Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapist

We are seeking an innovative, experienced, highly motivated and enthusiastic Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapist to join the Adult Specialist Health Community Learning Disability Teams across the North and Mid Devon cluster.

The Specialist Health Community Learning Disability Service is comprised of dynamic, supportive multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) working across Devon, delivering high-quality, person-centred care for adults with a learning disability. This exciting opportunity has arisen following the current post holder retiring and provides opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Occupational Therapy is a well-established and highly valued profession within the service, playing a central role in evidence-based care pathways including Distressed Behaviours, Dementia, Mental Health and Complex Physical Health. Our Occupational Therapists contribute to MDT Positive Behaviour Support planning, memory clinics, Reducing Restrictive Practice initiatives, and STOMP (Stopping Over Medication of People with a Learning Disability).

You will work proactively within the MDT, contributing to holistic care planning, risk management, and the development of capable environments that enhance independence and quality of life. This cluster-level role provides advanced specialist clinical expertise and leadership across two MDTs within North and Mid Devon, influencing practice and supporting excellence in service delivery., The post holder will manage a highly complex caseload across the North and Mid Devon cluster, while supporting Occupational Therapy staff (Band 5, Band 6, students, apprentices and OTTIs) to triage and deliver timely, effective assessment and intervention. The focus is on maximising health, wellbeing and quality of life, and enabling individuals to actively engage in meaningful occupations within their communities.

You will provide clinical supervision, professional leadership, and contribute to service development alongside the Lead Occupational Therapists and a network of Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapists across Devon. This senior group works collaboratively with the Head of Profession / AHP Lead for Occupational Therapy to drive innovation and continuous improvement within the Learning Disability service.

The service offers robust clinical leadership structures, regular Devon-wide OT forums, and strong CPD opportunities. You will engage in trust-wide and cross-directorate working, promoting clinical governance, peer supervision, and the application of evidence-based models such as the Model of Human Occupation, Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability, and Sensory Integration.

As an Advanced Specialist practitioner, you will also provide expert support and consultation to the wider MDT across the North and Mid Devon cluster, influencing best practice and enhancing outcomes for service users.

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.

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