At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with Learning Disabilities through personalised interventions and assessments.
- Company: Join the outstanding Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust team.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career pathways.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills in a rewarding field.
- Qualifications: Foundation Degree Level study or equivalent experience; driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Overview
Go back Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner
The closing date is 16 October 2025
We are seeking an enthusiastic band 4 Occupational Therapist Assistant Practitioner to join our specialist Multi-Disciplinary Team based in West Kent. Come and join our community-based team, who work closely alongside Local Authority and specialist Mental Health services to support adults with Learning Disabilities and complex needs. This is an excellent opportunity to work in an extremely rewarding specialist area where you will use your Occupational Therapy skills to support personalised interventions for the clients and support Occupational Therapy colleagues within a well-established and friendly team. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the condition, so we provide flexible and holistic care in a range of community settings. You must have a full, valid UK driving licence and have the ability to travel within the West Kent locality and also where required, across locations within the wider service, in a timely manner to ensure completion of role.
Main duties of the job
The Occupational Therapy team provides specialist support to enable people with a Learning Disability to live their lives fully in the community. You will be expected to:
- Develop and increase knowledge around falls and people with a Learning Disability and how this can impact their lives. Completing falls assessments and carrying out interventions including falls prevention work.
- Complete the trust training and gain competencies to become a Supplementary Assessor to be able to assess and prescribe standard stock equipment.
- Manage a clinical caseload providing assessment and interventions for people with a Learning Disability under supervision from an Occupational Therapist. You will work towards maximising a person\'s quality of life by providing clinical expertise, behavioural and/or engagement support.
- Measure progress and ensure effective outcomes for the individual with a Learning Disability
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well as part of a team. You will be required to work closely with all stakeholders and promote effective collaborative working with all those involved in the person\'s life.
- Contribute to the development of multi-disciplinary best practice, service development and quality improvement. The post holder will be encouraged to access regular supervision, annual appraisal and identified CPD opportunities as required/available.
About us
Rated \'outstanding\' by the CQC, we\'ve got a passion for delivering high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. To do this we need outstanding people who share our values compassionate Aspirational Responsive Excellent
We know a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion leads to better patient care and a happier workforce. We pride ourselves in being diverse and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences
We ask for information about your protected characteristics on our application forms. This isn\'t visible to anyone involved with shortlisting or interviewing you, except when you choose to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme due to disability. Short listers will see two ticks alongside your application to ensure they apply the principles of the scheme to your submission
The data we collect helps us to ensure we are attracting diversity in our applicants, that all our colleagues have equitable access to career opportunities and supports us on our journey to being a Great Place to Work
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want you to be able to work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Talk to us about a flexible working arrangement that won\'t involve sacrificing time for personal interests or family commitments. We\'ll support you to work flexibly in a way that will suit us both
See where you can go with KCHFT career pathways
Job responsibilities
As a community Trust many of our roles require individuals to be able to drive to perform their duties. As such you will be asked to confirm you have a full UK driving licence where driving is a requirement of the role to be able to proceed with your application. We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities into employment, if you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team via kentchft.recruitment@nhs.net quoting the vacancy reference number so we can support you further.
The job description and person specification gives you all the information you need about this role. Please look carefully at the criteria in the person specification and tell us what you have done that shows you meet this in your application. If you need an application form in an alternative format please let our recruitment team know. All information you supply on your application should, to the best of your knowledge, be true and accurate.
Still have questions? The recruiting manager would love to hear from you, their contact details can be found in the job advert.
We can get a lot of applications for some roles so to be in with the best chance of being shortlisted please make sure you apply as soon as possible. A vacancy may close early if there is a lot of interest in the job.
At KCHFT we strongly encourage colleagues in clinical and non-clinical roles who have direct or social contact with patients to be fully vaccinated. In this way we will be doing all we can to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues and the patients we serve.
Find out more about the community difference here.
Good luck! We cant wait to meet you and welcome you to #teamKCHFT, #cometocommunity.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Evidence of Foundation Degree Level study (Level 5) or be able to demonstrate the equivalent level of experience
- Functional Skills at Level 2 (Literacy and numeracy/ GCSE grade A-C or equivalent in English and Maths)
- Mentorship / Coaching qualification Trusted Assessor/ Supplementary Assessor Care Certificate
Experience
- Experience as a Senior Healthcare worker
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience with the use of Microsoft Office and a variety of IT packages (E-Pay / E-roster / Rio)
- Experience of assessing and prescribing standard stock equipment
- Experience of working with people with a learning disability
- Experience of working in a community setting
- Experience of working with people who fall or at risk of falls
Knowledge
- Awareness of professional issues and recent developments in the NHS and Primary Care including Clinical Governance, NICE, Essence of Care Knowledge of up to date clinical practice in relation to Learning Disabilities and Occupational Therapy
- A full understanding of the role and remit of an Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner
- Knowledge of the Occupational Therapist role within a community Learning Disabilities team
Skills and abilities
- Sound communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to use own initiative
- Ability to cope with change
- Ability to organise own work
Personal attributes
- Ability to motivate and organise others to ensure best practice
- Ability to work under pressure
Ability to manage
- Able to support the implementation of local and national agenda\'s for health under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist
- Have a full, valid UK driving licence and have the ability to travel within the West Kent locality and also where required, across locations within the wider service, in a timely manner to ensure completion of role
- Ability to manage own time effectively
- Ability to prioritise care delivery in a professional manner, taking into account Trust policies and procedures
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner employer: Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is an outstanding employer dedicated to providing high-quality patient care in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer flexible working arrangements and continuous professional development opportunities, ensuring that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in West Kent, where you will be part of a compassionate and collaborative community-focused team, making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
Contact Details:
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare field, especially those who work with learning disabilities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to occupational therapy and learning disabilities. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about patient care.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what they're looking for in an Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences match their needs.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, focus on your experience with learning disabilities and community settings. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in similar roles. This will help us see your potential impact on our team.
Be Honest and Accurate:It's super important that all the information you provide is true and accurate. If you're unsure about something, it's better to clarify than to guess. We value integrity and want to ensure that your application reflects your genuine qualifications.
Apply Early!:We get a lot of applications, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit yours. Applying early gives you a better chance of being shortlisted. Plus, it shows us that you're keen and organised. Head over to our website to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Occupational Therapy, especially in relation to Learning Disabilities. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in the NHS and how they impact the role. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but also committed to providing the best care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in working with people who have Learning Disabilities. Highlight any relevant training or qualifications, like your Foundation Degree or mentorship experience, to prove you’re ready for this role.
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be working closely with a multi-disciplinary team, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex information simply, as effective communication is crucial in this field.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics or the types of interventions you might be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
