Occupational Therapy Assistant (Male)

Job summary

Male Occupational Therapy Assistant (Band 4)

This role is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, which supersedes the Sex Discrimination Act 7(2) 1975, on grounds of decency and privacy. The post involves physical contact with male patients and undertaking pat-down security searches, where patients may reasonably object to this being carried out by the opposite sex. Therefore, the role must be filled by a male.

This is an ideal opportunity if you are seeking a substantive post, a new challenge, and have an interest in Forensic services. Based at St Bernard's Hospital on the Ealing site, our Forensic Services include specialist low- and medium-secure areas. You will join an established Occupational Therapy service within the Low Secure and Community directorate, working with individuals with learning disabilities or intellectual difficulties.

The wider service includes occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, activity coordinators, and Recovery Support Workers. You will receive supervision from an Occupational Therapist and support in delivering an OT-led programme within the Forensic pathway.

The service delivers a range of off-ward group programmes focused on developing functional and recovery-based skills. These include social skills, transitions, life skills, goal setting, self-catering, leisure management, and vocational activities that promote independence and meaningful engagement.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will join an established Occupational Therapy service working across the units listed above. In this role, you will work closely with specialist Occupational Therapy practitioners who primarily support in-patients, delivering cross-ward Occupational Therapy and vocational programmes with strong links into the community.

The service provides a range of off-ward group programmes designed to support recovery by developing service users' functional and life skills. These include social skills, transitions, life skills, goal setting, self-catering, leisure management and other activities delivered as part of our vocational programme.

Occupational Therapists lead the development of vocational pathways for service users within the secure perimeter, supporting progress into community opportunities through strong links with the Vocational Service in West Ealing.

We also maintain active partnerships with education and physical activity services on the St Bernard's site, enabling service users to gain qualifications that enhance their skills and CVs.

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will implement assessments, support goal-oriented interventions, and work directly with service users under the guidance of qualified Occupational Therapists. The service currently uses the Model of Human Occupation and is transitioning toward the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability. Full training and support will be provided when you join the team.

About us

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.

The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.