Occupational Therapy Assistant | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; Prestwich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Prestwich is seeking an Occupational Therapist to support patients with complex mental health needs. Working in a collaborative environment, you will motivate and assist patients in their daily activities while helping them develop essential skills. The position offers generous benefits, including 27 days of annual leave, excellent pension options, and a commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Excellent pension

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Wellbeing programme

Blue Light Card Discounts

Qualifications

• Applicants must be able to motivate and support patients in therapy.
• Ability to assist patients in daily living and improve communication.
• Experience in developing problem-solving skills and physical capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Motivate patients to engage in Occupational Therapy.
• Help patients with their daily living activities.
• Develop communication skills in patients.
• Aid in problem solving and organization skills.
• Support the development of physical skills for independence.
• Facilitate patient adaptation to their environment.

Skills

Motivation for Occupation

Communication and Interaction Skills

Problem Solving Skills

Physical Skills

Job description

An exciting opportunity is available to work within the Adult Forensic Secure Mental Health setting, providing a quality service to service users who are deemed to have complex and challenging mental health needs.

You would work alongside a large established team of Occupational Therapists and support staff to deliver a clinical programme of individual and group work.

The Occupational Therapy service has a wide range of resources that support the patient journey towards discharge. These include a dedicated skills and education centre, a fully equipped gymnasium and sports hall and access to the unit Recovery Academy.

The department is committed to staff wellbeing and progression. Regular supervision, the appraisal process and continuing development opportunities are established and welcomed.

Applicants should note that an enhanced disclosure check via the DBS will be required before appointment.

Responsibilities

• Motivation for Occupation – To support, motivate and encourage patients to engage in Occupational Therapy interventions.
• Pattern of Occupation – To support patients to address their Activities of Daily Living needs and work towards an organised and productive daily routine.
• Communication and Interaction Skills – To work with patients to develop and improve all aspects of their communication skills to enable them to function in all aspects of their daily lives.
• Process Skills – To support patients to develop skills in organisation, problem solving, concentration and memory.
• Motor Skills – To support patients to develop the necessary physical skills which will enable them to function independently.
• Environment – To enable patients to function as independently as possible, maximise opportunities to learn new or maintain existing skills and minimise the impact of the restrictive environment.

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7,000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world’s most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

See attached detailed job description and person specification:

Staff benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Excellent pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Wellbeing programme
• Blue Light Card Discounts

This advert closes on Monday 15 Dec 2025