Occupational Therapist Assistant

Priory; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced maternity pay

Birthday Holiday — extra leave

Contributory pension

Flexible benefits including gym access

Private healthcare

Development opportunities

IPD sponsorship for qualifications

Leadership development

Long service award

Refer a friend bonuses

Job summary

Priory Hospital Newbury is recruiting an Assistant Psychologist to support therapeutic activities and assessments for adult mental health in Berkshire. The role involves assisting with tailored treatment plans, promoting independence, and working with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality care.

We welcome applicants with a genuine interest in psychology and mental health services. A psychology degree (BPS accredited) or current studies are desirable, with opportunities for development

Qualifications

• Psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) or currently studying towards a psychology degree.
• Experience in mental health settings and with psychological assessments is advantageous.
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the assessment and delivery of tailored treatment plans.
• Assist patients in developing daily living skills and engagement in activities.
• Collaborate with the MDT to support person-centred care and record progress.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Psychology degree (BPS accredited)

Job description

Description

Priory Hospital Newbury
Salary: £26,300
Full Tim 37.5 Hours

Priory Hospital Newbury, located in Berkshire, is a level 2 rehabilitation service which supports male adults with mental health needs who are working towards a life back in the community. We also provide an acute service, for local male and female patients who are in crisis and require a short admission for support.

We are well-placed to accept patients who need higher levels of care and intensive therapeutic support, as well as those stepping down in acuity.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you will play a key part in patient recovery, supporting the assessment and delivery of tailored treatment plans while ensuring dignity, respect, and high standards of care.

• Support the Occupational Therapist in planning and delivering therapeutic activities to promote patients’ independence, wellbeing and recovery.
• Assist patients in developing daily living skills, including personal care, self-care routines and practical life skills.
• Facilitate individual and group activities designed to improve social interaction, confidence, communication and engagement.
• Encourage patients to participate in meaningful occupations and therapeutic activities that support their individual recovery goals.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to support person‑centred care and contribute to patients’ treatment plans.
• Monitor and report patients’ progress, engagement and any changes in presentation to the Occupational Therapist and wider clinical team.
• Help maintain a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment that promotes dignity, choice and independence.
• Support the preparation of therapeutic resources, activity programmes and group sessions in line with patients’ individual needs.
• Maintain accurate records of patient participation and ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with clinical policies and procedures.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Essential for the Role – Assistant Psychologist We welcome applications from individuals who have a genuine interest in developing a career within psychology and mental health services. Applicants may hold a Psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society or currently be studying towards a Psychology degree. We would also welcome applications from individuals working in a Support Worker role who are looking to develop their knowledge, skills and experience and progress their career within psychology. A completed degree is not essential for this opportunity.

The Following Experience Would Be Beneficial Experience working within a mental health setting and supporting individuals with a range of psychological needs would be advantageous. Experience assisting with psychological assessments, administering and scoring psychometric measures, contributing to therapeutic interventions and maintaining accurate clinical records would also be beneficial. Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, alongside the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), are desirable.

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Enhanced maternity pay
• Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and private healthcare
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.

About Priory

Priory is the UK’s leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 12,000 colleagues and a network of 270 services, we support over 24,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions – including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and children’s mental health – and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, Prader–Willi Syndrome, brain injuries and older people.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process. Learn more about the accessibility support we offer here.

For agency enquiries and applications, please view our legal statement here.

All roles are subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.