Overview
This is an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Occupational Therapist (OTA) to work within the Occupational Therapy Team based at our Older Adult In-Patient wards in North East Essex. The OTA would be working alongside the Occupational Therapists, assistants and activity coordinators and the wider MDT. The post holder will be responsible for supporting the OTs with facilitating functional assessments and delivering interventions. This post holder may have an opportunity to become an OT apprentice which could lead to becoming a qualified OT.
This is an exciting opportunity for either a full time applicant to work part-time at our older adult mental health wards one located in Colchester and the other in Clacton or two separate part-time posts. The main focus is to determine how able individuals are to manage their own life and working out, together with the MDT, what they need. This may mean going home with support or moving to more supported accommodation. Depending on whether with individuals with functional difficulties or dementia the OTA will need to support the facilitation of individual and group activity aimed at recovery or mental and physical wellbeing.
Role purpose
To support the delivery of occupational therapy interventions for older adults with mental health conditions. The role is primarily focused on the assessment and treatment of individuals’ functional needs in order to promote independence, enhance quality of life, and support mental health recovery.
Responsibilities
* Functional ward: After in-house training, carry out functional assessments to determine individuals’ occupational performance in activities of daily living.
* Carry out delegated targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
* Carry out delegated treatments to remove barriers to discharge and enable individuals to be discharged to least restrictive accommodation.
* Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to aid recovery and improve health and function.
* Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to gain coping skills and promote health.
* Utilise therapeutic strategies to engage patients to maximise function and limit loss of independence.
* Develop rapport with patients to encourage their interest and develop/maintain skills.
* Be aware of individual patients’ needs and risks through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff.
* Gather information on patient function through records and direct contact; report to the Occupational Therapist to support recovery and discharge.
* Observe behaviour, ability and response of patients to engagement in interventions; report concerns immediately to qualified staff.
* Respect patients’ choices and confidentiality; record interventions in an agreed format.
* Undertake any other tasks delegated by qualified staff appropriate to grade and experience.
* Dementia ward: Work with the MDT to maximise independence, minimise distress and offer opportunities for purposeful engagement.
* Carry out functional assessments to determine occupational performance in purposeful activity and activities of daily living.
* Carry out delegated targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
* Carry out targeted interventions to establish a routine or structure of engagement that minimises challenging behaviour.
* Across both wards: gather information on patient function, observe behaviour, report concerns, respect confidentiality, and record interventions.
* Support administration of the team, complete necessary statistical information (e.g., daily diary sheets), note faulty equipment, and keep work areas clean and tidy.
* Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings, undertake annual appraisal, and contribute to supervision processes.
* Comply with policies for annual leave, sickness, and time owing; perform any other duties as delegated by the Director or Chief Executive commensurate with the responsibilities of this post.
Additional duties
In addition to the above duties you will also be expected to perform the below key activities in line with your job role:
* Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures.
* Participate in the staff appraisal process and supervision.
* Keep updated on Trust policy matters and maintain up-to-date clinical records in line with professional standards and local policy.
* Undertake any other ward-based activities as required.
Benefits
* 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
* Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of 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 (interest-free) for travel to and from work.
Flexible working
Flexible working available from day one for most roles. Job share applications are welcomed.
Ward specifics
* Functional ward: details of duties mirror above under Responsibilities for functional assessments and interventions.
* Dementia ward: collaboration with MDT to support independence and engagement; routines to minimise challenging behaviour.
* Generally across both wards: information gathering, observation, reporting concerns, confidentiality, documentation, administration support, and participation in governance and appraisal processes.
Closing
This advert closes on Thursday 18 Sep 2025.
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