Job summary
Under the guidance of a registered Occupational Therapist (OT), you will be expected to assist in the delivery of recreational activities within the service. Activities will be delivered one to one and through group work and may include creative, social and physical activities, the majority of which will be on the ward environment. We are looking for someone who can work flexibly; as well as working week days, you may also be required to work some early evenings and weekends.
Please note this vacancy may close early should a sufficient number of applications be received.
Main duties of the job
Ideally, you will have experience in mental health and have excellent problem solving, communication and organisational skills.
As part of the multi-disciplinary ward team, you will be developing intervention pathways and expanding our support for people with chronic, long-term mental health needs.
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 or 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.
Benefits
* 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
* Excellent pension of up to14.5% 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.
Details
Date posted
10 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
364-A-9475-A
Job locations
Crystal Centre
Pudding Wood Lane
Chelmsford
CM1 7LF
Job description
Job responsibilities
* To liaise with Occupational Therapy staff and the therapies team in the planning of recreational activities.
* To lead on recreational activities, working with groups of patients and patients on their own.
* Prepare craft and any other appropriate equipment before patients arrive.
* Maintain stocks of appropriate supplies for use in the activities provided; informing the ward manager of any shortages of stock or equipment needed.
* To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interests and skills, and actively involve them in deciding and planning their participation in activities.
* To be aware of individual patients needs through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff.
* To liaise with the wider multi-disciplinary team, including nursing, psychiatry, physiotherapy and dietetics in order to encourage collaboration with the therapeutic timetable.
* To look for opportunities to add volunteers to the group programme and provide guidance and support for volunteers to enable them to deliver activities effectively.
* To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patients to activities.
* To have an awareness of the situations that may make patients vulnerable or at risk.
* To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.
* To respect patients choices and confidentiality at all times.
* To record interventions in an agreed format.
* Any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience.
Job description
Job responsibilities
* To liaise with Occupational Therapy staff and the therapies team in the planning of recreational activities.
* To lead on recreational activities, working with groups of patients and patients on their own.
* Prepare craft and any other appropriate equipment before patients arrive.
* Maintain stocks of appropriate supplies for use in the activities provided; informing the ward manager of any shortages of stock or equipment needed.
* To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interests and skills, and actively involve them in deciding and planning their participation in activities.
* To be aware of individual patients needs through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff.
* To liaise with the wider multi-disciplinary team, including nursing, psychiatry, physiotherapy and dietetics in order to encourage collaboration with the therapeutic timetable.
* To look for opportunities to add volunteers to the group programme and provide guidance and support for volunteers to enable them to deliver activities effectively.
* To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patients to activities.
* To have an awareness of the situations that may make patients vulnerable or at risk.
* To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.
* To respect patients choices and confidentiality at all times.
* To record interventions in an agreed format.
* Any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
* Understanding of the use of activities
Desirable
* NVQ level 3 or previous relevant experience
* Previous experience of working in the NHS
Skills/Experience
Essential
* Previous relevant experience
Desirable
* Experience of working with people with mental health problems
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
* Understanding of the use of activities
Desirable
* NVQ level 3 or previous relevant experience
* Previous experience of working in the NHS
Skills/Experience
Essential
* Previous relevant experience
Desirable
* Experience of working with people with mental health problems
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
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Crystal Centre
Pudding Wood Lane
Chelmsford
CM1 7LF
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Crystal Centre
Pudding Wood Lane
Chelmsford
CM1 7LF
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)