Job summary
Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Do you want to earn while you learn and build a meaningful career?
We're looking for compassionate and highly motivated and colleagues to join teams across North London Foundation Trust as Occupational Therapy Apprentices. These roles are an exciting opportunity to qualify as an Occupational Therapist through a structured degree apprenticeship programme while gaining valuable, hands-on experience supporting individuals living with a range of mental health conditions. Successful completion of the programme will enable candidates to apply for roles as registered Occupational Therapists.
The successful candidates will:
Work alongside registered Occupational Therapists to support service users in their recovery journey and to support their service across the four pillars of practice (clinical, education, leadership and research)
Help individuals develop skills and routines that support independence, wellbeing, and quality of life
Contribute to therapeutic activities and recovery-focused interventions in a variety of settings
Learn to assess occupational needs and support the delivery of personalised care plans
Balance practical on-the-job learning (80%) with protected time (20%) towards academic requirements
Main duties of the job
The Occupational Therapy Apprentice role is a structured developmental position designed to provide training, education, and hands-on experience towards becoming a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist.
You will split your time between:
80% On-the-Job Learning - working as an integrated team member, initially undertaking Occupational Therapy Support Worker duties. Under the supervision of registered Occupational Therapists, you will assist in assessments, treatment planning, and interventions to help service users develop or regain essential daily living and coping skills.
20% Off-the-Job Learning - including attendance at university approximately once per week during term-time to complete academic modules at Levels 4-6. You will also complete mandatory practice placement blocks and these will also contribute to off-the-job learning time allocation, requiring you to attend work full time when not attending university. You will be expected to engage in Self-Directed Study in your own time - including reading, working on assignments, etc. as required for the degree. Your line manager may be able to agree study leave, in line with Trust policies, to support you in this.
About us
North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.Our Five-Year Strategy:
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We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.
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With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all
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We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care
Why NLFT?
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We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities.
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We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.
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NHS Discounts, generous annual leave and NHS pension scheme
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Excellent internal staff network
In order to meet the needs of the Trust you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Work alongside registered Occupational Therapists to deliver individual and group interventions that support recovery and independence.
- Assist in assessments to identify service users' needs, strengths, and challenges related to their mental and physical health.
Support service users in developing daily living skills (e.g., self-care, work, leisure) to facilitate their transition from hospital to the community.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions to contribute to patient care planning and reviews.
- Ensure all interventions align with HCPC professional standards and NLFT policies. - Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with data protection regulations. -On-the-Job Learning (80%): Work four days per week, initially undertaking duties of an Occupational Therapy Assistant, with responsibilities increasing as you progress through the apprenticeship.
- Off-the-Job Learning (20%): Attend university approximately once per week during term time, complete mandatory placements (minimum 1,050 hours) in varied settings, and pass all academic modules.
- Engage in self-directed learning outside of working hours, including research, coursework, and exam preparation.
- Participate in supervision, mentoring, and training sessions to enhance skills and competencies.
- Work under the direct supervision of registered Occupational Therapists, following their guidance and delegation.
- Accountable for own actions within the scope of practice defined by the apprenticeship pathway and in accordance with NLFT policies.
- Exercise professional judgement in recognising when to seek guidance or escalate concerns.
- As competence develops, take on greater clinical responsibilities, including managing a small caseload under supervision.
- Contribute to service development, leadership, and peer learning within the therapy team.
- Effectively balance clinical duties, academic study, and professional development, ensuring timely completion of coursework and work-based assessments.
This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Work alongside registered Occupational Therapists to deliver individual and group interventions that support recovery and independence.
- Assist in assessments to identify service users' needs, strengths, and challenges related to their mental and physical health.
Support service users in developing daily living skills (e.g., self-care, work, leisure) to facilitate their transition from hospital to the community.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions to contribute to patient care planning and reviews.
- Ensure all interventions align with HCPC professional standards and NLFT policies. - Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with data protection regulations. -On-the-Job Learning (80%): Work four days per week, initially undertaking duties of an Occupational Therapy Assistant, with responsibilities increasing as you progress through the apprenticeship.
- Off-the-Job Learning (20%): Attend university approximately once per week during term time, complete mandatory placements (minimum 1,050 hours) in varied settings, and pass all academic modules.
- Engage in self-directed learning outside of working hours, including research, coursework, and exam preparation.
- Participate in supervision, mentoring, and training sessions to enhance skills and competencies.
- Work under the direct supervision of registered Occupational Therapists, following their guidance and delegation.
- Accountable for own actions within the scope of practice defined by the apprenticeship pathway and in accordance with NLFT policies.
- Exercise professional judgement in recognising when to seek guidance or escalate concerns.
- As competence develops, take on greater clinical responsibilities, including managing a small caseload under supervision.
- Contribute to service development, leadership, and peer learning within the therapy team.
- Effectively balance clinical duties, academic study, and professional development, ensuring timely completion of coursework and work-based assessments.
This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Grades to attend university
Desirable
- Completed specialist training such as KUF, care certificate, ASI Wise or similar
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in mental health
- Experience of running groups
- Demonstrate ability to manage conflicting demands
Desirable
- At least one years experience in a mental health setting
- Experience of managing risks
Skills
Essential
- Good IT skills
- Ability and willingness to participate in PMVA training
- Demonstrating ability to work flexibly
- Demonstrate ability to problem solve
Desirable
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Grades to attend university
Desirable
- Completed specialist training such as KUF, care certificate, ASI Wise or similar
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in mental health
- Experience of running groups
- Demonstrate ability to manage conflicting demands
Desirable
- At least one years experience in a mental health setting
- Experience of managing risks
Skills
Essential
- Good IT skills
- Ability and willingness to participate in PMVA training
- Demonstrating ability to work flexibly
- Demonstrate ability to problem solve
Desirable
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.
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).
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.
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).
