Occupational Therapy Assistant
The closing date is 19 November 2025
This is an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Occupational Therapist (OTA) to work within the Occupational Therapy Team based at Brockfield House in Wickford, Essex. The OTA will work alongside Occupational Therapists, assistants, activity coordinators and the wider MDT. The post holder will support the OTs in facilitating groups and delivering interventions, with an opportunity to become an OT apprentice progressing to qualified OT.
Brockfield House has 7 wards, 5 Medium Secure and 2 Low Secure for men and women, providing interim services for males/females recovering from severe and enduring mental illness in a secure environment. The focus is a multi‑disciplinary approach with nursing, medical occupational, vocational therapy, psychology and social work staff, aiming to rehabilitate patients to a less secure environment.
The aim is to provide individualised care and evaluation of the patient’s progress and recovery. People are encouraged to be involved in their care planning and, where possible, the family is also involved. The wards operate on a multi‑disciplinary team basis with regular input from the Community Mental Health Team and Community Forensic Team.
Main duties of the job
* Work as part of the Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT) with Occupational Therapy, implementing Occupational Therapy programmes under the direction of the Senior Occupational Therapist.
* Support clients by implementing the Occupational Therapy treatment programmes or therapies directed on their care plan.
* Carry out one‑to‑one interventions as directed by Senior Occupational Therapy staff.
* Support qualified Occupational Therapy staff to plan and facilitate group activities.
* Develop rapport with clients whilst encouraging their interest in skills development.
* Be aware of individual clients/patients’ needs through communication with the Occupational Therapist involved in their care.
* Observe general behaviour, ability and response of clients/patients to activities; ensure this is documented and communicated with their allocated Occupational Therapist.
* Have an awareness of situations that may make clients/patients vulnerable or at risk.
* Report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.
* Respect clients/patients choices and confidentiality at all times.
* Record interventions in an agreed format.
* Provide feedback during the ward round meetings (where relevant) on issues, concerns and progress.
* Perform any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience.
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 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.
* 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years of service.
* Excellent pension of up to 14.5% 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.
Job responsibilities
Profession Specific Duties:
* Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings as required.
* Undertake annual appraisal and contribute constructively to the supervision process.
* Comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing.
* Perform any other duties as delegated by your Director or Chief Executive commensurate with the responsibilities of this post.
Person Specification
Education
* Previous NHS experience.
* Working with people with mental health problems.
Knowledge
* Understanding of the use of activities as a therapeutic medium.
* Able to break activities down into simple steps.
* Basic risk assessment.
* Group facilitation.
* Observation of basic function or ability, including the use of aids and adaptations if required.
* Awareness of different mental health conditions.
Skills/Experience
* Good oral communication skills based on fluency in the English language.
* Literate in IT/Computer skills.
* Observation skills including accurate recording of observations.
* Organisational skills.
* Utilising activity therapeutically.
* Ability to break activities into component parts.
* Appropriate listening and empathy skills.
Personal Qualities
* Shares the Trust's beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour.
* Full UK driver’s licence.
* Ability to travel across Trust sites as required.
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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