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Sponsorship unclear
Band 3
Full-time
Closes in 2d

Occupational Therapy Assistant - Coniston

Mersey Care NHS Foundation TrustKnowlsey Resource and Recovery Centre, Whiston Hospital, Whiston, L35 5DR, United Kingdom£25,760 - £27,476Closes 13/09/2026

At a glance

Band
Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Pattern
Full-time
Posted
11/09/2026
Closes
13/09/2026

Sponsorship verdict

Sponsorship is not clearly stated in this advert.

The advert didn't contain a clear role-specific sponsorship line, so HiveMind can't confirm eligibility. Verify with the recruiting manager or trust HR before you apply.

Role summary

This full-time Occupational Therapy Assistant role on Coniston Ward involves working with people with mental health conditions. The successful candidate will facilitate group activities, conduct 1:1 sessions, and support qualified occupational therapy staff. The post operates across a 7-day service, assisting in the development and delivery of treatment plans under supervision. It requires working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team to support service users' recovery.

Essential criteria

  • Qualification Credit Framework Diploma level 2 in Health & Social Care or a commitment to achieve this
  • Qualifications in: (or a commitment to undertake and complete training within first year of appointment) to include: First Aid, Aggression Management training, Other training opportunities relevant to clinical area, Following agreed action plan set at appraisal
  • Ability to plan and deliver activities
  • Able to recognise level of own competence, boundaries of role, scope for personal and service development and improvement
  • Able to work on own initiative as part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team under directive supervision
  • Ability to think creatively and assist in the planning of individual and group activity sessions for service users
  • Ability to effectively organise own time, be reliable and punctual and prioritise work load
  • Able to observe health and safety protocol
  • Ability to problem solve within defined context
  • Able to observe conflict situations in a positive and calm manner and follow policy and procedure related to the management of aggression
  • Be a positive ambassador for the service
  • An ability to work with warmth and empathy in an empowering and non-judgmental way

Desirable criteria

  • Experience of working with Adults with Learning Disabilities/Mental Health
  • Experience working within inpatient services
  • Experience of supporting Therapeutic activities for individual groups of service users
  • Familiar with Electronic patient records
  • Experience of the Model Of Human Occupation (Kielhofner)
  • Experience of teaching others
  • Knowledge of the Occupational Therapy Process
  • Knowledge of The Model Of Human Occupation (Kielhofner)
  • Clear effective written and verbal communication and excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent observation skill and able to relay key information to others
  • Basic IT skills
  • Ability to independently perform delegated tasks within competence to the required standard
  • Ability to be an effective role model
  • Numeracy and Literacy skills; ability to keep accurate service user and department records to the required standard
  • Able to carry out physical intervention and breakaway effectively following training
  • Commitment to work with service users with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities
  • Use Display Screen Equipment in work environment
  • Able to work within inpatient environments
  • Actively participate in own supervision
  • Sound values and positive attitude towards people with mental health, learning and associated disabilities and complex needs
  • Interested in working creatively to assist in the planning and delivery of a person centred Occupational Therapy service
  • Required to complete skills and interests questionnaire at the time of recruitment
  • Motivated to build on existing skills and knowledge as part of the CPD process
  • Ability to reflect objectively and critically appraise own performance
  • Skills and knowledge in a particular interest that could benefit Service Users
  • Involvement in person centred planning and working
  • An understanding of the role of advocacy
  • Willing to be an authorised Trust lease vehicle driver
  • Qualification Credit Framework Diploma level 2 in Health & Social Care or a commitment to achieve this
  • Qualifications in: (or a commitment to undertake and complete training within first year of appointment) to include: First Aid, Aggression Management training, Other training opportunities relevant to clinical area, Following agreed action plan set at appraisal
  • Ability to plan and deliver activities
  • Able to recognise level of own competence, boundaries of role, scope for personal and service development and improvement
  • Able to work on own initiative as part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team under directive supervision
  • Ability to think creatively and assist in the planning of individual and group activity sessions for service users
  • Ability to effectively organise own time, be reliable and punctual and prioritise work load
  • Able to observe health and safety protocol
  • Ability to problem solve within defined context
  • Able to observe conflict situations in a positive and calm manner and follow policy and procedure related to the management of aggression
  • Be a positive ambassador for the service
  • An ability to work with warmth and empathy in an empowering and non-judgmental way
  • Experience of working with Adults with Learning Disabilities/Mental Health
  • Experience working within inpatient services
  • Experience of supporting Therapeutic activities for individual groups of service users
  • Familiar with Electronic patient records
  • Experience of the Model Of Human Occupation (Kielhofner)
  • Experience of teaching others
  • Knowledge of the Occupational Therapy Process
  • Knowledge of The Model Of Human Occupation (Kielhofner)
  • Clear effective written and verbal communication and excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent observation skill and able to relay key information to others
  • Basic IT skills
  • Ability to independently perform delegated tasks within competence to the required standard
  • Ability to be an effective role model
  • Numeracy and Literacy skills; ability to keep accurate service user and department records to the re

Useful to know

Band 3 pay context

Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 3 at £24,625 – £25,674 a year, across England.

This advert: £25,760 – £27,476 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.

Application window

Posted 1d ago · Closes in 2d

Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.

Full advert · preview

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Occupational Therapy Assistant - Coniston

The closing date is 13 September 2026

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for a full time Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) position for applicants with an interest in working with people with a range of mental health conditions on Coniston Ward.

The successful applicant will be working as a key member of the occupational therapy service department at Coniston ward. We are looking for caring and committed individuals who can facilitate group activities, 1:1 sessions and assist the qualified occupational therapy staff as required. The post is working across a 7 day service, alongside a part time OT, which meets the needs of the service users.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for assisting in the development and delivery of treatment and care plans where appropriate under the direction and supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist and in collaboration with the Ward Manager.

The post holder will be required to actively work as part of The Multi-Disciplinary Team.

The Post Holder will be expected to work in an innovative way to support the smooth running of the Ward and will berequired to offer individual and group activities alongside Occupational Therapy staff.

Theses duties will extend to using The Occupational Therapy Process to assist in assessm

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