Occupational Therapy Assistant

Help for Heroes; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated charity supporting the Armed Forces community is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join its VSI Community Team. This role involves delivering Occupational Therapy interventions under supervision to enhance veterans' independence and quality of life. Ideal candidates will have at least two years’ experience and a relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent. The position offers a community-focused environment, generous benefits, and the chance to make a real difference in veterans' lives.

Benefits

29 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Health scheme with discounts

Generous pension scheme

Opportunity to volunteer for community support

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience in supporting OT interventions.
• Experience in clinical or community settings is preferred.
• Experience with veterans or complex needs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver OT-related interventions under supervision.
• Support assessments and contribute to case management.
• Conduct home visits and liaise with services.

Skills

Support Occupational Therapy interventions

Communicate clearly and empathetically

Organised and adaptable

Confident in multidisciplinary team

Full UK driving licence

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent

Job description

Position Details

Salary: £26,260 - £29,148

Location: Community-based role covering the Midlands (between Manchester and Oxford)

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent position

About

At Help for Heroes, we help the Armed Forces community live well after service.

We have an incredible opportunity for a Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our Very Seriously Injured (VSI) Community Team, supporting veterans and their families to maximise independence, recovery and quality of life.

About the Role

As a Community Occupational Therapy Assistant within the VSI Community Team, you will deliver Occupational Therapy–related interventions under the supervision of registered Community Occupational Therapists. You will play a vital role in providing person‑centred, holistic support to veterans with complex physical and mental health needs, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives.

Working in the community, you will support assessments and interventions, contribute to case management under supervision, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to help beneficiaries achieve meaningful functional goals.

Your role will include supporting triage of referrals, undertaking delegated OT‑focused tasks once competent, attending home visits and community activities, and liaising with statutory and charitable services to ensure veterans receive the support and entitlements they need.

This is a community‑based role requiring frequent travel and occasional overnight stays.

About You

You are a committed Occupational Therapy Assistant with at least two years’ experience supporting OT interventions or working in a related clinical or rehabilitation setting. You are confident working autonomously in the community with remote professional support and are motivated by making a tangible difference to the lives of veterans and their families.

• Have a minimum NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g. Health & Social Care)
• Have experience supporting Occupational Therapy interventions in a clinical or community setting
• Are confident working within a multidisciplinary team
• Communicate clearly, sensitively and empathetically with individuals, families and professionals
• Are organised, adaptable and able to prioritise effectively
• Are comfortable travelling across regions and working flexibly
• Hold a full UK driving licence and are eligible for DBS clearance

Experience working with veterans, individuals with complex needs, neurological conditions or chronic pain are desirable but not essential.

About the Team

You will be joining the VSI Team at Help for Heroes to provide community‑based support to the Armed Forces community. We are resourceful in finding ways to deliver what is right and fair for our beneficiaries within the healthcare domain. Our aim is to champion the Armed Forces community as they transition to civilian life and beyond, working collaboratively to support veterans and their families to achieve the best possible outcomes.

If you feel you could join a team that is excited, confident and ready for tomorrow’s challenges, this may be the role for you.

Benefits

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.
• Discounts on our branded clothing, including a free Help for Heroes hoody when you complete your induction.

Closing Date

22nd February 2026

Interview Process

We will conduct a two‑stage interview process.

1. Stage one: Remote interview via Microsoft Teams
2. Stage two: In‑person interview (Midlands location – TBC)

We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all.