Job summary
Devon Partnership NHS Trust is looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to join our dynamic Occupational Therapy team within Delderfield Ward, The Cedars in Exeter.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing an acute mental health episode.
Working as part of the OT service for adults with a mental illness in the acute and inpatient care network, the post holder will support and assist the qualified Occupational Therapists (OT). The post holder will plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by the supervising OT. The post holder may also carry out individual interventions in the community and in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff. The post holder will contribute towards the development of an innovative and needs led OT service.
We will support you to learn the skills you need to thrive in the role. We will offer you the training and development support you need to begin a fulfilling career. In return, you will need to be motivated, flexible and eager to learn.
Main duties of the job
- The role of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) is an integral part of the Cedars, supporting individuals with their care and treatment needs.
- You will work closely with the Occupational Therapy (OT) team and other multidisciplinary team (MDT) members, including nurses, doctors, and social workers, to ensure a high-quality, holistic service for the individuals accessing the service.
- As an OTA, you will be supported to run a therapeutic programme for patients and deliver individualised interventions aimed at improving their mental health and well-being.
- Assist the OT team in assessment and goal-setting, tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of individuals
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: 10 July 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: C9369-26-0559
- Job locations: The Cedars, Dryden Road, Exeter, EX2 5SN, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
As an Occupational Therapist Assistant, you will contribute to the assessment, monitoring, evaluation, and modification of structured activities in order to measure progression and ensure effectiveness.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will be supported regionally and will have access to a variety of training and online courses to support your career development and growth.
As an Occupational Therapist Assistant you will be:
- Assisting Occupational Therapists, Nurses and other MDT staff in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individual needs.
- Running and developing therapeutic groups and 1:1 activities
- Supporting service users to achieve their goals and access appropriate services.
- Maintainingadequate records, entering details in the service user healthcare records.
- Supporting the MDT with quality improvement initiatives
- Supporting families and carers
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of dealing with vulnerable patients.
- Experience of working therapeutically.
Desirable
- 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 mental illness.
Qualifications
Essential
- Ability and desire to gain more understanding about the role of OT and psychiatric intensive mental health care.
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 / 3 or equivalent or willingness to work towards this
Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential
- Ability to create innovative solutions to help empower service users.
Planning and Organisational skills
Essential
- The ability to manage and organise your own workload and complete tasks within a timely manner.
Desirable
- Plan and organise one off activity sessions on the ward, responding to the needs of small groups of current patients.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Occupational Therapy Assistant with Devon Partnership NHS Trust in Exeter, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,760 to £27,476 a year. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 22 Jul 2026.
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