Occupational Therapy Assistant

Department: Allied Health Professionals and Psychology

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Kneesworth House

Compensation: £24,638 / year

Description

Priory Hospital Kneesworth is looking to recruit an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the team.  This is a full-time/37.5 Hours role.
 
Located in Royston, Hertfordshire, within a purpose-built facility and spacious grounds, Priory Hospital Kneesworth House is a level 2 rehabilitation service, which provides a range of specialist recovery pathways, all at one site. 
The hospital also provides acute and psychiatric intensive care, medium and low secure services, and bespoke therapeutic placements. Priory’s acute and PICU services aim to allow more people to be treated closer to home and we support the NHS to repatriate out-of-area patients back to local areas.

What you'll be doing

You will be part of a compassionate team who are committed to our patients wellbeing. We take a personalised approach, using proven therapies to help people move forward with confidence and build a healthier, more fulfilling future. You will play a key part in their recovery, assisting qualified staff with the assessment and implementation of individual patient care plans, undertaking routine tasks and activities as directed or delegated to facilitate wellbeing, dignity and treatment of patients.

• Support service users in maintaining or developing skills through meaningful therapeutic activities that promote recovery and well-being.
• Assist Occupational Therapists in assessments, treatment planning, and implementing 1:1 or group therapeutic interventions based on individual interests and strengths.
• Facilitate activities both on and off ward, including within Occupational Therapy resource areas and the community.
• Engage service users in a variety of hospital-wide opportunities such as the Hospital Shop, Library, Café, Vocational sessions (Animal Care, Horticulture, DIY), and Work Opportunity Roles.
• Deliver interventions like cooking, using household appliances, reading bus timetables, arts and crafts, music, gardening, sports, social activities, and supporting independent leisure and vocational skills.

 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.
 
The role requires resilience and adaptability, as the work can be both rewarding and challenging with no two days alike. Prior experience in a health or social care setting is essential, while experience working within secure services or with individuals with mental health diagnoses is desirable. A relevant NVQ2 healthcare qualification is also preferred. Priory is committed to supporting professional growth by offering training, continuous professional development (CPD), and career development opportunities, including support for Occupational Therapy Apprenticeships. 

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
• Supplemented meals
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 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.