About this role
Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the North Lincolnshire Community Mental Health Team, based at Elizabeth Quarter in Scunthorpe. Working 37.5 hours per week, you will support adults in the community through person-centred therapeutic activities and occupational interventions that promote rehabilitation, recovery, independence and empowerment. Under the direction of a Senior Occupational Therapist, you will work with individuals and groups, helping people develop daily living skills and progress towards their recovery and vocational goals.
If you don't already have a Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant subject, RDaSH are offering this post alongside the opportunity for you to complete a Level 3apprenticeship qualification [relevant to your role].
As an apprentice within RDaSH you will be given the opportunity to gain experience, learn work-related skills and obtain all the tools needed to thrive.
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. Around 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying. This leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
Whether you already work for us or are joining the Trust and NHS for the first time, apprenticeships can help you to develop the skills, knowledge and know-how in order to embark on a successful and fulfilling career within the health service.
Main duties of the job
You will deliver agreed individual and group occupational therapy interventions, under the supervision and direction of a qualified Occupational Therapist. Duties include supporting community-based assessments, helping service users develop independent living skills and work towards recovery, discharge and vocational goals and carrying out agreed interventions in community settings and, where required, in people's homes. You will contribute to planning and evaluating groups, monitor progress, and provide accurate and timely verbal and written updates. You will work closely with the Senior Occupational Therapist and wider multidisciplinary team, attend reviews and clinical or non-clinical meetings, and build positive relationships with colleagues and external agencies.
You will also support the induction and learning of staff and students, undertake relevant training, follow confidentiality, safeguarding, infection control and health and safety requirements, and promptly report clinical or operational concerns. The successful candidate will be caring, reliable, organised and able to communicate effectively with service users, carers and professionals, including when people are distressed
About us
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employ around 4000 talented colleagues who are very much appreciated, valued, and respected.
We have a wide portfolio which includes mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services.
We are dedicated to the development of our our people and hold a learning half day every month for our colleagues.
We are passionate about enhancing the quality of our service and we work hard to attract and select the right colleagues for our organisation. Our goal is to employ those who share our passion for providing first class care while remaining committed to our vision and values. Please view our Strategy using the link below:
https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/documents/clinical-and-organisational-strategy-2023-to-2028/
To find out more about working for RDaSH and the fantastic benefits we offer visit our website:
https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/about-us/getting-involved/work-with-us/
We are committed to inclusive cultures and really value people in our organisation, view our Allyship video on YouTube to find out more:
https://youtu.be/WMJSkLoTk4Q
The main terms and conditions of service can be found here:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/publications/tchandbook
Job description
Job responsibilities
Before applying, please view the attached job description and person specification to view the full details about the role.
If you are applying for this role via the apprenticeship route, please review the attached eligibility document to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to undertake an apprenticeship
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if there are a high amount of applications
Visa sponsorship: Due to recent Home Office changes and the closure of the Immigration Salary List, the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this role (SOC 6131), except where the applicant meets the Home Office transitional arrangements for Skilled Workers in place before 22 July 2025.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- English and Maths at level 2 or equivalent (GCSE 9-4 or A*- C or functional skills level 2)
- NVQ Level 2 in a related subject
Desirable
- NVQ level 3 in related subject or willingness to undertake a relevant Level 3 Apprenticeship
Experience
Essential
- Experience in health and/or social care settings, such as employment, work experience, volunteering or placement(s)
- Demonstrate a keen interest in mental health
- Previous experience of working as part of a team
Desirable
- Experience of working in a mental health setting
- Experience of facilitating groups
- Previous experience of supervision of staff
Knowledge
Essential
- Understand importance of maintaining confidentiality
- Understanding of common mental, physical and behavioural health conditions
Desirable
- Understanding of what occupational therapists do in this setting
- Good organisational, observational and planning skills
- Competent I.T. skills and use of digital technologies
skills/ Abilities
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively both face to face and in writing
- Able to support and reassure patients / carers in distress
- Can demonstrate how they meet the Trust values (Passionate, Reliable, Caring & Safe, Empowering & Supportive of staff, Open & transparent, Progressive
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
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHSFT
Address
Elizabeth Quarter
High Street
Scunthorpe
DN16 6SX
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)