An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Therapies Assistant to join our team at The Kingfisher. The Kingfisher is a 10‑bed inpatient service for people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people, based at Blackberry Hill in Bristol. A dedicated team of Therapists, Nurses, and Support Workers provides highly specialist assessment, care, and interventions, enabling service users to live meaningful, fulfilling, and independent lives and to move back into the community.
The successful candidate will receive regular supervision from qualified therapists (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Psychology and Psychotherapy, and Dietetics), as well as group supervision and support from the wider team. There are regular and varied training opportunities, along with opportunities to be involved in service evaluation and research.
You will be joining a multi‑disciplinary therapies team and supporting the design and implementation of interventions, including positive behavioural support, reducing restrictive practice, psychological work, communication, meaningful activities, and safe and enjoyable mealtimes, with a specific focus on Nature‑Based Interventions.
Right to Work in the UK: This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application, as the organisation is unable to support sponsorship for this post.
We are looking for a Nature‑Based Therapy Assistant Practitioner to join the new Kingfisher Service. The role involves working directly with service users on the wards and supporting staff to engage with the natural world. The post forms part of the Therapeutic Team and includes working alongside colleagues passionate about delivering Nature‑Based Practices, including Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Psychology, and Psychotherapy. You will also work closely with the wider ward team, including Nurses and Health Care Support Workers. Support and guidance will be provided by team members trained and experienced in Nature‑Based Practice.
The role focuses specifically on Nature‑Based Practice within Kingfisher, providing a mixture of 1:1 support and group sessions within the ward environment and the wider community. You will support service users to access natural spaces in the community, as well as bring nature into the ward environment. You will work within the evidence base to improve the quality of life and the physical and mental health of service users.
This role involves working across a range of environments throughout the year, requiring you to be prepared for all weather conditions and to engage in practical, hands‑on activities.
AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) is a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community‑based mental health care. We deliver services in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, and parts of Dorset.
Contact Information
For further details or informal visits, contact: Amy Fisher, Occupational Therapist, amy.fisher16@nhs.net
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