Healthcare Assistant - Therapies

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant to support the multidisciplinary team in delivering a well-established therapy service for older adults with dementia. The role involves planning therapy groups, assisting with discharge processes, and maintaining clinical records. Required qualifications include Level 3 and Level 2 in Care. This position offers flexible working and a competitive salary based in Hereford.

Benefits

Generous NHS pension

Flexible working opportunities

27 days leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in a caring environment is essential.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Level 3 qualification or equivalent in Care is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run therapy groups.
• Support OT in communicating with agencies and families.
• Assist with the discharge process.

Skills

Experience working with people, preferably in a caring environment

Ability to work independently

Teamwork skills

Knowledge of Care Certificate standards

Education

Level 3 qualification in Care or equivalent

Level 2 qualification in Care

Job description

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Occupational Therapy (OT) Assistant to join the Older Adult Mental Health In Patient Therapies Team at the Stonebow Unit in Hereford.

The current post is to support the Occupational Therapists to provide a well‑established OT service to Cantilupe Ward, which provides assessment and treatment for older adults with a diagnosis of dementia. There is a strong emphasis on wellbeing and sensory preferences for our patients, and as an OTA you will lead many of these interventions under the supervision of an OT.

The team includes OT, Therapy Assistants, Physiotherapy and Psychology, and you will have the opportunity to assist the wider multidisciplinary team when required.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of the ward OT, you will:

• Plan and run therapy groups such as art, reminiscence, sensory room engagement, and exercise;
• Support the OT in liaising with community agencies, families and carers to gather information;
• Assist with the discharge process, including accessing community facilities and facilitating home visits (car and valid driving licence required);
• Take independent responsibility for departmental duties such as administration, health and safety checks and monitoring the use of resources;
• Communicate effectively with the supervising OT and the wider MDT, and complete accurate clinical records.

About Us

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust delivers outstanding care across community hospitals, community health services, and mental health and learning disability services in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Our people (over 4,500) provide services for people of all ages, experiencing a range of physical and mental health conditions from 100+ sites.

What We Offer

• 27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service;
• Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when you work unsocial hours;
• Flexible and agile working opportunities;
• Great maternity, paternity, and adoption support;
• Wide range of supportive staff networks;
• Health and wellbeing opportunities.

Employment Details

Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year, pro rata.
Contract: Permanent.
Working pattern: Part‑time, flexible working.
Minimum hours: 15 hours per week (flexible).

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working with people, preferably in a caring environment;
• Ability to work independently, take responsibility and act on own initiative;
• Able to work in a small team;
• Level 3 qualification (e.g., A‑level, NVQ3) in Care or equivalent;
• Level 2 qualification (e.g., GCSE Grade A‑C or NVQ2) in Care; will undertake relevant Level 3 qualification on appointment;
• Will meet Care Certificate standards within 12 weeks of commencing employment;
• Will meet travel requirements of the role;
• Knowledge that the Trust will not routinely provide sponsorship for work.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a therapy setting or working alongside therapists;
• Ability to follow rehabilitation programmes presented by qualified staff;

Additional Criteria

Able to meet the travel requirements of the role and understand that sponsorship will not be routinely provided.

Application Information

For full details of the duties and criteria for the role, please refer to the attached job description and person specification. If you would like to know more, please visit our website.

Data protection: As a data controller, we may process your data to pursue legitimate business interests, for example to request a survey from you (optional). We will support the Trust’s understanding of your interest in working for us.