Occupational Therapy Assistant | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Nova Scotia; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Nova Scotia is seeking an Assistant Occupational Therapist to support older adults in a mental health setting. The role involves delivering assessments and therapeutic interventions, promoting independence, and working alongside a multidisciplinary team. Applicants will enjoy a range of employee benefits, including flexible working and comprehensive training opportunities.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension scheme

Staff discounts

Relocation package

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Ability to work with older adults with mental health conditions.
• Experience in delivering occupational therapy interventions.
• Strong communication skills with the healthcare team.

Responsibilities

• Support OTs with functional assessments and interventions.
• Facilitate individual and group activities for recovery.
• Respect patient confidentiality and choices.

Skills

Functional assessments

Group activity facilitation

Patient engagement

Support for dementia patients

Education

Relevant degree or training in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Occupational Therapist (OTA) to work within the Occupational Therapy Team based at our Older Adult In-Patient wards in North East Essex. The OTA would be working alongside the Occupational Therapists, assistants and activity coordinators and the wider MDT. The post holder will be responsible for supporting the OTs with facilitating functional assessments and delivering interventions. This post holder may have an opportunity to become an OT apprentice which could lead to becoming a qualified OT.

This is an exciting opportunity for either a full time applicant to work part-time at our older adult mental health wards one located in Colchester and the other in Clacton or two separate part-time posts.

The main focus is to determine how able individuals are to manage their own life and working out, together with the MDT, what they need. This may mean going home with support or moving to more supported accommodation.

Depending on whether with individuals with functional difficulties or dementia the OTA will need to support the facilitation of individual and group activity aimed at recovery or mental and physical wellbeing.

To support the delivery of occupational therapy interventions for older adults with mental health conditions. The role is primarily focused on the assessment and treatment of individual’s functional needs in order to promote independence, enhances quality of life, and supports mental health recovery.

Responsible for ensuring that the values outlined in the NHS Constitution are adhered to daily and any matters of concern are raised with the relevant Line Manager or through the necessary processes within the Trust - Responsible for delivering a compassionate, dignified and respectful service to patients at all times.

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Functional ward

• Following in-house training carry out functional assessments to determine individuals occupational performance in activities of daily living
• Carry out delegated targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Carry out delegated treatments to remove barriers to discharge and enable individuals to be discharged to least restrictive accommodation
• Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to aid recovery and improve health and function
• Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to gain coping skills and promote health
• Carry out targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis
• To utilise therapeutic strategies to engage patient to maximise function and limit the loss of independence
• To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interest and develop/maintain skills.
• To be aware of individual patients’ needs and risks through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff.
• To gather information on patient’s function both through reading through records and direct patient contact and report to the Occupational Therapist to support recovery and discharge.
• To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patients to engagement in interventions
• To have an awareness of the situations that may make patients vulnerable or at risk.
• To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.
• To respect patients choices and confidentiality at all times.
• To record interventions in an agreed format.
• Any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience.

Dementia ward

• To work in collaboration with the MDT to maximise the individuals potential to remain independent, minimise distress and offer opportunities for purposeful engagement
• Following in-house training carry out functional assessments to determine individuals occupational performance in purposeful activity and activities of daily living
• Carry out delegated targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Carry out delegated treatments to remove barriers to discharge and enable individuals to be discharged to least restrictive accommodation
• Carry out specific targeted interventions to establish a routine or structure of engagement that minimises challenging behaviour
• Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to aid recovery and improve health and function
• Provide a range of wellbeing interventions to gain coping skills and promote health
• Carry out targeted interventions on a 1:1 or group basis
• To utilise therapeutic strategies to engage patient to maximise function and limit the loss of independence
• To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interest and develop/maintain skills.
• To be aware of individual patients’ needs and risks through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff.

Generally across both wards

• To gather information on patient’s function both through reading through records and direct patient contact and report to the Occupational Therapist to support recovery and discharge.
• To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patients to engagement in interventions
• To have an awareness of the situations that may make patients vulnerable or at risk.
• To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.
• To respect patients choices and confidentiality at all times.
• To record interventions in an agreed format.
• To support the administration of the team as required.
• To complete necessary statistical information, e.g. daily diary sheets.
• To note any faulty equipment and inform qualified staff.
• To ensure work areas are kept clean and tidy.
• Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings as required.
• To undertake annual appraisal and to contribute constructively to the supervision process.
• To comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing.
• Any other duties as delegated by your Director or Chief Executive commensurate with the responsibilities of this post.

In addition to the above duties you will also be expected to perform the below key activities in line with your job role;

• Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures
• To participate in the staff appraisal process and proactively participate in supervision
• To keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy
• To keep up to date clinical records in line with professional standards and local record keeping policies.
• To undertake any other ward-based activities as required

This advert closes on Tuesday 9 Sep 2025