Occupational Therapy Assistant

NHS

  • Barnstaple, Devon
  • £24,937-26,598 per year
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • 4 hours ago
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated multi-disciplinary team based at North Devon District Hospital, on a fixed term basis. The post holder will be based on the 16 bedded Adult Mental Health Ward and will support and assist the qualified Occupational Therapists across a 7 day service. The post holder will be working in a friendly and supportive environment, with a focus on providing the very best patient care in a locality combining sea, moor, history and opportunity.If you require a certificate of sponsorship to work in the UK you are advised to review the "Coming to work in the UK Visa Information" link in the supporting links section to ensure this role and your current circumstances meet the requirements for sponsorshipIf you would like to discuss the certificate of sponsorship and whether your current circumstances meet the requirement for sponsorship email dpt.recruitment@nhs.net for further adviceMain duties of the jobThe post holder will plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by the supervising Occupational Therapist. The post holder will also carry out individual interventions in the community and in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff. The successful post holder will need to have a passion for working with people experiencing mental health conditions, whilst being flexible, motivated and a team player. The post holder will be required to have a high level of adaptable communication skills, be compassionate, respectful and value individual patient needs.About usAbout Devon Partnership TrustWe 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 doOur valuesWe 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.DetailsDate posted04 September 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 3Salary£24,937 to £26,598 a year Shift work enhancements applicableContractFixed termDuration9 monthsWorking patternFull-time, Flexible workingReference numberC9369-25-0681Job locationsNorth Devon District HospitalRaleigh ParkBarnstapleDevonEX31 4JBJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesWorking as part of the OT service for adults with a mental illness in the acute and inpatient care network, the post holder will support and assist the qualified OTs. The post holder will plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by the supervising OT. The post holder may also carry out individual interventions in the community and in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff.The post holder will contribute towards the development of an innovative and needs led OT service.Please see seperate document for full Job DescriptionJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesWorking as part of the OT service for adults with a mental illness in the acute and inpatient care network, the post holder will support and assist the qualified OTs. The post holder will plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by the supervising OT. The post holder may also carry out individual interventions in the community and in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff.The post holder will contribute towards the development of an innovative and needs led OT service.Please see seperate document for full Job DescriptionPerson SpecificationKnowledge and SkillsEssential
  • Knowledge of mental health and basic understanding of physical health presentation
  • Understanding of how Occupational Therapy works for patients in a mental health setting.
  • Awareness of safeguarding principles
  • IT Skills and good written communication
  • Ability to work in a team effectively
QualificationsEssential
  • Basic Education up to GCSE level or equivalent
  • Completion of Care Certificate or equivalent, or the ability to complete this within the first 6 months of commencing in post.
Desirable
  • NVQ Level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification
  • Other relevant training or development relevant to working within Mental Health Settings
ExperienceEssential
  • Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation
Desirable
  • Previous care experience with people who have mental health difficulties
  • Proven ability to support patients to engage in a range of therapeutic activities.
Person SpecificationKnowledge and SkillsEssential
  • Knowledge of mental health and basic understanding of physical health presentation
  • Understanding of how Occupational Therapy works for patients in a mental health setting.
  • Awareness of safeguarding principles
  • IT Skills and good written communication
  • Ability to work in a team effectively
QualificationsEssential
  • Basic Education up to GCSE level or equivalent
  • Completion of Care Certificate or equivalent, or the ability to complete this within the first 6 months of commencing in post.
Desirable
  • NVQ Level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification
  • Other relevant training or development relevant to working within Mental Health Settings
ExperienceEssential
  • Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation
Desirable
  • Previous care experience with people who have mental health difficulties
  • Proven ability to support patients to engage in a range of therapeutic activities.

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