Exeter
Fixed Term until 31st March 2026
Applications are invited for the Principal Occupational Therapist on an interim basis until 31st March 2026.
This is an exciting role that has done much already to raise the profile of Occupational Therapy within Adult Social Care, within the Devon Integrated Care System, and nationally. As the Principal Occupational Therapist, your pivotal priorities during the next six months will include:
- Providing occupational therapy professional practice advice and support.
- Setting professional direction with the occupational therapy workforce.
- Mobilisation of the new Devon Independent Living Integrated Service (DILIS) contract for the community equipment service.
- Taking forward the test of change with Technology Enabled Care, working with colleagues and partners to realise an improvement programme.
- Working with Commissioners and District Council partners to develop the housing offer.
- Building upon the Practice Quality Assurance both specifically for occupational therapy work, and more broadly.
The Principal Occupational Therapist is a key member of the Operations Senior Leadership Team; the portfolio of responsibilities also involves working closely with our commissioner colleagues in shaping the prevention agenda and offer.
You will be confident in working at both strategic and senior tactical level, with the ability to inspire confidence and provide leadership and motivation.
Do it for Devon – Our Offer to You
- Flexible working arrangements – while we embrace hybrid working, this role requires a strong in-person presence to lead teams, build relationships, and drive strategic progress.
- A supportive and inclusive environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
- A strong commitment to your wellbeing and professional development, with access to a range of benefits that support a healthy work-life balance.
- The opportunity to be part of a council that is ambitious, transparent, and focused on delivering for its communities.
For informal discussion please contact either:
Sarah Mackareth via MS teams, or 07773 663380, or sarah.mackareth@devon.gov.uk
Carolyne Hague on 07971635001 or carolyne.hague@devon.gov.uk
Does the job role include personal care?: No
Working Patterns:
Full Time, 37 hours per week
Essential details:
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Interview date: 14th October 2025
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working -The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
- This role requires Health and Care Professions Council Registration (HCPC)