Senior Occupational Therapist
At a glance
- Band
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
- Posted
- 03/09/2026
- Closes
- 29/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
Candidates needing sponsorship are encouraged to apply.
HiveMind found a sponsorship-friendly statement in the source advert welcoming applicants who require a visa. Always confirm on the source before applying.
“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.”Quoted verbatim from the source advert
Role summary
This role is for a compassionate and motivated Senior Occupational Therapist to join the Adult Acute Services at The Cedars in Exeter, covering two 16-bed acute inpatient wards. The successful candidate will shape therapeutic interventions, lead occupationally focused assessments, and contribute to a collaborative multidisciplinary team. The position involves applying specialist skills to support individuals during acute phases of their mental health journey, focusing on recovery-oriented, evidence-based practice. You will work within an established OT provision and take on senior responsibilities.
Essential criteria
- Diploma / Degree Occupational Therapy
- Evidence of further training, with particular emphasis on mental health
Desirable criteria
- Short specialist courses to Masters equivalent level
- Substantive post-graduate experience working in a range of mental health settings
- Experience of supervising a range of people
- Experience of leading service development
- Experience of working in Urgent inpatient
- Knowledge and skills
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
- Sound knowledge of current OT theory and practice
- Highly developed communication / interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly and confidently to a range of people
- Ability to present information logically and concisely both verbally and in writing
- Ability to deal with complex and emotionally charged situations
- Be flexible and adaptable to change. Able to deal with unforeseen circumstances and remain calm under pressure
- Sound impartial and objective judgement
- Innovative and creative thinker
- Ability to form positive relationships with staff at all levels, service users, partner organisations
- Leadership skills. Ability to use a range of approaches
- Ability to engage and motivate individuals who are experiencing an acute phase of mental illness in activities of daily living
- Ability to plan and deliver service change and development
- To be flexible and have the ability to respond quickly to patient need, change your work pattern and be responsive to the needs of the ward.
- Ability to be able to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform required duties
- To maintain confidentiality, empathy and patience towards individuals with mental health illness
- Demonstrate thorough understanding of and adherence to Trust Visions and Values
- Evidence of being able to think quickly and calmly in emergency situations
- Diploma / Degree Occupational Therapy
- Evidence of further training, with particular emphasis on mental health
- Short specialist courses to Masters equivalent level
- Substantive post-graduate experience working in a range of mental health settings
- Experience of supervising a range of people
- Experience of leading service development
- Experience of working in Urgent inpatient
- Knowledge and skills
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
- Sound knowledge of current OT theory and practice
- Highly developed communication / interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly and confidently to a range of people
- Ability to present information logically and concisely both verbally and in writing
- Ability to deal with complex and emotionally charged situations
- Be flexible and adaptable to change. Able to deal with unforeseen circumstances and remain calm under pressure
- Sound impartial and objective judgement
- Innovative and creative thinker
- Ability to form positive relationships with staff at all levels, service users, partner organisations
- Leadership skills. Ability to use a range of approaches
- Ability to engage and motivate individuals who are experiencing an acute phase of mental illness in activities of daily living
- Ability to plan and deliver service change and development
- To be flexible and have the ability to respond quickly to patient need, change your work pattern and be responsive to the needs of the ward.
- Ability to be able to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform required duties
- To maintain confidentiality, empathy and patience towards individuals with mental health illness
- Demonstrate thorough understanding of and adherence to Trust Visions and Values
- Evidence of being able to think quickly and calmly in emergency situations
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 6 at £37,338 – £44,962 a year, across England.
This advert: £39,959 – £48,117 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 2d ago · Closes in 25d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Job summary
Are you a compassionate and motivated Occupational Therapist who wants to make a real difference and thrive in a dynamic, supportive, forward thinking multidisciplinary team?
We are recruiting a Senior Occupational Therapist to join the Adult Acute Services based at The Cedars in Exeter and also covering other Adult Inpatient Wards in Exeter when required.
The Cedars consists of two 16 bed acute inpatient wards, Delderfield and Coombehaven providing specialist assessment, care and treatment for adults with severe or complex mental health needs.
Were seeking an OT who is passionate about recovery focused, evidence based practice who can shape therapeutic interventions, lead occupationally focused assessments and contribute to a collaborative MDT culture.
Creativity is central to our approach, and we champion the therapeutic use of activity as a vital part of mental health recovery. We are committed to national standards and strong culture of care initiatives that enhance professional development across our teams and the Trust. This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your experience, step into senior responsibilities and apply your specialist skills to support individuals during acute phases of their mental health journey.
You will work within an OT provision that includes a Band 6 OT, Band 5 OT and OTAs in each ward, forming an expanding and dynamic MDT
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