Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Occupational Therapist (OTA) to work within the Occupational Therapy Team based at Brockfield House in Wickford Essex. The OTA would be working alongside, the Occupational Therapists, assistants and activity coordinatorsand the wider MDT. The post holder will be responsible for supporting the OTs with facilitating groups and delivering interventions. This post holder may have an opportunity to become an OT apprentice which could lead to becoming a qualified OT.
Brockfield House has 7 wards, 5 Medium Secure and 2 Low Secure for men and women located near Wickford; providing interim services for male/female recovering from severe and enduring mental illness within secure environment. The focus is on multi-disciplinary approach from nursing, medical occupational and vocational therapy, psychology and social work staff. The aim is to rehabilitate patients to a stage where they require a more open regime within a less secure environment.
The aim is to provide individualised care and evaluation of the patient's progress and recovery. People are encouraged to be involved in their care planning and, where possible, the family is also involved. The wards operate on a multi-disciplinary team basis with regular input from the Community Mental Health Team and Community Forensic Team .
Main duties of the job
To work as part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) with Occupational Therapy, implementing Occupational Therapy programmes under the direction of the Senior Occupational Therapist.
oTo support clients by implementing the Occupational Therapy treatment programs or therapies directed on their care plan.
oTo carry out one to one interventions as directed by Senior Occupational Therapy staff.
oTo support the qualified Occupational Therapy staff to plan and facilitate the group activities.
oTo develop rapport with clients whilst encouraging their interest in skills development.
oTo be aware of individual clients/patients' needs through communication with the Occupational Therapist involved in their care.
oTo observe general behaviour, ability and response of clients/patients to activities; ensuring this is documented and communicated with their allocated Occupational Therapist.
oTo have an awareness of the situations that may make clients/patients vulnerable or at risk.
oTo report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.
oTo respect clients/patients choices and confidentiality at all times.
oTo record interventions in an agreed format.
oTo feedback during the ward round meetings (where relevant) any issues, concerns and progress.
oAny other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience
About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• 8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details
Date posted
05 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,937 to 26,598 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
364-A-9306-A
Job locations
Brockfield House
Kemble Way
Wickford
SS11 7FE
Job description
Job responsibilities
Profession Specific Duties:
Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings as required.
To undertake annual appraisal and to contribute constructively to the supervision process.
To comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing.
Any other duties as delegated by your Director or Chief Executive commensurate with the responsibilities of this post. Job description
Job responsibilities
Profession Specific Duties:
Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings as required.
To undertake annual appraisal and to contribute constructively to the supervision process.
To comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing.
Any other duties as delegated by your Director or Chief Executive commensurate with the responsibilities of this post.
Person Specification
Education
Essential

• Previous relevant experience

Desirable

• Previous NHS experience
• Working with people with MH problems

Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of the use of activities as a therapeutic medium.
• Able to break activities down in simple step's
• Basic risk assessment
• Group facilitation
• Group work planning
• Observation of basic function or ability, including the use of aids and adaptations if required

Desirable

• Awareness of different mental health conditions.

Skills/Experience
Essential

• Good oral communication skills based on fluency on the English language
• Literate in IT/Computer Skills
• Observation skills including the accurate recordings of observations
• Organisational skills
• Utilising activity therapeutically
• Ability to break activities into component parts
• Appropriate listening and empathy skills

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Shares the Trust's Beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour
• Full UK Drivers Licence
• Ability to Travel across Trust sites as required

Person Specification
Education
Essential

• Previous relevant experience

Desirable

• Previous NHS experience
• Working with people with MH problems

Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of the use of activities as a therapeutic medium.
• Able to break activities down in simple step's
• Basic risk assessment
• Group facilitation
• Group work planning
• Observation of basic function or ability, including the use of aids and adaptations if required

Desirable

• Awareness of different mental health conditions.

Skills/Experience
Essential

• Good oral communication skills based on fluency on the English language
• Literate in IT/Computer Skills
• Observation skills including the accurate recordings of observations
• Organisational skills
• Utilising activity therapeutically
• Ability to break activities into component parts
• Appropriate listening and empathy skills

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Shares the Trust's Beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour
• Full UK Drivers Licence
• Ability to Travel across Trust sites as required

Skills Required