Band 5 Occupational Therapist - Recovery College | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Grays; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a Band 5 Occupational Therapist to support recovery through co-production of educational courses at the Thurrock Recovery College. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and experience in mental health. The position offers flexible working options, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment. Benefits include 27 days holiday, excellent pension, and relocation package.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension of up to 14.5%

Staff discounts

Relocation package

Interest-free season ticket loans

Flexible working

Job share options

Qualifications

• Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Experience or knowledge of working in mental health settings.
• Commitment to professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support co-production and co-delivery of courses at the Recovery College.
• Assist students in creating meaningful Individual Learning Plans.
• Lead psychoeducational groups both in-person and online.

Skills

Understanding of recovery principles

Excellent communication skills

Ability to support individual learning plans

Education

Relevant occupational therapy degree

Job description

An innovative vacancy has arisen for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist working as an Occupational Therapist- Health Trainer at the Thurrock Recovery College.

About the Recovery College

Thurrock Recovery College is a partnership between Inclusion (part of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust), Thurrock and Brentwood Mind (a local charity), Essex Partnership University NHS Trust and the students of the college. Together, we deliver an exciting and innovative wellbeing service for Thurrock that is free, confidential and focused on supporting Thurrock’s communities and residents.

In April 2025 the College began an exciting new partnership to create the Mid and South Essex Recovery College – a joint initiative between Inclusion, part of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Mid Essex Recovery College, part of Provide Community, and Trust Links.

The Recovery College is all about providing an educational learning environment for people who experience difficulties with, or have an interest in, mental health and wellbeing.

Our courses across Thurrock help us learn what gives us the best chance of staying well and living the most fulfilling lives we can. Our belief is that recovery is a journey of discovery, to find hope, happiness, health and opportunities.

Main duties of the job

The role will include supporting in the co-production and co-delivery of courses and workshops to students (Users of the Recovery College), supporting students to identify meaningful Individual Learning Plans and to assist individuals in the transitioning from secondary mental health services to utilise Recovery College.

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 to14.5% 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.

Key responsibilities of this role will be

• A commitment to understanding and embedding the principles of the Recovery College ethos and model within all aspects of your work
• Leading in the design, implementation and evaluation of co‑produced occupational focused psychoeducational groups which are delivered both face to face and online.
• Supporting students in identifying Individual Learning Plans to support their recovery journeys.

You will be supported through regular professional supervision and appraisal. Monthly professional reflective practise sessions jointly held with the other Occupational Therapists within the Mid and South Essex Recovery College partnership.

As an individual you will have commitment to continue your own development and actively participate in providing a variety of learning opportunities for students and the rest of the team.

In return we offer excellent training and development through our Workforce Development Department and within the service. Support is maintained through regular supervision and appraisal to assist you the successful candidate in setting realistic objectives enabling you in maintaining a positive attitude towards delivering quality customer care.

Opportunities to help you continue to develop throughout your carer include; Band 5 preceptorship programme, Band 5 educational group, Band 5 support group, leadership training programmes and a wide range of career progression and training opportunities.

Please see the above information and that contained within the Job Description and Person Specification attached for full detail.

This advert closes on Friday 28 Nov 2025