Occupational Therapy Assistant: Sponsorship Available

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Job Summary

The OT Assistant will have a dynamic job, supporting the implementation of intervention for individuals with complex needs accessing the mental health team. Specifically, this post will be working with individuals who require support and intervention via our Neurodiverse pathway of care.

Under supervision the postholder will develop, implement and evaluate programmes of care on an individual and group basis and hold an individual case.

An essential part of this role will be working alongside partnership agencies, HMPPS colleagues and other organisations that provide care, enrichment and support of the individuals that we work with. This will include close working with the HMPPS Neurodiverse Manger initiative being rolled out across the prison estate.

The role will include working closely within the multi-disciplined mental health teams across Surrey. This will involve being response to the needs of fluctuating mental health needs of prisoners and remaining mindful of the unique challenges faced by women within a custodial setting.

 

Main duties of the job

1.1 Deliver appropriate individual interventions in response to the needs of service users accessing mental health and Neurodiverse support, to support their occupational requirements

1.2 To hold an independent caseload of service users

1.3 Co facilitate treatment groups

1.4 To implement and maintain high standards of care for all service users.

1.5 To facilitate inclusion into prison activities and opportunities.

1.6 To assess risk and manage it effectively ensuring maximum risk tolerance that facilitates the individual’s recovery, in line with risk policy and local guidelines

1.7 To work in partnership with other staff and agencies

1.8 Be aware of and sensitive to Safegaurding needs, understanding possible indicators and effective response.

1.9 To offer regular monitoring of mental state

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

  • Good communication in written and spoken English
  • Good numeracy and literacy skills

Desirable

  • NVQ or relevant qualification in Health and Social care
  • Maths and English at GCSE grade C or above

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Experience of working in a multicultural environment
  • Previous experience of working in a mental health setting or care setting either as a volunteer or paid worker.

Desirable

  • Experience of working in and MDT
  • Experience of working in secure settings

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

  • An understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues and the impact on their lives
  • An understanding of the impact of circumstances and environment on wellbeing
  • An ability to time manage effectively
  • An ability to work autonomously
  • An ability to communicate clearly
  • Knowledge/understanding of equal opportunities
  • IT skills
  • Experience of working in a team
  • An ability to reflect

Desirable

  • Presentation skills/experience facilitating groups
  • Creative skills/qualifications

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Closing Date: 06 October 2025

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.