Occupational Therapy Assistant

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Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Occupational Therapy Assistant

The closing date is 10 November 2026

Apply for this job

Job summary

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are seeking to recruit a motivated Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant, to join our adult acute inpatient mental health teams. The position is available on one of our male acute wards.

Our services offer assessment and treatment for patients who require support in an inpatient setting. The service focuses upon recovery and prevention approach for the population of Derby City and Southern Derbyshire. The team are committed to delivering high quality, evidence based person centred care.

The post frequently involves working alone or in a group setting and the post holder will be supervised in order to promote social inclusion, enabling independence, and enhancing the autonomy of the service user. This will involve initiating and sustaining a respectful, consistent and reliable therapeutic relationship with service users that enhances their ability to build social networks and work in partnership with other agencies.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking to recruit individuals who can work flexibly around the needs of our service and is able to work unsociable hours which will include weekends and shift work.

• We are looking for dynamic individuals with good interpersonal skills to enable engagement of service users.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support the delivery of an Occupational Therapy service on the ward for patientswho are acutely unwell.
• Facilitating individual and group sessions, where appropriate.
• Providing service-users with appropriate challenges.
• Working independently and ability to use initiative, seeking support as required from Occupational Therapists.
• Plan and carry out individual and group interventions as guided by the individuals' service user needs.
• Support the Occupational Therapist with the assessment and treatment process
• Work as a member team, supporting shared tasks when this is required to maintain the service functions.
• Participate in MDT discussions, and document decision made.

About us

Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of 'making a positive difference in people's lives'.

CQC rated us as 'GOOD' overall, commenting on how our colleagues "treated patients with compassion and kindness" and "felt positive and proud about working for the trust."

Benefits include:

• Commitment to flexible working where this is possible
• 27 days annual leave/year plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years & 33 days after 10 years' service
• Yearly appraisal and commitment to ongoing training
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Good maternity, paternity and adoption benefits
• Health service discounts and online benefits
• Incremental pay progression
• Free confidential employee assistance programme 24/7
• Access to our LGBTI+ network, BAME Network and Christian Network
• Health and wellbeing opportunities

Details

Date posted

27 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

383-ACA-7789-26

Job locations

Radbourne Unit,

Uttoxeter New Road.

Derby

DE22 3WQ

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

Team Derbyshire is a great employer, with a set of values which reflect their commitment to staff and patients.

• The post holder will contribute towards the delivery of a quality occupational therapy service, working as a member of the multi-disciplinary team with the support and supervision of occupational therapists.
• Develop a working knowledge of the occupational therapy process.
• Build awareness of the recovery philosophy and the social inclusion agenda, promoting autonomy and enabling choice.
• Plan and carry out individual and group interventions within a specific remit (e.g., sporting, creative, domestic or technical activities).
• Undertake a range of activities, working flexibly in accordance with the needs of service-users and the service as a whole.
• Maintain dedicated time for practical activities and demonstrate effective time management when preparing sessions and writing notes.
• Accept referrals from the occupational therapy team according to agreed referral systems and care pathway.
• Assist in facilitating service user responsibility and choices for occupational participation, and the ability to determine their own lifestyle.
• Contribute to occupational and clinical risk assessments, reporting findings to the occupational therapy team.
• Report any changes in occupational functioning that may indicate either positive or negative effects of treatment.
• Assist in the co-ordination of care by communicating effectively and ensuring that Trust professional guidelines for record-keeping are followed.
• Ensure that assessment and treatment is delivered in a person-centred manner ensuring the gender, sexual orientation, ethnic, cultural and spiritual needs of service users are adhered to.
• Participate in a multi-professional/agency approach to care, valuing the interface of professional roles and responsibilities.
• Use effective interpersonal skills that relate to service users, carers and team members on an equal and respectful basis.
• Participate in the development of the occupational therapy structure, attending appropriate staff meeting.
• Demonstrate awareness of the Trust Policy for Clinical Supervision; receiving regular clinical supervision.
• With the support of the occupational therapy team, ensure good practice is maintained by identifying practice that requires change or development or that does not meet required standards.
• Be aware of and work within all legislative requirements relevant to occupational therapy (Mental Health Act, Code of Practice, Human Rights Act, Disability Discrimination Act etc), and ensure that Child and Adult protection procedures are followed.
• Maintain safety standards and take responsibility for organising and maintaining a specific work environment, (e.g. kitchen, craft area, activity rooms and garden).
• Advise the Ward Manager and Lead Nurses of materials and equipment required for a designated area of work and assist in ordering resources within a specified budget

• We are a dynamic multi- disciplinary team and as an integral part of our team you will receive:

  • Regular supervision and appraisal
  • Continuing Professional Development
  • A supportive network of professionals

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

Team Derbyshire is a great employer, with a set of values which reflect their commitment to staff and patients.

