Occupational Therapy jobs in Derry

Welcome to Occupational Therapy Opportunities in Derry

Derry is a rewarding destination for Occupational Therapists in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland's second city, magnificently positioned on the banks of the River Foyle, celebrated for its intact 17th-century city walls, vibrant arts scene, and a warmly proud community with a distinct cultural identity, it offers OT professionals the opportunity to work within Northern Ireland's distinctive integrated Health and Social Care system — where health and social care services work as one, creating an exceptionally broad and meaningful scope of practice for Occupational Therapists. With City of Derry Airport with routes to GB, excellent road links to Belfast, Donegal, and the Republic of Ireland, and a strong public transport network connecting across the north west, it is well-connected for professionals across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Derry presents Occupational Therapy opportunities across acute hospital settings, community reablement teams, adult social care, and specialist mental health and learning disability services. Whether you are a Band 5 OT seeking your first community rotation, a Band 6 specialist in community or social care OT, or an experienced Lead Occupational Therapist seeking a management role within NI's integrated HSC structure, the area provides genuine clinical breadth and professional opportunity.

Key HSC Trusts for Occupational Therapists in Derry

Occupational Therapy in Derry is delivered within Northern Ireland's Health and Social Care Trust structure — an integrated model that uniquely combines health and social care, giving OTs a scope of practice that spans clinical and social care settings in a way not found elsewhere in the UK:

Western Health and Social Care Trust - The primary HSC Trust for the north and west of Northern Ireland, operating Altnagelvin Area Hospital — the main acute hospital for Derry and the wider north west — alongside community health and social care services across a large and geographically diverse catchment. Western Trust provides Occupational Therapists with roles spanning acute hospital OT, community reablement, mental health OT, and adult social care in a trust that genuinely champions the integrated health and social care model unique to Northern Ireland.

Northern Health and Social Care Trust - Serving areas to the east of Derry including the Causeway Coast, Northern Trust's OT teams work across community care, home adaptation, and reablement services — providing OTs based in the Derry area with access to a broader regional professional network and additional cross-trust development opportunities across the north of Northern Ireland.

Private Sector and Voluntary Sector Roles

Derry's private and voluntary sector OT market reflects the city's strong community and third-sector tradition. Voluntary organisations and housing associations play a significant role in NI's care landscape and employ Occupational Therapists in housing adaptation assessments, independent living support, and community health roles across the north west. Several private rehabilitation and homecare providers serve the Derry area, offering OTs flexible working arrangements and community-based caseloads. Derry's unique cross-border position also means OTs can access employment opportunities across the border in County Donegal through Irish Health Service Executive roles.