Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Occupational Therapy Assistant

The closing date is 15 November 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 include 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
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.

Details
Date posted: 12 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: C9369-26-0763-1
Job locations: Salus/Haytor Ward, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 7AA, United Kingdom

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address: Salus/Haytor Ward, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 7AA, United Kingdom

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Occupational Therapy Manager, Liz Thomson, liz.thomson@nhs.net, 07866938133

Devon Partnership NHS Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications regardless of any protected characteristics.