Job summary
We are searching for a full time (37.5 hours per week) Band 5 Registered Occupational Therapist to join us on Delderfield ward, Exeter. Delderfield ward is a 16 bed inpatient Mental Health Ward that supports adults with mental health difficulties.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing Occupational Therapy team on a busy adult acute inpatient ward in Exeter. We have been building the team and now have a real opportunity to refresh how we work within the wider MDT and strengthen our therapeutic offer. You will be supported by strong professional OT leadership, DPT's excellent preceptorship offer and opportunities for OT-specific CPD and career progression. At the same time, there is wider strategic momentum to strengthen the OT voice and to demonstrate and evidence our unique contribution to patient and service outcomes. As healthcare adapts to a changing landscape, this is a great time to begin or develop your career with DPT and be part of shaping the next chapter of inpatient Occupational Therapy.

Main duties of the job
As a Band 5 Occupational Therapist on our adult inpatient mental health ward, you will assess patients functional and mental health needs and develop interventions that promote independence and wellbeing.

You will deliver individual and group therapy, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic care and effective discharge planning, and adapt treatments based on patient progress.

You will also educate and support patients and families throughout recovery. Accurate record-keeping and contributing to service development are essential to this impactful role.

About us
About Devon Partnership Trust

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

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

Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who possess and 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 and compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves and others, and being open to new ideas.

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

Closing date
08 November 2026

Details
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: C9369-26-0853

Person specification

• Essential knowledge: ability to work in an MDT demonstrating the value of the occupational perspective as part of the holistic understanding of a person.
• Essential knowledge: clear understanding of core OT skills and theory.
• Essential knowledge: awareness of the implications of long-term institutional care.
• Essential knowledge: basic knowledge of health legislation and current practice including CPA and risk assessment management.
• Essential knowledge: awareness of legal implications of the Mental Health Act and other legal frameworks specific to the setting.
• Essential experience: use of standardised / functional assessment and activity analysis.
• Essential experience: previous Band 5 post (or training placement equivalent).
• Essential qualifications: BSc Hons Degree in Occupational Therapy or Diploma from COT.
• Essential skills: excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Essential skills: quickly build positive relationships with both patients and other staff to support the goal of excellent quality care.
• Essential skills: ability to work on own initiative as part of MDT and Occupational Therapy Team.
• Desirable skills: group work skills.
• Desirable skills: able to participate in physical activities and assist with physical interventions in the management of violence and aggression if required by the service.

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.

UK registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Contact
Lead Occupational Therapist: Alfie Palmer, aelfridapalmer@nhs.net

Apply through our website