OT Assistant Therapy Practitioner
The closing date is 04 January 2026.
We have an exciting opportunity for the post of Occupational Therapy (OT) Assistant Therapy Practitioner (ATP) in our community services for Mental Health for Older People (MHSOP). The group 1:1 OT therapy is an integral part of patient care.
We are a welcoming and positive team. Candidate should have appropriate skills and experience, including team working, experience of working in a community setting, and clinical experience with people with a mental health diagnosis. Creative skills that can be used therapeutically are particularly valued.
A passion for helping people to engage in meaningful occupations is essential. Please read the person specification and ensure you evidence how you meet these criteria.
We will support you to gain experience and specialist skills within a community setting, including people with dementia, frailty, depression, anxiety, and psychosis. All staff receive regular support and supervision. Opportunities for CPD and learning are encouraged. We offer excellent training and development, access to an OT Apprenticeship, flexible working times, part‑time, job share, and a Monday‑Friday 9‑5 service with no shift or weekend work.
Please email amanda.stratford1@nhs.net to arrange a chat or visit.
Main duties of the job
As an OT Assistant Therapy Practitioner you would be required to:
* Provide both individual and group interventions for service users in a busy community setting.
* Provide occupationally based assessments and therapy interventions under the guidance of an occupational therapist.
* Evaluate your interventions and report back to the team, adjusting future interventions accordingly.
* Work collaboratively with the other members of the OT team and wider MDT.
* Work autonomously, using initiative and creative skills.
* Develop knowledge and application of the Model of Human Occupation and other specialist assessments.
* Be responsible for organisation of your own workload, timetable and accurate and timely documentation of clinical notes.
* Attend and participate in the ATP Continuous Professional Development and support meeting.
* Support students, junior members of staff, and visitors.
* Develop skills and knowledge of local community resources to enable making referrals to appropriate organisations.
* Conduct home visits; the role requires driving and access to a car. The team covers Stevenage, Letchworth and Hitchin areas.
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ from the Care Quality Commission.
Our family of over 4,000 staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health, and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, North Essex, and Norfolk. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence, and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Welcoming, Kind, Positive, Respectful, Professional.
Job responsibilities
We provide Occupational Therapy for those experiencing a range of mental health issues in later life. Interventions promote meaningful activity through graded intervention, psychoeducation, and encouragement to re‑engage in activities meaningful to the service user.
As an Assistant Therapy Practitioner you would be involved in the provision of interventions for service users, both 1:1 and group, developing skills to support meaningful interaction and occupation with our Service Users.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Plan and facilitate occupationally based groups guided by an Occupational Therapist.
* Work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activity guided by an Occupational Therapist.
* Carry out Occupational Therapy assessments as guided by an Occupational Therapist.
* Promote a culture of engagement in meaningful occupation within the service to enhance quality of life.
* Provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.
* Provide feedback to the team regarding observed occupational performance during a session which will contribute to assessment and therapeutic interventions.
* Maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
* liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant.
* Exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
* Attend mandatory training.
* Undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor.
* Keep a record of your training and development activities.
Clinical Responsibility
* Work effectively as a member of a team in providing therapeutic activities using a person‑centered and occupationally based approach.
* Provide core Occupational Therapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers under guidance of the Occupational Therapist.
* Provide timely feedback to the MDT regarding the service user’s wellbeing and occupational performance.
* Use technical and creative skills to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities to promote independence, recovery and well‑being.
* Under guidance of an Occupational Therapist, facilitate and deliver planned group‑work and individual activities.
* Under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist provide ongoing assessment and adjustment of clinical interventions based on fluctuating needs of the service users.
* Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
* Ensure up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.
* Contribute to risk assessments with regard to service users and the clinical environment.
* Report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments.
* Actively participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal.
* Actively participate in safety huddles and de‑brief sessions as appropriate.
* Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, the Trust’s Code of Conduct for Non‑qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures.
Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility
* Support students and other staff on placement within the unit.
* Provide supervision for Band 3 staff as agreed by the Occupational Therapist.
* Manage stock, advise and obtain resources to carry out the job.
* Safekeep and safe use of equipment and materials.
* Complete own expenses claim.
* Ensure effective and efficient use of resources.
Service Development and Improvement
* Assist in the implementation, evaluation and modification of team interventions.
* Participate in clinical audit and research activity as necessary.
* Actively promote the Occupational Therapy service.
Communications
* Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, self‑awareness, sensitivity and empathy in all communications.
* Form therapeutic relationships with service users which overcome barriers to gain co‑operation and encourage engagement.
* Report effectively to the MDT on service users’ performance and progress in areas of self‑maintenance, productivity and leisure verbally and in writing.
* Adhere at all times to Trust data security policies and procedures.
Analytical and Judgment Skills
* Respect service users’ individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity and contribute to a service sensitive to these needs.
* Observe, assess and report Occupational performance using appropriate Model of Human Occupation tools.
Planning and Organisational Skills
* Practice good personal time management, punctuality and reliable attendance. Manage own electronic diary.
* Undertake delegated tasks which contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
* Demonstrate effective time management when planning and facilitating activities.
* Help develop, plan and deliver therapy programmes with guidance from the Occupational Therapist.
Physical Working Conditions and Environment
* Work within the team base and community setting as appropriate.
* Comply with trust Lone Worker policies and procedures and maintain own electronic diary.
* Fully comply with appropriate safety level for the service area.
Information Resources
* Ensure up‑to‑date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.
* Contribute to the recording of statistical activity as appropriate in the setting.
* Comply with health and safety requirements as per policy.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION TRAINING
* Knowledge of Occupational Therapy role within setting.
* Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated packages.
* A Levels and/or Health and Social Care NVQ level 3 or equivalent.
* Degree and/or qualifications in relevant subject.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
* Experience of working with people with memory difficulties and mental health problems.
* Experience of leading groups and 1:1 interventions.
* Ability to work autonomously.
* Experience of working in an OT related setting.
* Experience of service user and carer involvement in the development of services.
* Knowledge of occupational Therapy principles.
* Functional Assessment Training.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
* Ability to provide and receive sensitive information regarding services users care and social situation.
* Strong communication skills written and verbal.
* Knowledge and ability to use a range of communication skills to overcome barriers to engagement.
* Ability to work effectively in a team.
* Knowledge of appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
* Ability to teach practical skills.
* Presentation Skills.
* Second language (other than English).
ANALYTICAL SKILLS
* Good problem solving and clinical judgement skills.
* Ability to understand and respond and adjust appropriately to the changing needs of service users.
* Good observational skills.
* Knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation Assessment tools.
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 name
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
£27,485 to £30,162 a year pro rata
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