Occupational Therapy Assistant

Priory; Stockton-on-the-Forest; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Birthday holiday

Enhanced maternity pay

Pension scheme

Flexible benefits

IPD sponsorship

Leadership development

Long service award

Refer a friend bonus

Job summary

Priory Stockton Hall is recruiting an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join a forensic team. This full-time 37.5-hour-per-week role provides support to qualified OTs in assessments and therapeutic interventions for detained patients within a mental illness service line.

You will work in a medium secure hospital near York, helping patients build independence through life skills and meaningful activities while being supported by supervision and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Entry level role; health and social care experience desirable.
• Natural empathy and resilience are essential to support others.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) within a forensic setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist qualified occupational therapists with planning, implementation and evaluation of therapy and care plans.
• Support patients to build independence and life skills through OT sessions and activities.
• Maintain and update clinical records and computerised information systems as directed.
• Contribute to group sessions and document patient progress and engagement.

Job description

Department: Allied Health Professionals and Psychology

Location: Stockton Hall

Compensation: £26,300 / year

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Department: Allied Health Professionals and Psychology

Location: Stockton Hall

Compensation: £26,300 / year

Description

Priory Hospital Stockton Hall is looking to recruit a Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the team. This is a full time role of 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated occupational therapy assistant to join our team of forensic occupational therapists and therapy assistants. The post holder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting qualified occupational therapists in the delivery of specialist assessments and therapeutic interventions to detained patients within our mental illness service line.

Priory Stockton Hall is a long-serving medium secure hospital based in a quiet but well-connected village near the historic city of York. It serves the local Provider Collaborative and multiple National Collaboratives, depending on clinical need, and has had a long-running record of successful patient pathways.

What you'll be doing

Working within a medium secure hospital, you will provide assistance to qualified occupational therapists with the planning, implementation and evaluation of therapy and care plans in order to support the mental, emotional, physical and social well-being of assigned clients.

You will be part of a compassionate team who are committed to our patient's wellbeing and recovery. You will play a key part in their recovery by helping individuals build independence and confidence through the acquisition and maintenance of essential life skills, enabling meaningful participation in everyday activities. You will have the opportunity to support our patients through individual or group sessions and will be supported through regular clinical and management supervision with your personal and professional development.

• Able to effectively and accurately update clinical records and computerised information systems as directed by the Occupational Therapist in a timely manner.
• Record and report patient's involvement in 1:1 and groups. Ensuring any unusual physical, mental or emotional occurrences are promptly referred to senior staff and documented in an appropriate manner.
• Having compassion for the patients and their situation.
• Being proactive, enthusiastic and encouraging with staff and patients, encouraging interactions within groups and activities.
• Able to support with the development and creation of activity schedules and service line timetables.
• Supporting OT with clinical / OT assessments.
• Propose new ideas for delivery to further enhance patient experience following feedback gained through community groups and OT sessions/guidance.
• A willingness to support on new group wide programmes implemented to promote a consistent delivery across the priory group.
• Ensures the services and support provided offers good value for money and supports the overall aim of the site.
• Working with patients to increase their sense of purpose and value through life skills and prescribed OT sessions

You will act as a positive role model promoting the value of occupation, as well as upholding the values of the Priory Group.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.

Entry level role however experience in working in a health and social care setting is desired.

For more information about the role, you can email [e-mail]

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.

• Free on-site parking
• Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• 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.