Occupational Therapy Assistant
At a glance
- Band
- Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 22/09/2026
- Closes
- 06/10/2026
Sponsorship verdict
Candidates needing sponsorship are encouraged to apply.
HiveMind found a sponsorship-friendly statement in the source advert welcoming applicants who require a visa. Always confirm on the source before applying.
“Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.”Quoted verbatim from the source advert
Role summary
The Lookout Adolescent Unit is seeking a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant to join their CAMHS Inpatient team. This role involves supporting Occupational Therapists and the multidisciplinary team in delivering therapeutic activities. The aim is to help young people develop independence, confidence, and meaningful daily routines during their recovery. It's a rewarding opportunity for someone with excellent communication skills and an interest in supporting children and young people with mental health difficulties.
Essential criteria
- A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.
- Manual drivers licence or access to own vehicle for business use.
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent level of knowledge and plus knowledge and skills development for young people with mental health difficulties to diploma level equivalence
- Training
- Training relevant to the role and client group such as Oliver McGowan, Sensory Approaches, Trauma, and Occupational Therapy Approaches
- Knowledge and experience of the barriers to occupational engagement relevant to the client group and setting.
- Knowledge and experience of sensory approaches, trauma informed care, motivating others, occupational therapy models or approaches and making information accessible
- Experience of planning and running groups relevant to the client group with need for minimal supervision. Experience of working in a health or social care setting with adolescents.
- Experience of supporting students, new starters or junior staff.
- Willingness to undertake training and appropriate to role and service.
- Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good IT skills
- Good interpersonal skills including managing challenging behaviour.
- Group facilitation and planning skills.
- Self motivated and able to motivate others.
- Managing resources and working within a budget
- Lone working and independently managing own time
- Team working with other agencies and professionals
- Teaching/training skills
- Good organisation and time management skills - managing own workload
- Specific knowledge around mental illness and the needs of the population at The Lookout including the barriers to occupational engagement
- Knowledge of the role of occupational therapy within the population at The Lookout
- Values and Behaviours
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust's expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation
- Contractual
- A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.
- Manual drivers licence or access to own vehicle for business use.
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent level of knowledge and plus knowledge and skills development for young people with mental health difficulties to diploma level equivalence
- Training
- Training relevant to the role and client group such as Oliver McGowan, Sensory Approaches, Trauma, and Occupational Therapy Approaches
- Knowledge and experience of the barriers to occupational engagement relevant to the client group and setting.
- Knowledge and experience of sensory approaches, trauma informed care, motivating others, occupational therapy models or approaches and making information accessible
- Experience of planning and running groups relevant to the client group with need for minimal supervision. Experience of working in a health or social care setting with adolescents.
- Experience of supporting students, new starters or junior staff.
- Willingness to undertake training and appropriate to role and service.
- Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good IT skills
- Good interpersonal skills including managing challenging behaviour.
- Group facilitation and planning skills.
- Self motivated and able to motivate others.
- Managing resources and working within a budget
- Lone working and independent
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 4 at £26,530 – £29,114 a year, across England.
This advert: £28,392 – £31,157 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 14d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Occupational Therapy Assistant
The closing date is 06 October 2026
Job summary
The Lookout Adolescent Unit are looking for a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our dedicated CAMHS Inpatient team.
Working alongside Occupational Therapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will support the delivery of therapeutic activities and interventions that help young people develop independence, confidence, and meaningful daily routines during their recovery journey.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with excellent communication skills, creativity, and an interest in supporting children and young people experiencing mental health and emotional difficulties.
Previous experience working with children, young people, or within healthcare is desirable
Main duties of the job
Please see attached job description and person specification for further details relating to the role
About us
TeamNottsHC comprises over 11,000 dedicated colleagues who #MakeADifference every day. We deliver intellectual disability, mental health, community health, forensic, and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire,Leicestershire,Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire. Our care is provided from over 200 sites, spanning community locations, acute settings, and secure environments, including
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