Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Band 5 Occupational Therapist - Recovery College

The closing date is 28 November 2025

Job summary

An innovative vacancy has arisen for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist working as an Occupational Therapist- Health Trainer at the Thurrock Recovery College.

About the Recovery College

Thurrock Recovery College is a partnership between Inclusion (part of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust), Thurrock and Brentwood Mind (a local charity), Essex Partnership University NHS Trust and the students of the college. Together, we deliver an exciting and innovative wellbeing service for Thurrock that is free, confidential and focused on supporting Thurrock's communities and residents.

In April 2025 the College began an exciting new partnership to create the Mid and South Essex Recovery College - a joint initiative between Inclusion, part of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Mid Essex Recovery College, part of Provide Community, and Trust Links.

The Recovery College is all about providing an educational learning environment for people who experience difficulties with, or have an interest in, mental health and wellbeing.

Our courses across Thurrock help us learn what gives us the best chance of staying well and living the most fulfilling lives we can. Our belief is that recovery is a journey of discovery, to find hope, happiness, health and opportunities.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

The role will include supporting in the co-production and co-delivery of courses and workshops to students (Users of the Recovery College), supporting students to identify meaningful Individual Learning Plans and to assist individuals in the transitioning from secondary mental health services to utilise Recovery College.

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.

Details

Date posted

14 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum, plus 5% high cost area allowance

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

364-A-9528

Job locations

Inclusion Thurrock Recovery College

55-57 High St

Grays

RM17 6NB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Key responsibilities of this role will be

- A commitment to understanding and embedding the principles of the Recovery College ethos and model within all aspects of your work

- Leading in the design, implementation and evaluation of co-produced occupational focused psychoeducational groups which are delivered both face to face and online.

Supporting students in identifying Individual Learning Plans to support their recovery journeys.

You will be supported through regular professional supervision and appraisal. Monthly professional reflective practise sessions jointly held with the other Occupational Therapists within the Mid and South Essex Recovery College partnership.

As an individual you will have commitment to continue your own development and actively participate in providing a variety of learning opportunities for students and the rest of the team.

In return we offer excellent training and development through our Workforce Development Department and within the service. Support is maintained through regular supervision and appraisal to assist you the successful candidate in setting realistic objectives enabling you in maintaining a positive attitude towards delivering quality customer care.

Opportunities to help you continue to develop throughout your carer include; Band 5 preceptorship programme, Band 5 educational group, Band 5 support group, leadership training programmes and a wide range of career progression and training opportunities.

Please see the above information and that contained within the Job Description and Person Specification attached for full detail

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key responsibilities of this role will be

- A commitment to understanding and embedding the principles of the Recovery College ethos and model within all aspects of your work

- Leading in the design, implementation and evaluation of co-produced occupational focused psychoeducational groups which are delivered both face to face and online.

Supporting students in identifying Individual Learning Plans to support their recovery journeys.

You will be supported through regular professional supervision and appraisal. Monthly professional reflective practise sessions jointly held with the other Occupational Therapists within the Mid and South Essex Recovery College partnership.

As an individual you will have commitment to continue your own development and actively participate in providing a variety of learning opportunities for students and the rest of the team.

In return we offer excellent training and development through our Workforce Development Department and within the service. Support is maintained through regular supervision and appraisal to assist you the successful candidate in setting realistic objectives enabling you in maintaining a positive attitude towards delivering quality customer care.

Opportunities to help you continue to develop throughout your carer include; Band 5 preceptorship programme, Band 5 educational group, Band 5 support group, leadership training programmes and a wide range of career progression and training opportunities.

Please see the above information and that contained within the Job Description and Person Specification attached for full detail

Person Specification

Education/ Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy (passed or pending)
  • HCPC Registration & Membership of BAOT (current or pendiing)

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • An understanding of the modern context of health care. (Including Recovery college)
  • Ability to apply a range of treatment modalities in group and one to one format.
  • Utilise interpersonal skills, which motivate individuals to take control of their everyday activities of productivity leisure and self-care.

Desirable

  • Previous relevant experience e.g. voluntary work, summer jobs, work experience.
Person Specification

Education/ Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy (passed or pending)
  • HCPC Registration & Membership of BAOT (current or pendiing)

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • An understanding of the modern context of health care. (Including Recovery college)
  • Ability to apply a range of treatment modalities in group and one to one format.
  • Utilise interpersonal skills, which motivate individuals to take control of their everyday activities of productivity leisure and self-care.

Desirable

  • Previous relevant experience e.g. voluntary work, summer jobs, work experience.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Inclusion Thurrock Recovery College

55-57 High St

Grays

RM17 6NB


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Inclusion Thurrock Recovery College

55-57 High St

Grays

RM17 6NB


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Lead OT - Recovery College

Michelle Duffy

michelle.duffy5@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

14 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum, plus 5% high cost area allowance

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

364-A-9528

Job locations

Inclusion Thurrock Recovery College

55-57 High St

Grays

RM17 6NB


Supporting documents

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