Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Occupational Therapy Assistant

The closing date is 18 September 2025

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Occupational Therapist (OTA) to work within the Occupational Therapy Team based at our Older Adult In-Patient wards in North East Essex. The OTA would be working alongside, the Occupational Therapists, assistants and activity coordinators and the wider MDT. The post holder will be responsible for supporting the OTs with facilitating functional assessments and delivering interventions. This post holder may have an opportunity to become an OT apprentice which could lead to becoming a qualified OT.

This is an exciting opportunity for either a full time applicant to work part-time at our older adult mental health wards one located in Colchester and the other in Clacton or two separate part-time posts.

The main focus is to determine how able individuals are to manage their own life and working out, together with the MDT, what they need. This may mean going home with support or moving to more supported accommodation.

Depending on whether with individuals with functional difficulties or dementia the OTA will need to support the facilitation of individual and group activity aimed at recovery or mental and physical wellbeing.

Main duties of the job

To support the delivery of occupational therapy interventions for older adults with mental health conditions. The role is primarily focused on the assessment and treatment of individual's functional needs in order to promote independence, enhances quality of life, and supports mental health recovery.

Responsible for ensuring that the values outlined in the NHS Constitution are adhered to daily and any matters of concern are raised with the relevant Line Manager or through the necessary processes within the Trust - Responsible for delivering a compassionate, dignified and respectful service to patients at all times.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
£8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Date posted

04 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum, pro rata for part time

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

364-A-9321

Job locations

Henneage and/or Tower

Colchester and/or Clacton

CO4 5JY

Job description

Job responsibilities

Functional ward

Following in-house training carry out functional assessments to determine individuals occupational performance in activities of daily living

Carry out delegated targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis as directed by the Occupational Therapist.

Carry out delegated treatments to remove barriers to discharge and enable individuals to be discharged to least restrictive accommodation

Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to aid recovery and improve health and function

Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to gain coping skills and promote health

Carry out targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis

To utilise therapeutic strategies to engage patient to maximise function and limit the loss of independence

To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interest and develop/maintain skills.

To be aware of individual patients needs and risks through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff.

To gather information on patients function both through reading through records and direct patient contact and report to the Occupational Therapist to support recovery and discharge.

To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patients to engagement in interventions

To have an awareness of the situations that may make patients vulnerable or at risk.

To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.

To respect patients choices and confidentiality at all times.

To record interventions in an agreed format.

Any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience.

Dementia ward

To work in collaboration with the MDT to maximise the individuals potential to remain independent, minimise distress and offer opportunities for purposeful engagement

Following in-house training carry out functional assessments to determine individuals occupational performance in purposeful activity and activities of daily living

Carry out delegated targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis as directed by the Occupational Therapist.

Carry out delegated treatments to remove barriers to discharge and enable individuals to be discharged to least restrictive accommodation

Carry out specific targeted interventions to establish a routine or structure of engagement that minimises challenging behaviour

Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to aid recovery and improve health and function

Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to gain coping skills and promote health

Carry out targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis

To utilise therapeutic strategies to engage patient to maximise function and limit the loss of independence

To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interest and develop/maintain skills.

To be aware of individual patients needs and risks through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff.

Generally across both wards

To gather information on patients function both through reading through records and direct patient contact and report to the Occupational Therapist to support recovery and discharge.

To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patients to engagement in interventions

To have an awareness of the situations that may make patients vulnerable or at risk.

To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.

To respect patients choices and confidentiality at all times.

To record interventions in an agreed format.

To support the administration of the team as required.

To complete necessary statistical information, e.g. daily diary sheets.

To note any faulty equipment and inform qualified staff.

To ensure work areas are kept clean and tidy.

Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings as required.

To undertake annual appraisal and to contribute constructively to the supervision process.

To comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing.

Any other duties as delegated by your Director or Chief Executive commensurate with the responsibilities of this post.

In addition to the above duties you will also be expected to perform the below key activities in line with your job role;

- Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures

- To participate in the staff appraisal process and proactively participate in supervision

- To keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy

- To keep up to date clinical records in line with professional standards and local record keeping policies.

- To undertake any other ward-based activities as required