Occupational Therapy Assistant

Cornwall Partnership Nhs Foundation Trust; Bodmin; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Bodmin is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant to support therapy-led activities for patients on Fletcher Ward. The role may require weekend/evening work as part of a flexible pattern within a 17-bed acute ward for adults in mental health crisis.

You will help run groups, assist with life skills, sensory and functional activities, and collaborate with partner agencies to deliver a broad activity program.

Qualifications

• Qualification to level 3 or equivalent experience in relevant subject.
• Experience of providing social and recreational activities in group settings and with individuals.
• Experience of working with people who have cognitive, physical, learning disability or challenging behaviour.
• Recent experience of working in a mental health setting.
• Desirable: NHS experience.

Responsibilities

• Support occupational therapy led, therapeutic groups and activities on and off the ward.
• Co-facilitate activity-based groups with third sector/partner agencies as appropriate.
• Coordinate volunteers in group delivery.
• Support interventions identified from the occupational assessment on ward or in the community.

Skills

Rapport building

Motivational skills

Practical/creative skills

Education

Qualification to level 3

NHS experience (Desirable)

Job description

Job summary

Opportunity to join an innovative and forward thinking team! - Join our Team as a Occupational Therapy Assistant.

The post holder will provide support for the patients who are admitted to the ward and will require the successful candidate to work flexibly, which could include weekends and evenings.

Fletcher Ward is a 17 bed Acute Ward for adults experiencing severe mental health crisis. We work hard to provide a therapeutic environment which promotes the principles of person centred care that is least restricted and recovery focused.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for supporting occupational therapy led, therapeutic groups, moving on groups, life skills, sensory and functional activities. You will be using practical, communication and creative skills to provide a flexible programme of groups and individual activities on and off the ward.

The post holder will co facilitate/facilitate activity based groups in collaboration with third sector/ partner agencies where appropriate.

You will also be responsible for coordinating volunteers in group delivery.

The post holder will also be responsible for supporting specific interventions which have been identified from the occupational assessment this could be ward based or in the community.

About us

We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Over 4,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 13 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increases the numbers of people who use our services.

Details

Date posted: 15 October 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 3

Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year Per Annum/Pro Rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share

Reference number: 201-26-733-A

Job locations: Fletcher Ward, Bodmin Hospital, Bodmin, PL31 2QT, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see supporting documents.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications and Relevant Experience

• Essential: Qualification to level 3 or equivalent experience in relevant subject
• Essential: Experience of providing social and recreational activities in group settings and with individuals
• Essential: Experience of working with people who have cognitive, physical, learning disability or challenging behaviour.
• Essential: Recent experience of working in a mental Health setting
• Desirable: Qualifications in exercise, complementary therapies etc.
• Desirable: Previous NHS Experience

Skills and Aptitude

• Essential: Ability to use persuasive, motivational and reassurance strategies to build rapport and engage patients in activities
• Essential: Personal practical or creative skills eg. craft, music, art, cookery, physical activities

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name: Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Fletcher Ward, Bodmin Hospital, Bodmin, PL31 2QT, United Kingdom

Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact: Ward Manager, Jacob Wells, [e-mail], 01208253177