Occupational Therapy Assistant - Apprenticeship Opportunity

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust; Scunthorpe; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) in Scunthorpe is recruiting a Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant on a permanent contract. The role offers 37.5 hours per week with Monday to Friday daytime hours, and an apprenticeship pathway for candidates without Level 3 qualifications.

You will work under a Senior OT to support adults in the community, delivering person-centred activities and interventions aimed at rehabilitation and independent living.

Qualifications

• English and Maths at level 2 or equivalent (GCSE 9-4 or A*- C or functional skills level 2).
• NVQ Level 2 in a related subject.
• NVQ Level 3 in related subject or willingness to undertake a relevant Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Deliver agreed individual and group occupational therapy interventions under supervision and direction of a qualified Occupational Therapist.
• Support community-based assessments and help service users develop independent living skills and progress towards recovery and vocational goals.
• Plan and evaluate groups, monitor progress, and provide timely verbal and written updates.
• Collaborate with the Senior Occupational Therapist and multidisciplinary team; support induction and learning of staff and students.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Organisational skills

IT skills

Education

English and Maths level 2

NVQ Level 2 in related subject

NVQ Level 3 in related subject

Job description

Main area Community Mental Health Services Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Flexible working

37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday between 08:30am - 6pm) Job ref 376-NLTTAO-0291

Employer Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Elizabeth Quarter Town Scunthorpe Salary £26,299.62 - £27,476 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 18/11/2026 23:59

Occupational Therapy Assistant - Apprenticeship Opportunity

NHS AfC: Band 3

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the North Lincolnshire Community Mental Health Team, based at Elizabeth Quarter in Scunthorpe. Working 37.5 hours per week, you will support adults in the community through person-centred therapeutic activities and occupational interventions that promote rehabilitation, recovery, independence and empowerment. Under the direction of a Senior Occupational Therapist, you will work with individuals and groups, helping people develop daily living skills and progress towards their recovery and vocational goals.

If you don't already have a Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant subject, RDaSH are offering this post alongside the opportunity for you to complete a Level 3apprenticeship qualification [relevant to your role].

As an apprentice within RDaSH you will be given the opportunity to gain experience, learn work-related skills and obtain all the tools needed to thrive.

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. Around 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying. This leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

Whether you already work for us or are joining the Trust and NHS for the first time, apprenticeships can help you to develop the skills, knowledge and know-how in order to embark on a successful and fulfilling career within the health service.

Main duties of the job

You will deliver agreed individual and group occupational therapy interventions, under the supervision and direction of a qualified Occupational Therapist. Duties include supporting community-based assessments, helping service users develop independent living skills and work towards recovery, discharge and vocational goals and carrying out agreed interventions in community settings and, where required, in people’s homes. You will contribute to planning and evaluating groups, monitor progress, and provide accurate and timely verbal and written updates. You will work closely with the Senior Occupational Therapist and wider multidisciplinary team, attend reviews and clinical or non-clinical meetings, and build positive relationships with colleagues and external agencies. You will also support the induction and learning of staff and students, undertake relevant training, follow confidentiality, safeguarding, infection control and health and safety requirements, and promptly report clinical or operational concerns. The successful candidate will be caring, reliable, organised and able to communicate effectively with service users, carers and professionals, including when people are distressed

Working for our organisation

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employ around 4000 talented colleagues who are very much appreciated, valued, and respected.

We have a wide portfolio which includes mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services.

We are dedicated to the development of our our people and hold a learning half day every month for our colleagues.

We are passionate about enhancing the quality of our service and we work hard to attract and select the right colleagues for our organisation. Our goal is to employ those who share our passion for providing first class care while remaining committed to our vision and values. Please view our Strategy using the link below:

To find out more about working for RDaSH and the fantastic benefits we offer visit our website:

We are committed to inclusive cultures and really value people in our organisation, view our Allyship video on YouTube to find out more:

The main terms and conditions of service can be found here:

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Before applying, please view the attached job description and person specification to view the full details about the role.

****If you are applying for this role via the apprenticeship route, please review the attached eligibility document to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to undertake an apprenticeship****

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if there are a high amount of applications

Visa sponsorship: Due to recent Home Office changes and the closure of the Immigration Salary List, the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this role (SOC 6131), except where the applicant meets the Home Office transitional arrangements for Skilled Workers in place before 22 July 2025.

Person specification

Qualifications

• English and Maths at level 2 or equivalent (GCSE 9-4 or A*- C or functional skills level 2)
• NVQ Level 2 in a related subject
• NVQ level 3 in related subject or willingness to undertake a relevant Level 3 Apprenticeship

Experience

• Experience in health and/or social care settings, such as employment, work experience, volunteering or placement(s)
• Demonstrate a keen interest in mental health
• Previous experience of working as part of a team
• Experience of working in a mental health setting
• Experience of facilitating groups
• Previous experience of supervision of staff

Knowledge

• Understand importance of maintaining confidentiality
• Understanding of common mental, physical and behavioural health conditions
• Understanding of what occupational therapists do in this setting
• Good organisational, observational and planning skills
• Competent I.T. skills and use of digital technologies

skills/ Abilities

• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively both face to face and in writing
• Able to support and reassure patients / carers in distress
• Can demonstrate how they meet the Trust values (Passionate, Reliable, Caring & Safe, Empowering & Supportive of staff, Open & transparent, Progressive

Eligibility for sponsorship - please read before submitting your application

Please note, not all vacancies or applications are eligible for sponsorship.

Before applying, you can make a self-assessment of potential eligibility for sponsorship here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Please note, there have been some changes made to Home Office guidance including changes to salary thresholds for sponsorship applications and eligibility for dependent visas from 9 April 2025 and from 22 July 2025

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.