• The post holder will contribute towards the delivery of a quality occupational therapy service, working as a member of the multi-disciplinary team with the support and supervision of occupational therapists.
• Develop a working knowledge of the occupational therapy process.
• Build awareness of the recovery philosophy and the social inclusion agenda, promoting autonomy and enabling choice.
• Plan and carry out individual and group interventions within a specific remit (e.g., sporting, creative, domestic or technical activities).
• Undertake a range of activities, working flexibly in accordance with the needs of service-users and the service as a whole.
• Maintain dedicated time for practical activities and demonstrate effective time management when preparing sessions and writing notes.
• Accept referrals from the occupational therapy team according to agreed referral systems and care pathway.
• Assist in facilitating service user responsibility and choices for occupational participation, and the ability to determine their own lifestyle.
• Contribute to occupational and clinical risk assessments, reporting findings to the occupational therapy team.
• Report any changes in occupational functioning that may indicate either positive or negative effects of treatment.
• Assist in the co-ordination of care by communicating effectively and ensuring that Trust professional guidelines for record-keeping are followed.
• Ensure that assessment and treatment is delivered in a person-centred manner ensuring the gender, sexual orientation, ethnic, cultural and spiritual needs of service users are adhered to.
• Participate in a multi-professional/agency approach to care, valuing the interface of professional roles and responsibilities.
• Use effective interpersonal skills that relate to service users, carers and team members on an equal and respectful basis.
• Participate in the development of the occupational therapy structure, attending appropriate staff meeting.
• Demonstrate awareness of the Trust Policy for Clinical Supervision; receiving regular clinical supervision.
• With the support of the occupational therapy team, ensure good practice is maintained by identifying practice that requires change or development or that does not meet required standards.
• Be aware of and work within all legislative requirements relevant to occupational therapy (Mental Health Act, Code of Practice, Human Rights Act, Disability Discrimination Act etc), and ensure that Child and Adult protection procedures are followed.
• Maintain safety standards and take responsibility for organising and maintaining a specific work environment, (e.g. kitchen, craft area, activity rooms and garden).
• Advise the Ward Manager and Lead Nurses of materials and equipment required for a designated area of work and assist in ordering resources within a specified budget

• We are a dynamic multi- disciplinary team and as an integral part of our team you will receive:

  • Regular supervision and appraisal
  • Continuing Professional Development
  • A supportive network of professionals

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant practical qualification (e.g., BTEC, City and Guilds, NVQ 3 or equivalent or relevant training or relevant experience.

Desirable

• Food hygiene level 2
• Customer care
• Experience of working in Occupational Therapy setting

Experience

Essential

• Group work skills e.g. planning and facilitation of therapeutic groups independently
• Experience of mental health
• Ability to implement plans of care
• Evidence of working in a challenging environment
• Shows problem solving skills, planning skills within chosen activity
• Evidence of written and verbal communication.

Desirable

• Knowledge of using electronic patient records
• Food hygiene certificate
• Working in an Occupational Therapy setting

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant practical qualification (e.g., BTEC, City and Guilds, NVQ 3 or equivalent or relevant training or relevant experience.

Desirable

• Food hygiene level 2
• Customer care
• Experience of working in Occupational Therapy setting

Experience

Essential

• Group work skills e.g. planning and facilitation of therapeutic groups independently
• Experience of mental health
• Ability to implement plans of care
• Evidence of working in a challenging environment
• Shows problem solving skills, planning skills within chosen activity
• Evidence of written and verbal communication.

Desirable

• Knowledge of using electronic patient records
• Food hygiene certificate
• Working in an Occupational Therapy setting

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

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Radbourne Unit,

Uttoxeter New Road.

Derby

DE22 3WQ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

http://www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Radbourne Unit,

Uttoxeter New Road.

Derby

DE22 3WQ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

http://www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Operational & Clinical Lead, OT

Holly Bowers

[email protected]

01332623822

Details

Date posted

27 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

383-ACA-7789-26

Job locations

Radbourne Unit,

Uttoxeter New Road.

Derby

DE22 3WQ

United Kingdom

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