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Job Summary
Are you looking for a rewarding and hands-on role where you can truly make a difference? We are excited to offer an opportunity for a dynamic and motivated individual to join our inpatient mental health team as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at SLaM. Based in a supportive and recovery-focused environment, you’ll play a vital role in helping service users re-engage with meaningful activities and develop the skills needed for life beyond hospital.
River House is known for its strong team culture and commitment to development, offering in-house training, advancement opportunities, and exposure to a broad range of service user needs. This position provides an ideal environment to grow both personally and professionally, supported by a team that values learning, collaboration, and innovation in mental health care.
What You Can Add
* You will contribute to the development of and provision occupationally focused interventions within River House under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist
* You will work closely with service users, families, and carers to ensure your approach is person-centred, recovery-focused, and responsive to individual needs
* You will be a valued and integrated member of a supportive multidisciplinary team, contributing to holistic, collaborative care planning
* You will hold delegated responsibility for the operation of work areas during clinical interventions and ensure that health and safety standards are met on a daily basis
* You will take on greater responsibilities and exercise increased autonomy in both 1:1 and group interventions on the wards, as well as in managing a Recovery Hub caseload
About Us
NHS Professionals is the UK’s largest flexible staff bank, owned by the Department of Health and Social Care. We give healthcare professionals the freedom to choose when, where, and how they work through flexible bank shifts or fixed-term placements. By joining NHSP, you become part of a trusted, supportive community committed to putting people in places to care, working alongside a diverse team delivering high-quality care across the country.
* Weekly Pay: Access your earnings quickly with regular weekly payments.
* Priority Shifts: Get first choice of shifts and placements before they go to external agencies.
* Exclusive Discounts: Receive a Blue Light Card and access to NHS discount providers.
* Flexible Working Options: Choose shifts that fit your schedule or explore fixed-term placements to suit your lifestyle.
* Comprehensive Support: Our friendly team is available whenever you need us via our dedicated support line.
* Ongoing Development: Access training and learning opportunities through both the Trust and NHSP’s own academy.
* Career Variety: Work across different wards and specialties to gain valuable experience.
Details
Date posted: 01 October 2025
Band: 4
Salary: £15.60 an hour
Contract: Bank
Duration: 3 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: M0042-84710
Job locations: S L A M NHS Foundation Trust, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3BX
Job Description
Job responsibilities
As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will support the delivery of recovery-focused, person-centred interventions within the River House OT team, working under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist. You will develop and facilitate both individual and group-based therapeutic activities on the wards and in the Recovery Hub. This includes contributing to occupationally focused care plans, supporting discharge planning, and using specialist knowledge to promote engagement, recovery, and social inclusion.
You will work collaboratively with service users, carers, and the wider multi-disciplinary team, using strong communication skills to provide progress updates and contribute to assessments. You will be responsible for ensuring a safe clinical environment, adhering to health and safety standards, and maintaining accurate documentation in line with Trust and professional guidelines. The role also involves managing a small caseload, participating in risk management, and carrying out restrictive interventions where required, following Seni Lewis training.
The post includes opportunities to support student training, take part in service development, and engage in continuous professional development through supervision, training, and annual appraisal. You may be required to work evenings or weekends and are expected to contribute to quality improvement initiatives, uphold Trust policies, and maintain a professional and safe working environment at all times.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a disclosure check may be required.
Person Specification
Essential
* GCSEs in Maths and English
* Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 or above, Care Certificate or equivalent
* Experience working in a Health or Social Care setting
* Experience working with people with Mental Health difficulties and complex needs
* Collaborative working and able to deliver individual and group sessions
Desirable
* Forensic experience
* A creative qualification or personal interest (e.g., in art, photography, music, or drama) or a background in psychology or related field
* Open to new ideas and aware of general issues relevant to service users involvement
Employer details
Employer: NHS Professionals Limited
Address: S L A M NHS Foundation Trust, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3BX
Employer's website: https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/
Seniorit y level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
* Information Services
Note: This description retains the core content and context of the original posting while improving structure and removing some boilerplate and duplicate sections.
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