Occupational Therapy Assistant

Application Deadline: 6 August 2025

Department: Allied Health Professionals and Psychology

Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time

Location: Priory Hospital Southampton

Compensation: £17,082 / year

Description

Priory Hospital Southampton is looking to recruit an Assistant Occupational Therapist to join the team. This is a part-time/26-hour role.
 
Set within beautiful, landscaped gardens, Priory Hospital Southampton’s tranquil environment offers therapeutic and recovery-focused residential treatment for those suffering from a number of mental health conditions. We can support adult males and females with acute mental health needs, as well as eating disorders.
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. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, 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 registered Occupational Therapists in delivering treatment plans and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual patient needs.
• Assist patients in developing, recovering, or maintaining daily living and work skills through guided activities and exercises.
• Monitor and record patient progress, reporting observations to the Occupational Therapist for evaluation and plan adjustments.
• Prepare and maintain equipment and workspaces, ensuring a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
• Engage with patients, families, and caregivers to encourage participation and promote understanding of therapy goals.

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.
 
Candidates should ideally have prior experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills. A relevant qualification such as a Level 3 Diploma or equivalent in Health and Social Care or Therapy Support is often preferred. The role requires empathy, patience, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, along with a basic understanding of occupational therapy principles and patient care. 

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. In such cases, adverts should be closed immediately, and remaining applicants informed of the reason.