Band 3 Occupational Therapy Support Worker - Swindon

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust; Swindon; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health service provider in Swindon is seeking an OT Assistant for a full-time role. The position involves supporting therapy interventions and assisting Occupational Therapists. Applicants must meet the apprenticeship entry requirements and show commitment to learning. This is an excellent opportunity to start a career in Occupational Therapy with the potential for an apprenticeship and stable employment post-probation.

Qualifications

• Committed to learning and completing the full course for the apprenticeship.
• Previous experience in a health care setting is desirable.
• Experience in mental health focused and group work is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of therapeutic interventions on Applewood ward.
• Assist Occupational Therapists with assessments, groups, and treatment plans.
• Engage with on-the-job learning and university modules.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Motivation

Flexibility

Education

Entry requirements for the apprenticeship

Job description

Job overview

Occupational Therapies (OT) are a specialist intervention team offering interventions to help individuals overcome challenges and enable them to do what they need and want to do, striving for a balance in self care, productivity and leisure. This could include regaining or maintaining their ability to perform daily tasks, participate in meaningful activities and supporting their functional recovery.

We have an exciting and rare opportunity for an individual to join our team as an OT Assistant, and hopefully join the OT apprenticeship in September 2026, a first step to becoming a qualified OT.

It is essential that the applicant meets the entry requirements for the apprenticeship and are committed to learning and completing the full course, alongside working 3 days a week. This is initially a 1 year fixed term role working full time as an OT Support Worker, which would be extended on successful passing of the probation period, acceptance by UWE onto the apprenticeship course and support of your Supervisor on the ward. The role would then be extended for the duration of the apprenticeship for 4 years. We will endeavour to have a B5 OT job available in AWP on completion, but cannot guarantee this.

This role will be predominately based on Applewood ward at Sandalwood Court (adult acute mental health ward).

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an organised, forward thinking, enthusiastic and motivated individual to undertake our developmental Occupational Therapy Support Worker - Apprenticeship role.

You will support the delivery of therapeutic interventions on Applewood ward; including supporting the Occupational Therapists with assessments, groups, and treatment plans using the Occupational Therapy process.

You will work within the multidisciplinary team and engage with on the job learning, clinical placements and university modules if you are successful in being offered an apprenticeship.

High levels of professionalism, flexibility and excellent communication skills are required to work effectively in this role. Previous experience in a health care setting is desirable, particularly mental health focussed and group work.