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- Tasks: Support patients with mental health needs through compassionate care and group activities.
- Company: Priory Hospital Preston is a leading mental health facility dedicated to patient wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, free parking, meals, and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs or O-Levels (grades A–C) and relevant NVQ Level 2 qualification or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and leadership roles available.
The predicted salary is between 24636 - 27400 £ per year.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
Department: Site Support Roles
Employment Type: Permanent – Part Time
Location: Priory Hospital Preston
Compensation: £12,483 / year
Description
Priory Hospital Preston is looking to recruit a Occupational Assistant to join the team. This is a Part Time/ 19 Hour role. Based in Bartle, near Preston, Priory Hospital Preston is a 50-bedded mental health hospital, offering an extensive range of services, delivered across four wards. We can support adult males and females with acute mental health needs and eating disorders, and specialise in the management and treatment of these conditions.
Priory’s acute 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 Therapy Delivery: Work closely with qualified occupational therapists to assist in planning and delivering individual and group therapy sessions tailored to patients’ needs.
- Patient Assistance: Help patients participate in daily living activities, therapeutic exercises, and recreational tasks aimed at improving independence, confidence, and functional skills.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Observe patients’ progress during sessions, maintain accurate records, and report changes or concerns to the OT team to inform ongoing care plans.
- Equipment & Environment Preparation: Prepare therapy equipment and resources, ensure a safe and accessible environment, and assist in maintaining a therapeutic space that supports recovery.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with nurses, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care, contributing to patient-centered treatment 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.
The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in a healthcare, rehabilitation, or therapeutic setting, preferably supporting occupational therapy or similar interventions. A genuine interest in patient care, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team are essential. Candidates should be organized, compassionate, and able to maintain accurate records while supporting patients in achieving their recovery goals. Formal qualifications in health, social care, or occupational therapy support are desirable but not always required.
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.
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Occupational Therapy Assistant employer: PRIORY GROUP
Contact Detail:
PRIORY GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific therapies and techniques mentioned in the job description, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and life skills training. Being able to discuss these during your interview will show your genuine interest and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Occupational Therapy Assistants, especially those who have worked in mental health settings. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your resilience and empathy through examples from your past experiences. Prepare stories that highlight how you've handled challenging situations, as these qualities are crucial for supporting patients with acute mental health needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Priory Hospital Preston and its approach to patient care. Understanding their values and mission will help you align your answers during the interview, showing that you're a good fit for their team and culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Occupational Therapy Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in mental health support, occupational therapy, or related fields. Mention specific skills such as facilitating group sessions or working with individuals with acute mental health needs.
Showcase Your Empathy and Resilience: Since the role requires compassion and resilience, include examples in your application that demonstrate these qualities. Share experiences where you supported others through challenges or contributed positively to a team environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a healthcare setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at PRIORY GROUP
✨Show Your Compassion
As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, empathy is crucial. During the interview, share examples of how you've supported individuals in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with patients and understand their needs.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience or training in areas like autism support, DBT, or life skills development, make sure to mention it. Tailor your responses to reflect how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to handle difficult patient interactions or support a team member. Think about how you would approach these situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the position. This shows you're engaged and serious about the role.
