Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Occupational Therapy Assistant

The closing date is 30 April 2026

Job summary

Are you someone looking for a career in one of the UK's most respected mental health and learning disability trusts?

Would you like to be part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference to peoples lives to enjoy a better future?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated multi-disciplinary team based with the inpatient units in Torbay. The post holder will be based on the Adult Mental Health Wards Haytor and Salus and will support and assist the qualified Occupational Therapists.

The role will inclulde being able to plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by the supervising Occupational Therapists. The post holder may also carry out individual interventions in the community and in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff.

The successful post holder will need to have a passion for working with people experiencing mental health conditions, whilst being flexible, motivated and a team player.

The post holder will be required to have a high level of adaptable communication skills, be compassionate, respectful and value individual patient needs.

Main duties of the job

You will support and assist the qualified Occupational Therapist and the wider Team. The post holder will have the exciting opportunity to plan and facilitate therapeutic activities according to patients needs within the inpatient environment which can be challenging.

The ideal candidate will need to adapt to the service needs as required whilst meeting individuals goals and supporting the patients recovery.

If you do not hold a QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, an equivalent qualification, or the Care Certificate you will need to complete the Care Certificate within 3 months of commencement of the Band 3 post.

If you have a minimum of 6 months experience in the last 2 years working in a care role, but do not hold the Care Certificate you can complete the form Care Certificate Evidence Document from the additional documentation list to evidence that this experience is equivalent to the 15 standards as set out within the Care Certificate. You will need to take this completed form to interview where it will be reviewed by the appointing manager and if you meet the criteria, the manager can approve this in place of completing the Care Certificate.

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

09 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-26-0277

Job locations

Salus/Haytor Ward

Torbay Hospital

Torquay

Devon

TQ2 7AA

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Evidence of good standard of general education/qualification e.g. CSE, O Level, and GCSE. To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion.

Desirable

NVQ Level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification. Other relevant training or development relevant to working within Mental Health Settings.

Experience

Essential

An understanding of the effects of mental illness on a persons wellbeing and ability to carry out activities of daily living. Proven ability to support patients to engage in a range of therapeutic activities. Running activity based groups and individual work. Relevant work experience with people with a diagnosis of mental health problems.

Desirable

To have experience of working in a health care setting.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Demonstrate understanding of recovery and mental health. Understanding of how occupational therapy works for patients in a mental health setting. Awareness of safeguarding principles. Good communication and listening skills. Ability to work with people in a group or individual basis. Ability to engage and motivate individuals who are experiencing an acute phase of mental illness in activities of daily living Able to plan work and manage time effectively. Physical fitness to carry out physical interventions when appropriate

Desirable

Knowledge of mental health and basic understanding of physical health presentation. Awareness of the VdT Model of Creative Ability.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Evidence of good standard of general education/qualification e.g. CSE, O Level, and GCSE. To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion.

Desirable

NVQ Level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification. Other relevant training or development relevant to working within Mental Health Settings.

Experience

Essential

An understanding of the effects of mental illness on a persons wellbeing and ability to carry out activities of daily living. Proven ability to support patients to engage in a range of therapeutic activities. Running activity based groups and individual work. Relevant work experience with people with a diagnosis of mental health problems.

Desirable

To have experience of working in a health care setting.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Demonstrate understanding of recovery and mental health. Understanding of how occupational therapy works for patients in a mental health setting. Awareness of safeguarding principles. Good communication and listening skills. Ability to work with people in a group or individual basis. Ability to engage and motivate individuals who are experiencing an acute phase of mental illness in activities of daily living Able to plan work and manage time effectively. Physical fitness to carry out physical interventions when appropriate

Desirable

Knowledge of mental health and basic understanding of physical health presentation. Awareness of the VdT Model of Creative Ability.

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