Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Summary
Hi, I'm Jo, and Im really pleased youre looking at this opportunity. Ive worked in this Trust for 17 years, and what keeps me here is the people - the staff and the individuals we support.

This team are a supportive group who genuinely look out for one another. Everyones person centred approach shines through every day. If youre passionate about making a real difference, and want to feel part of something meaningful, this could be the right place for you.

We are looking for a caring, confident and competent Occupational Therapy Assistant who will be responsible for providing therapeutic interventions and activity for individuals currently in receipt of inpatient mental health care. In this role, you will work alongside a dedicated occupational therapy team to support service users in their recovery journey. You will also work alongside a wider multidisciplinary team, including nursing staff, medics, psychologists and physiotherapists.

You will be supported to develop your clinical and professional competencies within a stimulating learning environment. The Trust is committed to staff health and wellbeing, and you will be encouraged to learn, develop and grow.

The organisation has a well-established professional leadership structure led by a Chief AHP, with access to strong professional networks and a wide range of profession specific training and career progression opportunities.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a highly motivated, innovative and compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) who demonstrates excellent communication and interaction skills. The successful applicant will work alongside our Occupational Therapists (OTs) and other OTAs to assist in the Occupational Therapy assessment process and to deliver effective 1:1 and group interventions.

Our team (comprised of a Band 7 team manager, Band 6 OT, x2 Band 5 OTs and x3 OTAs), plays an important role in facilitating the safe and effective discharge of service users and is a valued part of our inpatient adult and older peoples services provision.

In this incredibly rewarding role, you will be responsible for your own caseload, working both individually and alongside other members of the multidisciplinary team. You will be fully supported by aregistered OT via supervision. It is important that you can adapt to changing priorities and use your own initiative.

There are administrative tasks involved in the role such as record keeping, stock control and replenishment, and maintaining therapy areas and equipment.

If youre curious or have any questions, please contact me or the team on or Were happy to chat before you apply.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

About Us
We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.
Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

04 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-B2248

Job locations

Kendray Hospital

Doncaster Road

Barnsley

S Yorkshire

S70 3RD

Job Description
Job responsibilities

Visa sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker visa route can only be considered if the prorated salary meets the minimum threshold of £25,000, as required by the UK Visas and Immigration. For Band 3 roles, only full-time positions at the top of the pay scale meet this threshold. Therefore, sponsorship may not be possible depending on salary increment placement and working hours.
*JOB SUMMARY*
The post holder will:

under the supervision/direction of registered health care professionals/associate practitioner, perform delegated interventions and care tasks, for which they have received training, seeking support as and when necessary.

as part of a healthcare team, provide the highest standards of safe and compassionate planned care to people that maximises their recovery and rehabilitation potential.

Demonstrating sensitivity, empathy and active listening skills, maintain positive and appropriate relationships with people at all times.

demonstrate an understanding of the care and treatment programmes required for a designated group of service users.

To follow a care plan, advise and guide service users, family and carers in following prescribed interventions and make the appropriate adjustments within own competence and skill set and be able to communicate any changes to service users and registered health care professionals.

be required to concentrate for periods of time, depending upon the care intervention/care plan This may include areas of work requiring physical effort, with regard to risk, following the risk assessment and health & safety.

exercise a degree of independence, initiative and judgement and consider different approaches when delivering tasks. Assess situations, eg following falls prevention guidance identify and resolve potential problems, within own competence.

ensure the care experienced is positive and service user safety is maintained. Treat everyone eg, service users, their relatives, visitors, colleagues etc, with respect, dignity, courtesy and in accordance with the Trusts Values.

Feedback their observations to the registered professional/ clinical team to contribute to the care/treatment planning process. Understand the principles underlying care planning eg, enabling the service user to reach an optimum level of functioning/ independence/recovery.

implement treatment/care within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established clinical care plans within own competence and skill set.

Assisting in the organising and participating in a range of therapeutic groups and activities as delegated by the registered practitioner working within own competence and skill set.

apply basic knowledge of longer-term health conditions, within the remit of care planning, providing advice, support and feedback to a registered professional.

Undertake the physical aspects of care eg, moving and handling of service users. Use items of equipment in delivering care eg, hoists, wheelchairs etc. (as appropriate to the role), ensuring appropriate instruction on their use has been received.

assist in dealing with verbal/physical aggression using de-escalation techniques, this may include the need for RRPI techniques (as appropriate to the ward or community based role and in line with Trust policy and training)

attend to the service users personal care needs as and when required.

participate in a flexible rostering arrangement providing /7 day care (as appropriate to the role/service)

For full details of the role please see the supporting documents attached.
We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.
The Post Holder Will:
under the supervision/direction of registered health care professionals/associate practitioner, perform delegated interventions and care tasks, for which they have received training, seeking support as and when necessary.

as part of a healthcare team, provide the highest standards of safe and compassionate planned care to people that maximises their recovery and rehabilitation potential.

Demonstrating sensitivity, empathy and active listening skills, maintain positive and appropriate relationships with people at all times.

demonstrate an understanding of the care and treatment programmes required for a designated group of service users.

