At a Glance
- Tasks: Support veterans' independence through community-based Occupational Therapy interventions.
- Company: Help for Heroes, dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community.
- Benefits: 29 days annual leave, health scheme, volunteer days, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in veterans' lives while working flexibly in the community.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care and experience in OT support.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working - remote and in the community.
Region: Midlands (between Manchester and Oxford)
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
At Help for Heroes, we help the Armed Forces community live well after service. We have an incredible opportunity for a Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our Very Seriously Injured (VSI) Community Team, supporting veterans and their families to maximise independence, recovery and quality of life.
About the Role
As a Community Occupational Therapy Assistant within the VSI Community Team, you will deliver Occupational Therapy–related interventions under the supervision of registered Community Occupational Therapists. You will play a vital role in providing person-centred, holistic support to veterans with complex physical and mental health needs, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives.
Working in the community, you will support assessments and interventions, contribute to case management under supervision, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to help beneficiaries achieve meaningful functional goals. Your role will include supporting triage of referrals, undertaking delegated OT-focused tasks once competent, attending home visits and community activities, and liaising with statutory and charitable services to ensure veterans receive the support and entitlements they need. This is a community-based role requiring frequent travel and occasional overnight stays.
About You
You are a committed Occupational Therapy Assistant with at least two years’ experience supporting OT interventions or working in a related clinical or rehabilitation setting. You are confident working autonomously in the community with remote professional support and are motivated by making a tangible difference to the lives of veterans and their families.
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Have a minimum NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g. Health & Social Care)
- Have experience supporting Occupational Therapy interventions in a clinical or community setting
- Are confident working within a multidisciplinary team
- Communicate clearly, sensitively and empathetically with individuals, families and professionals
- Are organised, adaptable and able to prioritise effectively
- Are comfortable travelling across regions and working flexibly
- Hold a full UK driving licence and are eligible for DBS clearance
Experience working with veterans, individuals with complex needs, neurological conditions or chronic pain are desirable but not essential.
About the Team
You will be joining the VSI Team at Help for Heroes to provide community-based support to the Armed Forces community. We are resourceful in finding ways to deliver what is right and fair for our beneficiaries within the healthcare domain. Our aim is to champion the Armed Forces community as they transition to civilian life and beyond, working collaboratively to support veterans and their families to achieve the best possible outcomes.
If you feel you could join a team that is excited, confident and ready for tomorrow’s challenges, this may be the role for you.
In return we can offer you:
- Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
- 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
- Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
- Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
- 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
- A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.
- Discounts on our branded clothing, including a free Help for Heroes hoody when you complete your induction.
Closing date: 22nd February 2026
Interview Process
Stage one: Remote interview via Microsoft Teams
Stage two: In-person interview (Midlands location – TBC)
Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Community Occupational Therapy Assistant employer: Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of veterans and their communities. With a flexible work culture that prioritises work-life balance, employees are encouraged to grow through hands-on experiences and community engagement initiatives. Working in Leeds offers unique opportunities to connect with local residents and contribute to transformative projects that foster collaboration and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Occupational Therapy Assistant
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Help for Heroes. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Help for Heroes.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Occupational Therapy Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Help for Heroes:Take some time to research Help for Heroes and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Help for Heroes
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Help for Heroes's values and approach.
