Occupational Therapy Support Worker
The closing date is 24 February 2026
The Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT) are seeking an Occupational Therapy Support Worker to support our existing Occupational Therapist in the team.
We are looking for a dynamic individual to support the Occupational Therapy provision to a complex caseload of patients requiring specialist forensic support as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Your role will be to support individuals to regain or learn new life skills, to help them with the transition from hospital to the community and to empower individuals to improve and maintain their quality of life through meaningful activity such as volunteering, education and employment.
The SCFT provides a comprehensive and county wide, community forensic mental health assessment, consultation, case management / care coordination, time limited joint working and specialist intervention.
We aim to achieve high standards of person-centred approach through a process of working in partnership with our patients to meet where possible their expectations of the service they require, whilst balancing the needs of the wider community and the public protection agenda.
Main duties of the job
* To undertake specific skilled occupational therapy support work (e.g. carrying out assessments using various treatment skills including group facilitation) to aid the mental health recovery of patients. To plan and implement interventions, using various treatment skills and to monitor progress and evaluate the outcome under supervision from team Occupational Therapist.
* To encourage patients and carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining personal independence.
* To support the occupational therapist by carrying out specific, timed interventions on a 1:1 and group basis. To actively participate in the Occupational Therapy process from start to finish with support from Occupational Therapy colleagues and the MDT.
* To liaise closely with third sector agencies and community resources to support patients to access meaningful activities, recreational activities, using practical, communication and creative skills.
* To participate in risk assessment and work closely with the criminal justice agencies and secure care providers.
This is a community-based role that requires frequent travel to various locations throughout the county including areas that may not be accessible by public transportation. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate how they will manage these travel requirements.
About us
We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.
We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.
Over 4,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.
We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 13 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.
Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increases the numbers of people who use our services.
Job responsibilities
To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see supporting documents.
This job is currently only open to people who already work for the NHS in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. We are committed to supporting our dedicated staff, so only current employees of the following organisations can apply:
* Cornwall Foundation Trust
* Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
* Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board
If you do not currently work for one of these NHS organisations, your application will not be considered at this time
Person Specification
Education/ Qualifications and Relevant Experience
* GCSE English and Maths or equivalent
* NVQ 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification / experience
* IELTS unless qualification taken in English
* Experience of working in an adult community mental health setting and/or community setting.
* Experience in a Forensic or Criminal Justice setting
* Experience in sports therapy, personal training, complementary therapies etc.
Skills and Aptitude
* Previous experience working as a Support Worker in a similar setting with an understanding of their roles and respect for the other professionals within the team
* Working with people to facilitate learning of skills or gaining of independence
* Experience of working with people with a broad range of Mental Health conditions and people who have cognitive, physical, ASD, learning disability
* Experience of liaising with carers
* Experience of working with vulnerable adults
* Extensive experience of working in a range of therapy/ care settings eg hospital, community
* Experience of working as a lone worker
Other
* Ability to travel independently when required to meet the requirements of the role.
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
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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