Professional Skills Instructor/Mentor in Occupational Therapy

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

At the heart of shaping future professionals and creative thinkers, the College of Health and Humanities brings together two dynamic and diverse schools: 

The School of Health and Social Care

Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and social care leaders through hands-on learning, expert teaching, and strong industry partnerships. Our courses are designed to meet the demands of real-world practice and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. 

The School is made up of a broad range of subjects, reflecting the diversity and complexity of modern health and social care settings: 

Adult NursingAssociate and Enhanced Healthcare PracticeMidwifery, Children’s Nursing and Professional PracticeMental Health and Learning Disability NursingPublic Health and Social CareDiagnostics and Clinical InterventionsTherapy and Rehabilitation

Through an integrated approach to learning and professional development, our students are equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in their chosen fields and make a lasting impact. 

The School of Humanities, Law and Creative Arts

Celebrating creativity, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. This school nurtures writers, performers, thinkers and artists, offering opportunities to grow intellectually and creatively across subjects like English, History, Creative Writing, Fine Art, and Media. 

Together, the College of Health and Humanities delivers a rich, interdisciplinary environment where students gain the skills, experience, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in society.

About the discipline

The discipline of Therapy and Rehabilitation at the University of Derby champions the restoration of health, function, and wellbeing—empowering people to live life to the fullest.  

 Our wide-ranging expertise spans Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Therapeutic Arts, and related rehabilitation professions. 

 Through evidence-based teaching, interprofessional collaboration, and immersive clinical education, our students gain the skills to support recovery and enhance quality of life across a diverse range of populations and settings. Our programmes are enriched by research-informed practice, creative methodologies, and strong connections with health and care providers. 

 The Therapeutic Arts strand integrates the healing power of creative expression with clinical insight—an innovative area that continues to grow in impact and relevance. 

About the Role

Our Professional Skills Instructor/Mentors support the development of professional skills, practical, technical, vocational, and associated learning for students and apprentices and, where necessary, support their individual learning needs and progress; monitoring both in the workplace, on placement, at alternative venues, on College/University premises or online. This includes supporting teaching, learning, and assessment, and the provision of work and learning mentoring and coaching. Your role will be to work with our academic teams to support our students develop to their full potential.

Your responsibilities will include:

Supporting teaching, learning, and assessmentMentoring and coaching to enhance learning and growthMonitoring progress and addressing individual learning needsMaintaining accurate records of both formal and informal training activities

If you’re committed to helping learners succeed and thrive in their careers, we’d love to hear from you!

The anticipated interview date will be week commencing 22nd January 2026.

About You

We're looking for healthcare professionals who have an interest in education and supporting students to achieve highly. This role is suitable for anyone at any stage of their professional career for example early-career professionals or those considering a change from clinical work. We value all of your knowledge and skills, from whichever field of practice you are in.

We are seeking a healthcare professional with a relevant degree and current registration with the HCPC as an Occupational Therapist, who holds or is willing to work towards a teaching qualification and can demonstrate continued professional development in mentoring or coaching.

You will bring experience from the health or care sectors, with the ability to engage learners and deliver high‑quality outcomes through strong communication, organisation, and time‑management skills.

You will be confident working both independently and as part of a team, committed to widening participation and supporting professional development, and flexible in working across multiple sites and with external partners.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Local Government Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Kathryn Cassidy, Subject Lead for Therapy and Rehabilitation, via [email protected].

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]

Important Information

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

 Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy.

Closing Date: 12 Jan 2026

Area: Technical Support

Salary: £32,260 to £36,251 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £41,689 per annum)