To follow a care plan, advise and guide service users, family and carers in following prescribed interventions and make the appropriate adjustments within own competence and skill set and be able to communicate any changes to service users and registered health care professionals.

be required to concentrate for periods of time, depending upon the care intervention/care plan This may include areas of work requiring physical effort, with regard to risk, following the risk assessment and health & safety.

exercise a degree of independence, initiative and judgement and consider different approaches when delivering tasks. Assess situations, eg following falls prevention guidance identify and resolve potential problems, within own competence.

ensure the care experienced is positive and service user safety is maintained. Treat everyone eg, service users, their relatives, visitors, colleagues etc, with respect, dignity, courtesy and in accordance with the Trusts Values.

Feedback their observations to the registered professional/ clinical team to contribute to the care/treatment planning process. Understand the principles underlying care planning eg, enabling the service user to reach an optimum level of functioning/ independence/recovery.

implement treatment/care within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established clinical care plans within own competence and skill set.

Assisting in the organising and participating in a range of therapeutic groups and activities as delegated by the registered practitioner working within own competence and skill set.

apply basic knowledge of longer-term health conditions, within the remit of care planning, providing advice, support and feedback to a registered professional.

Undertake the physical aspects of care eg, moving and handling of service users. Use items of equipment in delivering care eg, hoists, wheelchairs etc. (as appropriate to the role), ensuring appropriate instruction on their use has been received.

assist in dealing with verbal/physical aggression using de-escalation techniques, this may include the need for RRPI techniques (as appropriate to the ward or community based role and in line with Trust policy and training)

attend to the service users personal care needs as and when required.

participate in a flexible rostering arrangement providing /7 day care (as appropriate to the role/service)

For full details of the role please see the supporting documents attached.
We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.
Person Specification

Physical Attributes

Essential

• A satisfactory sickness record over previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
• Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary).

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

• As appropriate to the role:
• Demonstrates excellent customer care skills.
• Enthusiastic, able to work flexibly on a 24hr shift pattern to meet the needs of service users.
• Demonstrates safe decision-making skills commensurate with role.
• Excellent communicator.
• Good IT/keyboard skills.
• Diversity/Cultural understanding.
• Knows responsibilities regarding confidentiality and trust.
• Resilience to pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing or hazardous situations eg, verbal aggression, body fluids, etc.
• Non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
• Demonstrates Trust Values.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good administration and organisational skills.
• Able to use observation skills to identify potential services user, environmental risks etc. and act appropriately.
• Able to fulfil the requirements of the value-based induction.

Desirable

• Language skills other than English.
• Experience of supervising/inducting others.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Responsive attitude and approach.
• Dress appropriately for the environment.
• Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to role.

Training

Essential

• Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements, and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
• Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of service user safety, eg, Prevention & management of violence & aggression, moving and handling, etc.

Experience
Essential

• In providing personal care and related procedures for those with health/social needs.
• In working in a caring environment at a band 2 or equivalent level of competence.
• In dealing with the public.
• In working as an effective team member.
• Of demonstrating own duties.
• Ability to work effectively, professionally and under own initiative or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• In demonstrating initiative, decision-making and prioritisation skills.
• Evidence of a commitment to user/carer involvement.

Qualifications
Essential

• GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in English and Maths or equivalent.
• Level 2 qualification/or working through, with the ability to demonstrate competencies at level 3.
• Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement.

Desirable

• Apprenticeship level 3 or equivalent eg, RQF(regulated Qualification Framework)NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
• Experience of the speciality area.
• Willingness to undertake further study.

Person Specification

Physical Attributes

Essential

• A satisfactory sickness record over previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
• Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary).

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

• As appropriate to the role:
• Demonstrates excellent customer care skills.
• Enthusiastic, able to work flexibly on a 24hr shift pattern to meet the needs of service users.
• Demonstrates safe decision-making skills commensurate with role.
• Excellent communicator.
• Good IT/keyboard skills.
• Diversity/Cultural understanding.
• Knows responsibilities regarding confidentiality and trust.
• Resilience to pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing or hazardous situations eg, verbal aggression, body fluids, etc.
• Non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
• Demonstrates Trust Values.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good administration and organisational skills.
• Able to use observation skills to identify potential services user, environmental risks etc. and act appropriately.
• Able to fulfil the requirements of the value-based induction.

Desirable

• Language skills other than English.
• Experience of supervising/inducting others.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Responsive attitude and approach.
• Dress appropriately for the environment.
• Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to role.

Training

Essential

• Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements, and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
• Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of service user safety, eg, Prevention & management of violence & aggression, moving and handling, etc.

Essential

• In providing personal care and related procedures for those with health/social needs.
• In working in a caring environment at a band 2 or equivalent level of competence.
• In dealing with the public.
• In working as an effective team member.
• Of demonstrating own duties.
• Ability to work effectively, professionally and under own initiative or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• In demonstrating initiative, decision-making and prioritisation skills.
• Evidence of a commitment to user/carer involvement.

Essential

• GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in English and Maths or equivalent.
• Level 2 qualification/or working through, with the ability to demonstrate competencies at level 3.
• Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement.

Desirable

• Apprenticeship level 3 or equivalent eg, RQF(regulated Qualification Framework)NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
• Experience of the speciality area.
• Willingness to undertake further study.

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

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Kendray Hospital

Doncaster Road

Barnsley

S Yorkshire

S70 3RD

Employer's website

(Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Kendray Hospital

Doncaster Road

Barnsley

S Yorkshire

S70 3RD

Employer's website

(Opens in a new tab)