Art/Music Technician

Job summary

This role supports the delivery of structured, therapeutic music activities that promote engagement, skill development, emotional expression and meaningful occupation for individuals with complex mental health needs.

You will play a valuable role in creating an environment where music can be used as a positive, meaningful and motivating activity within the restrictions of a secure setting.

Main duties of the job

Working under the guidance of qualified Occupational Therapists, you will provide practical and technical support for individual and group-based music sessions and quality of life events across the service. This includes preparing equipment, supporting safe participation, and helping service users engage creatively in line with their occupational goals and care plans.

The post holder will need to work confidently within clear boundaries, follow security procedures, and demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of people who may experience distress, risk or reduced motivation. You will be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team and receive appropriate supervision, training and opportunities to develop your skills.

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.

Details

• Date posted: 01 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 4
• Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year pro rata (26.25 hours per week)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
• Reference number: C9369-26-0454
• Job locations: Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Dewnans, Langdon Hospital, Dawlish, Devon, EX7 0NR, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

The Music Technician supports the delivery of structured therapeutic music activities that promote engagement, recovery, skill development, emotional expression and meaningful occupation for people with complex mental health needs within secure services.

Working under the direction of qualified Occupational Therapists, the post holder will provide practical and technical support for individual and group music sessions and service events. This includes preparing and maintaining equipment, facilitating safe participation, and supporting service users to achieve occupational goals identified within care plans.

The role requires the ability to work within professional boundaries, follow security procedures, manage risk appropriately and engage positively with individuals who may experience distress, reduced motivation or challenging behaviour. The post holder will contribute to recovery-focused practice as part of a multidisciplinary team and receive regular supervision and development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Communication and Relationships

• Develop effective therapeutic relationships with service users.
• Communicate clearly and sensitively with service users, carers, colleagues and external agencies, adapting communication to individual needs.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to barriers to communication.
• Maintain accurate documentation and provide feedback to qualified staff regarding service user progress.
• Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team.

Clinical and Technical Practice

• Deliver delegated individual and group music-based interventions within agreed competence and under Occupational Therapy supervision.
• Support service users to develop skills, confidence and participation through music-related activities.
• Observe, record and report changes in service user performance, behaviour, wellbeing and risk.
• Ensure all activities are delivered safely and in accordance with care plans, risk assessments and Trust policies.
• Promote dignity, respect, wellbeing and recovery in all interactions.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Trust, professional and legislative requirements.

Planning and Organisation

• Manage a delegated caseload and organise workload effectively.
• Plan and prepare resources, equipment and environments required for activity delivery.
• Adapt activities within agreed parameters to meet individual needs.
• Contribute to the effective running of Occupational Therapy services and report issues promptly to senior staff.

Service Development and Governance

• Participate in supervision, appraisal and continuing professional development.
• Contribute to audits, service evaluation, quality improvement and clinical governance activities.
• Comply with Trust, Occupational Therapy and departmental policies and procedures.
• Attend relevant team and service meetings.
• Support implementation of Occupational Therapy service developments.

Resources and Equipment

• Maintain musical instruments, equipment and resources in a safe and clean condition.
• Ensure faulty equipment is removed from use and reported appropriately.
• Monitor stock levels and support ordering processes.
• Collect and report activity and service data as required.

Teaching and Support

• Participate in induction of new staff and students.
• Share skills and knowledge with colleagues where appropriate.
• Maintain competence through training and lifelong learning.

Freedom to Act

• Work independently within agreed policies, procedures and professional boundaries.
• Seek support from supervising Occupational Therapists when required.
• Exercise judgement within own level of competence.

Additional Duties

• Respond appropriately to alarms, incidents or emergency situations, including applying approved physical intervention techniques where trained and required.
• Maintain awareness of security procedures and public protection requirements.
• Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

General Responsibilities

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and values diversity. All staff are expected to treat colleagues, service users and carers with dignity and respect and to challenge discriminatory practice.

Recovery

All staff are expected to work in accordance with recovery principles, supporting social inclusion, independence, self-management and person-centred care.

Health and Safety

Employees must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Trust policies and local procedures to maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.

Records Management and Information Governance

The post holder is responsible for creating, maintaining and storing records in accordance with Trust policies, the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and all relevant legislation.

Clinical Governance and Quality

The post holder will participate in governance, quality improvement, audit and compliance activities, supporting delivery of safe, effective and high-quality care in line with Care Quality Commission standards.

Infection Prevention and Control

Employees must comply with Trust Infection Prevention and Control policies and take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of infection.

Smoking

The Trust operates a smoke-free policy. Smoking is not permitted on Trust premises or while undertaking official Trust business.

Policies and Procedures

All employees are required to comply with Trust policies, professional standards and mandatory training requirements.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. The post holder must work in accordance with Trust safeguarding policies and procedures, remain alert to safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action to protect adults, children, families and carers.