Job Description

To work within Occupational Therapy as an Apprentice Occupational Therapist, under the Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship programme under supervision. The apprenticeship combines academic and work-based learning through the employer and educational provider collaboration. University Hospitals Plymouth Trust (UHPT) Apprentice Occupational Therapists will be based at Derriford Hospital as a paid employee, in the Occupational Therapy Department & across the hospital wards.
The Apprentice Occupational Therapist will be required to achieve the education and practice standards as set out by HCPC, RCOT, University of Plymouth and the Institute of Apprenticeships and undertake an integrated end point assessment, as well as completion of the degree programme. Commitment to self-directed study and successful completion of the programme within the contracted period is required. Failure to progress will mean removal from the programme.
As an Apprentice Occupational Therapist, they will be supervised and supported by Clinical Educators, experienced Workplace Mentors and Practice Assessors.
The apprentice role includes attending the University of Plymouth for Study made up of a 20% study, 80% workplace.
Start at Band 2 & moves to Band 3 year 2 & Band 4 years 3 & 4.
Main duties of the job
As an Apprentice Occupational Therapist, they will be supervised and supported by Clinical Educators, experienced Workplace Mentors and Practice Assessors.
They will work to towards achieving the HCPC & Royal College of Occupational Therapy standards of practice.To work as part of a team responsible for providing an efficient Occupational Therapy Service at University Hospitals Plymouth Trust (UHPT). Making a commitment to study during the duration of the apprenticeship course, meeting the timescale & deadlines set by the University. Successful completion of the programme within the contract period is required.
As part of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will provide a key role in providing Occupational Therapy service to individuals across the wards & disciplines covered by the Occupational Therapy Service.
All staff will be expected to be part of the 7-day working rota.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Details
Date posted
23 July 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
24,465 to 30,162 a year Per Annum (Year 1: Band 2, Year 2: Band 3, Years 3 & 4: Band 4)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
216-CB-C7043061-AP
Job locations
UHP NHS Trust
Derriford
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work as part of a team responsible for providing an efficient Occupational Therapy Service at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
Explain to patients, relatives, and those with whom they meet the role of the Occupational Therapist.
Obtain informed consent from the patient, and work within the current legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent, prior to commencing any treatment.
Through conversation with the patient, patients relatives / next of kin, obtain information regarding their social circumstances, difficulties encountered with aspects of Activities of Daily Living and their work and leisure and make follow-up calls, as directed by Occupational Therapist.
Implement individual/group treatment sessions, as instructed by the Occupational Therapist - this will include washing, dressing, kitchen or bathing assessment and remedial therapy work, utilizing interpersonal skills and demonstrating empathy to achieve the goal.
Issue and instruct patients and relatives in the safe use of prescribed Occupational Therapy equipment and issue small aids accordingly. Job description
Job responsibilities
To work as part of a team responsible for providing an efficient Occupational Therapy Service at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
Explain to patients, relatives, and those with whom they meet the role of the Occupational Therapist.
Obtain informed consent from the patient, and work within the current legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent, prior to commencing any treatment.
Through conversation with the patient, patients relatives / next of kin, obtain information regarding their social circumstances, difficulties encountered with aspects of Activities of Daily Living and their work and leisure and make follow-up calls, as directed by Occupational Therapist.
Implement individual/group treatment sessions, as instructed by the Occupational Therapist - this will include washing, dressing, kitchen or bathing assessment and remedial therapy work, utilizing interpersonal skills and demonstrating empathy to achieve the goal.
Issue and instruct patients and relatives in the safe use of prescribed Occupational Therapy equipment and issue small aids accordingly.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential

• NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent:
• GCSE in English and Maths grade C or above (or equivalent)
• Functional skills Level 2 in Maths and English
• UCAS points 112 or above. Achieved within the last 5 years.

Desirable

• To have health care related qualification/training.

OTHER FACTORS
Essential

• Able to travel to various parts of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.
• Able to work all departmental shifts.
• Must be able to commit 37.5 hours a week for work and study
• Able to work at other sites as required.

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence.
• Able to drive a pool car

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
• To have demonstrable experience of working with the public.
• An understanding of the physiological, psychological, and social needs of patients & their families.
• To be computer literate.
• To have worked in an OT Department.
• To have demonstrable experience of assisting in OT Interventions.

Desirable

• Clear understanding of the Occupational Therapy role.
• To have worked in a health care setting.
• Awareness of large clinical setting policies.
• Understanding of confidentiality.

APTITUDE & ABILITIES
Essential

• Good communication skills, written & verbal, with the ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity & effectiveness at all levels.
• Ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to problem solve.
• To be interested in promoting independence.
• To have the ability to recognise own limitation.
• To be able to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to take part in reflective practise & clinical supervision.

Desirable

• To be independent and able to accept responsibility.
• Good time management skill.
• Ability to interpret the trusts policy on violence & aggression to maintain a safe working environment for yourself & colleagues.

DISPOSITION / ATTITUDE / MOTIVATION
Essential

• Works in a calm and organised manner and mixes well as part of a cohesive team.
• Highly motivated to provide quality service and complete training.
• Empathetic and demonstrates patient focus.
• Be professional at all times.
• Willingness to learn.

Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential

• NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent:
• GCSE in English and Maths grade C or above (or equivalent)
• Functional skills Level 2 in Maths and English
• UCAS points 112 or above. Achieved within the last 5 years.

Desirable

• To have health care related qualification/training.

OTHER FACTORS
Essential

• Able to travel to various parts of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.
• Able to work all departmental shifts.
• Must be able to commit 37.5 hours a week for work and study
• Able to work at other sites as required.

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence.
• Able to drive a pool car

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
• To have demonstrable experience of working with the public.
• An understanding of the physiological, psychological, and social needs of patients & their families.
• To be computer literate.
• To have worked in an OT Department.
• To have demonstrable experience of assisting in OT Interventions.

Desirable

• Clear understanding of the Occupational Therapy role.
• To have worked in a health care setting.
• Awareness of large clinical setting policies.
• Understanding of confidentiality.

APTITUDE & ABILITIES
Essential

• Good communication skills, written & verbal, with the ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity & effectiveness at all levels.
• Ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to problem solve.
• To be interested in promoting independence.
• To have the ability to recognise own limitation.
• To be able to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to take part in reflective practise & clinical supervision.

Desirable

• To be independent and able to accept responsibility.
• Good time management skill.
• Ability to interpret the trusts policy on violence & aggression to maintain a safe working environment for yourself & colleagues.

DISPOSITION / ATTITUDE / MOTIVATION
Essential

• Works in a calm and organised manner and mixes well as part of a cohesive team.
• Highly motivated to provide quality service and complete training.
• Empathetic and demonstrates patient focus.
• Be professional at all times.
• Willingness to learn.