Job Summary
Male Occupational Therapy Assistant (Band 4). This role is exempt under the Equality Act 2010 and must be filled by a male due to the nature of the duties, which include physical contact with male patients and pat‑down security searches where patients may reasonably object to females. The position offers an opportunity to work in forensic services at St Bernard’s Hospital, Ealing site, within a Low Secure and Community directorate. You will be part of an established Occupational Therapy service that includes occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, activity coordinators, and Recovery Support Workers.
Key Responsibilities
• Work closely with specialist Occupational Therapy practitioners and support in‑patients through cross‑ward Occupational Therapy and vocational programmes, maintaining strong links to the community. • Implement assessments, support goal‑oriented interventions, and directly engage with service users under the guidance of qualified Occupational Therapists. • Deliver off‑ward group programmes focused on functional and recovery‑based skills such as social skills, transitions, life skills, goal setting, self‑catering, leisure management, and vocational activities. • Participate in the development of vocational pathways within the secure perimeter and assist progress into community opportunities through collaboration with the Vocational Service in West Ealing. • Maintain partnerships with education and physical activity services on site to enhance service users’ qualifications and CVs.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Proven evidence of an acceptable level of education/qualification (e.g. CSE, GCSE, O Level)
* NVQ Level 3
* City & Guilds 730 (desirable)
* Any other relevant qualifications (desirable)
Experience
* Experience working within a mental health care setting as an OTA
* Experience providing group activities within a mental health setting
* Experience of reflective practice and CPD (desirable)
* Vocational experience (e.g. catering, retail, horticulture, carpentry) (desirable)
Knowledge & Skills
* Willingness to engage in continuing personal and professional development
* Ability to manage allocated petty cash and follow financial procedures
* Ability to form good working relationships in a multi‑disciplinary setting
* Knowledge of integrating security requirements when facilitating therapeutic activities to promote rehabilitation of service users
* Experience of team building (desirable)
* Awareness of risk assessment and positive risk management (desirable)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to ascertain any previous criminal convictions.
Employer Details
West London NHS Trust
St Bernard’s Hospital
SOUTHALL
UB1 3EU
Job Location
St Bernard’s Hospital, Southall, UB1 3EU
Pay Scheme & Band
Agenda for Change – Band 4 – £32,199 to £34,876 per annum (inclusive of HCAS – Outer)
Contract & Working Pattern
Permanent, Full‑time
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