Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate therapeutic groups and engage 1-1 with patients in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, pioneering women's mental health care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, High Cost Area allowance, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while working in a rewarding yet challenging role.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with a passion for mental health and teamwork.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team shaping the future of mental health services.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a dedicated, compassionate mental health professional committed to providing great care? Do you want the chance to help shape a new and genuinely innovative service for the women of Kent and Medway? We are creating Kent and Medway’s first, and only, NHS Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for women, and are seeking a talented Occupational Therapy Assistant to help us deliver this vital service.
Please note that the start date for this post will be March 2026, to allow for sufficient time for onboarding, induction, and training before the anticipated arrival of the first patient in April 2026.
Key Responsibilities- Facilitate therapeutic groups.
- 1-1 engagement and arrange activities with patients.
- Create a therapeutic environment, which supports sensory and community integration.
- Support the recovery needs of patients by signposting them to the support in the community and tailored discharge planning.
- Work closely with family, friends, and carers.
- Assist the Occupational Therapists with assessments.
- High Cost Area allowance.
- Group work facilitation.
- Community signposting and integration.
- Assist with assessments.
- Support with ordering and auditing equipment.
- 1-1 tailored intervention in conjunction with Occupational Therapist.
- Work as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
Working in a PICU is very rewarding but it is demanding too. It is likely to be needed by people with severe and complex mental health conditions (e.g. Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder and may be associated with Personality Disorder, Substance Misuse and PTSD). While emotionally challenging, the opportunity to support critically unwell women back to their communities, ensuring 'right care, in the right place, at the right time', is immense, and your skilled, multidisciplinary team will be there to support you.
You would be working as part of a team of mental health experts, dedicated to making sure the most unwell women in our communities have the same access to specialist care as men. We are recruiting now to make sure our new female PICU team is in place with enough time to train, form team bonds and prepare, so you can all make a profound difference to patient outcomes from day one.
We also offer ongoing professional development to help you adapt and progress your career, including bespoke training and a comprehensive induction program.
All jobs based at our Dartford unit come with a High Cost Area Supplement: 5% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £1303 per year and a maximum payment of £2198 per year (the agreed annual amount will be divided into 12 equal amounts and paid monthly). The salary listed is inclusive of the High-Cost Area Allowance.
Occupational Therapy Assistant | Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust employer: Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust
Contact Detail:
Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Assistant | Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to mental health care. We should also think about how our experiences align with the responsibilities of facilitating therapeutic groups and supporting patients' recovery needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for mental health! During interviews, let’s share personal stories or experiences that highlight our commitment to helping others. This will help us stand out as a compassionate candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on any updates or new opportunities that pop up in the future.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Assistant | Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for mental health shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of women in Kent and Medway. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to compassionate care.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Occupational Therapy Assistant role. Highlight your skills in facilitating therapeutic groups and working with patients. We love seeing how your unique experiences align with our mission to create a supportive environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates can communicate effectively, as this is crucial in a multi-disciplinary team setting. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Occupational Therapy Assistant in a PICU setting. Familiarise yourself with therapeutic group facilitation, community integration, and how to support patients with complex mental health conditions. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
In this line of work, compassion is key. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding towards patients. Highlighting your ability to connect with individuals on a personal level will resonate well with the interviewers, as they are looking for someone who can create a supportive environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the workplace culture aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Practice Self-Care Techniques
Given the emotionally demanding nature of the job, be ready to discuss how you manage stress and maintain your own mental health. Sharing your self-care strategies will demonstrate your awareness of the challenges in this field and your commitment to providing the best care for others while taking care of yourself.
