South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Occupational Therapy Assistant

The closing date is 22 July 2025

Job summary

The Calderdale and Kirklees In-Patient Occupational Therapy team have an exciting opportunity for 2 full time and 1 part time Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistants to become part of our team. The service is embracing positive change and developing pathways of care to meet the diverse needs of adults and older people within an acute inpatient setting.

We are looking for a competent and confident OTAs to join our team and provide therapeutic interventions and activity for service users currently in receipt of in-patient mental health care. The 2 full time posts are 37.5hrs per week and the 1 part time post is 18.75 hrs.

The post holders will work alongside a dedicated occupational therapy team supporting and encouraging our patients in their recovery journey and delivering person-centred interventions.

We pride ourselves on being an open and honest Trust, providing the best possible care to our service users across our sites. You will be well supported and encouraged to develop 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 available.

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

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a committed & caring OTAs, who will work both autonomously & as part of the MDT. We pride ourselves on providing the highest standard of assessment, treatment & client centred care in a safe & therapeutic environment. The team supports the MDT in facilitating safe & effective discharge of acute inpatients. The team consists of band 6, band 5 OTs and OT assistants. The service operates over 7 days with OTAs covering weekends & Bank Holidays. Shifts are 8.30am - 4.30pm, & staff are expected to work one late shift a week. There is an expectation for all staff to cross ward and cross site work where necessary. We are a supportive therapy team that work closely with the wider MDT. We adopt a recovery-based approach using evidence-based interventions and professional models of working to inform our practice and ensure the delivery of high-quality care.

We are committed to providing holistic care within acute mental health, and youll have opportunity to work with other professionals & providers to meet the needs of our service users. Professional networking is actively encouraged, and we have well established links with our local partners. We actively welcome any prospective applicants to make contact to discuss the roles further.

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward to receiving your application.

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

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-CK2259

Job locations

The Dales Unit

Calderdale Royal Hospital

Halifax

HX3 0PW


Job description

Job responsibilities

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

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 fora 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).

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we 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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

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 fora 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).

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we 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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Personal Attributes

Essential

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Personal Attributes

Essential

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

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

The Dales Unit

Calderdale Royal Hospital

Halifax

HX3 0PW


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

The Dales Unit

Calderdale Royal Hospital

Halifax

HX3 0PW


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Claire Brooke

claire.brooke@swyt.nhs.uk

07721730830

Details

Date posted

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-CK2259

Job locations

The Dales Unit

Calderdale Royal Hospital

Halifax

HX3 0PW


Supporting documents

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