Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner
At a glance
- Band
- Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time, Flexible working
- Posted
- 14/09/2026
- Closes
- 20/09/2026
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 Occupational and Fitness Therapy (OFT) team in Secure Services is seeking two Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioners to join their services across two sites: Northside House (Male secure units) and Hellesdon Hospital (Female secure inpatient unit). The role involves motivating people, building independence, and supporting individuals with mental health diagnoses and contact with the criminal justice system to achieve their recovery goals. You will work collaboratively with service users and other team members, facilitating group and one-to-one therapeutic sessions.
Essential criteria
- Experience of working with groups of people
- Ability to work both independently and under supervision
- Experience of working within mental health
- Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care/mental health or Apprenticeship in H&SC/mental health L5 or Equivalent Qualification at L5 or above in a related subject
- Experience of facilitating groups
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Ability to work under pressure
- Good Interpersonal skills.
- Confidence and competence in using IT systems (e.g. Outlook, Word, clinical or other record systems) relevant to the role.
- An understanding of Occupational Therapy and the importance of meaningful occupations.
- Health and safety risk awareness
- Other
- Ability to undertake and maintain annual, full PMVA training as required for inpatient roles
Desirable criteria
- Ability to travel independently (inpatient roles)
- Experience of working with groups of people
- Ability to work both independently and under supervision
- Experience of working within mental health
- Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care/mental health or Apprenticeship in H&SC/mental health L5 or Equivalent Qualification at L5 or above in a related subject
- Experience of facilitating groups
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Ability to work under pressure
- Good Interpersonal skills.
- Confidence and competence in using IT systems (e.g. Outlook, Word, clinical or other record systems) relevant to the role.
- An understanding of Occupational Therapy and the importance of meaningful occupations.
- Health and safety risk awareness
- Other
- Ability to undertake and maintain annual, full PMVA training as required for inpatient roles
- Ability to travel independently (inpatient roles)
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 6d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner
The closing date is 20 September 2026
Job summary
Do you have skills in motivating people, building people's independence and supporting people to achieve their Recovery goals!?
The Occupational and Fitness Therapy (OFT) team in Secure Services are looking for TWO Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner (OTAP) to join our Occupational Therapy services across two of our sites. One is to work on our Male secure units at Northside House and the second position is to work on our female secure inpatient unit at Hellesdon Hospital. We are looking to recruit to both positions via this one advert and round of interviews. For applicants who have a specific preference to work in either a Male or Female unit only (Northside/Hellesdon) then please indicate this on your application. Whilst successful candidates will be allocated to one specific ward, all employed staff can at times be required to support other wards according to service need.
NSFT Secure Mental Health Services have been consistently rated "Good" by the CQC and we need you to join us on our journey to Outstanding. As a part of the wider NSFT Secure Services OFT team, the post-holder will receive regular clinical and management supervision, and professional guidance from our knowledgeable, friendly and supportive team.
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