management/leadership position in an organisation
Substantial experience of working in vocational services for people with mental health issues
Experience of negotiating and pricing contracts

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.