Occupational Therapy Assistant

Do you want to be part of a team where you will be making a difference, and you’ll be essential to the wellbeing of staff and patients?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the Occupational Therapy Team in our exceptional hospital, Ayr Clinic based in the Ayr, South Ayrshire. This hospital provides acute adult mental health services within a low secure forensic service, for patients with mental illness and/or personality disorder.
About the Role
As an Occupational Therapy Assistant you will provide assistance to the Occupational Therapist with the planning, implementation and evaluation of therapy and care plans in order to support the mental, emotional, physical and social well-being of assigned clients. You will work alongside the Occupational Therapist and other members of the multidisciplinary team to identify the patients' occupational needs.
You will require to have a clear and positive communication style both verbally and non-verbally; you will be required to provide written and verbal information in a concise manner in a way that is understood by those you are communicating with
Roles and Responsibilities
Ability to effectively and accurately update clinical records and computerised information systems as directed by the Occupational Therapist in a timely manner.
Record and report patient’s involvement in 1:1 and groups.
Ensuring any unusual physical, mental or emotional occurrences are promptly referred to senior staff and documented in an appropriate manner.
Having compassion for the patients and their situation.
Being proactive, enthusiastic and encouraging with staff and patients, encouraging interactions within groups and activities.
Able to support with the development and creation of activity schedules and service line timetables.
Supporting Occupational Therapists Senior Occupational Therapy Assistants with clinical / Occupational Therapy assessments.
Propose new ideas for delivery to further enhance patient experience following feedback gained through community groups and Occupational Therapy sessions/guidance.
A willingness to support on new group wide programmes implemented to promote a consistent delivery across The Priory Group.
Ensuring the services and support provided offers good value for money and supports the overall aim of the site.
Working with patients to increase their sense of purpose and value through life skills and prescribed OT sessions.
Essential Criteria
The role holder will require GCSE / O-Levels (A-C)/NAT 5’s (1-3) / Standard Grades or a relevant NVQ2 or equivalent experience.
Ability to facilitate groups and 1:1 sessions with patients (psycho education, goal setting, life skills, cooking sessions, community groups etc).
Desirable Criteria
Experience within Healthcare or Social Care setting
Knowledge on or experience working in Occupational Therapy
In return for your expertise, hard work and dedication, we offer a wide range of benefits:
25 days’ annual leave (increasing with length of service to a maximum of 30), plus bank holidays
Birthday off
Contributory pension scheme
Life insurance
Continuous Learning and Development programme
Free car parking
Subsidised on site meals
Employee benefits scheme (e.g., discounted shopping vouchers, interest free Apple Products loan scheme)
Full onsite induction training and orientation programme
About Us
The Ayr Clinic is made up of a well-established 36 bedded low secure hospital, and two specialised step-down facilities for men and women with mental illness and/or personality disorder.
The Ayr Clinic is situated in the coastal town of Ayr in West Central Scotland. Ayr Clinic is a Forensic Low Secure Hospital, Priory Group in Ayrshire, a distinguished facility dedicated to providing specialised care and rehabilitation for individuals with complex mental health needs within a secure environment.
Our facility is designed to offer a safe, structured setting where patients can receive comprehensive, personalised treatment plans aimed at promoting recovery and reintegration into the community. As part of the renowned Priory Group, we are committed to excellence in healthcare, utilising evidence-based practices and a multidisciplinary approach to deliver the highest standard of care. Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive and professional community, focused on making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.
Patients are supported by a highly skilled, experienced and trained team of clinicians and healthcare professionals working with patients in an environment of hope, positive regard and empowerment.
Priory as one of the UK’s leading providers of behavioural care and specialist support services to adults, Priory Group promises a challenging and fulfilling career with the support of a world class organisation willing to invest in your development.
Across our network of hospitals, residential care homes, education facilities and supported living services, we are mak