Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Occupational Therapy Support Worker

The closing date is 12 April 2026

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen in the Therapy Services Department at Arnold Lodge for a Senior Occupational Therapy Support Worker. We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join our team. Therapy Services consists of an established and dedicated team of Occupational Therapists, Support Workers, Sports, Fitness and Well-being staff and peer support workers. We work together to provide a comprehensive range of interventions to meet the therapeutic needs of the patient group.

You will lead or co-facilitate groups and individual sessions for patients across Arnold Lodge from all three services - male mental illness, personality disorder and women's. Sessions include skills-based groups, horticulture, creative, practical and vocational activities. Sessions make take place in the hospital or community.

You must possess creative and practical skills and have an accredited qualification in an area relevant to the post to NVQ 2 or an equivalent level. You will need to be able to work flexibly and have good interpersonal skills. You will have experience of organising and running a variety of activity sessions with individuals and groups. Experience of working in mental health is desirable but not essential.

You will receive a comprehensive induction training programme and support to develop within the role. Clinical and managerial supervision will be provided..

Main duties of the job

To deliver individual interventions identified and planned by the Occupational Therapist as part of the patient's treatment plan.To co-facilitate Occupational Therapy led treatment groups

To lead and/or co-facilitate activity sessions as requested by Occupational Therapist.

To provide sessions to patients on the main ward, ICU, LTS and seclusion.

To escort patients on community leave either individually or in groups.

Contribute to and assist in the delivery of the needs led occupational therapy treatment programme provided within Therapy Services.

About us

#TeamNottsHC comprises over 11,000 dedicated colleagues who #MakeADifference every day. We deliver intellectual disability, mental health, community health, forensic, and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire. Our care is provided from over 200 sites, spanning community locations, acute settings, and secure environments, including prisons.

We are one of the largest mental health and community Trusts in the East Midlands and one of Nottinghamshire's biggest employers. We also host national and regional services, such as the National High Secure Deaf Service and the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health.

We offer a variety of employee-led staff networks, including Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) groups, the Green Champions network, the Freedom to Speak Up network, the Health and Wellbeing Champions network, and the Menopause Champions network. These networks play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce and promoting a culture of inclusivity.

The health and wellbeing of colleagues is a top priority. We invest significantly in this through our in-house occupational health and staff counselling services, supported by a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team.

The Trust is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, with a specialised Energy and Environmental team working to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, enhance our environmental performance, and achieve our net-zero commitment.

Details

Date posted

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

186-164-26-FS

Job locations

Arnold Lodge

Cordelia Close

Leicester

LE5 0LE


Job description

Job responsibilities

To deliver individual interventions identified and planned by the Occupational Therapist as part of the patients treatment plan.

To co-facilitate Occupational Therapy led treatment groups

To lead and/or co-facilitate activity sessions as requested by Occupational Therapist.

To provide sessions to patients on the main ward, ICU, LTS and seclusion.

To escort patients on community leave either individually or in groups.

Contribute to and assist in the delivery of the needs led occupational therapy treatment programme provided within Therapy Services.

Contribute to the daily functioning of the designated area of work, including sharps checks and room searches.

Work flexibly and effectively with other Support Workers, Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioners and Occupational Therapists.

To work on the wards when required for example to cover staff support or low staffing numbers.

Successfully manage time and prioritise areas of responsibility

Attend relevant departmental and wider meetings as required and appropriate.

Communicate effectively within own service and with other colleagues.

Accurately record statistical information as required.

Keep accurate, appropriate and contemporaneous patient records in accordance with the Forensic Information Governance Group and Trust Policy.

Undertake administrative tasks as required by the service and the Directorate.

Ensures that resources are available within the department to delivery the planned therapeutic activities.

Please note that this post does not meet the pay or skill level required for a Skilled worker visa.

Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary / skill level is below the minimum required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa.

Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To deliver individual interventions identified and planned by the Occupational Therapist as part of the patients treatment plan.

To co-facilitate Occupational Therapy led treatment groups

To lead and/or co-facilitate activity sessions as requested by Occupational Therapist.

To provide sessions to patients on the main ward, ICU, LTS and seclusion.

To escort patients on community leave either individually or in groups.

Contribute to and assist in the delivery of the needs led occupational therapy treatment programme provided within Therapy Services.

Contribute to the daily functioning of the designated area of work, including sharps checks and room searches.

Work flexibly and effectively with other Support Workers, Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioners and Occupational Therapists.

To work on the wards when required for example to cover staff support or low staffing numbers.

Successfully manage time and prioritise areas of responsibility

Attend relevant departmental and wider meetings as required and appropriate.

Communicate effectively within own service and with other colleagues.

Accurately record statistical information as required.

Keep accurate, appropriate and contemporaneous patient records in accordance with the Forensic Information Governance Group and Trust Policy.

Undertake administrative tasks as required by the service and the Directorate.

Ensures that resources are available within the department to delivery the planned therapeutic activities.

Please note that this post does not meet the pay or skill level required for a Skilled worker visa.

Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary / skill level is below the minimum required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa.

Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.

Person Specification

Qu

Essential

  • NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in relevant subject
  • GCSE Grade C or higher in Maths and English

Desirable

  • Other qualifications as relevant to the post

Knowledge

Essential

  • Demonstrates an awareness of mental health issues
  • Understands the purpose and role of Occupational Therapy within mental health care
  • Knowledge of Arnold Lodge and its purpose.

Desirable

  • Knowledge about recovery
  • Demonstrates a knowledge of risk and risk assessment

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of facilitating activities for individuals and groups
  • Experience and understanding of working in a team
  • Voluntary or paid work within a healthcare setting

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a secure setting, e.g. prison, young offender institute or forensic unit.
  • Experience of working within mental health

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work independently and prioritise own workload
  • Good communication, negotiation and liaison skills (both oral and written). Basic IT skills.
  • Ability to function effectively within a team and develop cohesive working relationships.

Desirable

  • Other skills as relevant to the post
Person Specification

Qu

Essential

  • NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in relevant subject
  • GCSE Grade C or higher in Maths and English

Desirable

  • Other qualifications as relevant to the post

Knowledge

Essential

  • Demonstrates an awareness of mental health issues
  • Understands the purpose and role of Occupational Therapy within mental health care
  • Knowledge of Arnold Lodge and its purpose.

Desirable

  • Knowledge about recovery
  • Demonstrates a knowledge of risk and risk assessment

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of facilitating activities for individuals and groups
  • Experience and understanding of working in a team
  • Voluntary or paid work within a healthcare setting

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a secure setting, e.g. prison, young offender institute or forensic unit.
  • Experience of working within mental health

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work independently and prioritise own workload
  • Good communication, negotiation and liaison skills (both oral and written). Basic IT skills.
  • Ability to function effectively within a team and develop cohesive working relationships.

Desirable

  • Other skills as relevant to the post

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Arnold Lodge

Cordelia Close

Leicester

LE5 0LE


Employer's website

https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Arnold Lodge

Cordelia Close

Leicester

LE5 0LE


Employer's website

https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist

Alison Rimmington

alison.rimmington@nottshc.nhs.uk

01162077862

Details

Date posted

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

186-164-26-FS

Job locations

Arnold Lodge

Cordelia Close

Leicester

LE5 0LE


Supporting documents

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