At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patients in recovery through engaging 1:1 and group activities.
- Company: Join Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, serving over 1 million people with diverse health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, free parking, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health while working in a supportive, values-driven team.
- Qualifications: Compassionate team player with basic IT skills; experience in mental health is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working hours available; apply early as the advert may close soon.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Make a difference, together
Join a supportive, upbeat OT team delivering high-quality, recovery-focused care across our acute mental health wards. You’ll help people during periods of crisis build skills, confidence and routines that support their recovery.
The role
Working alongside Band 5/6 Occupational Therapists and fellow OTAs, you’ll deliver 1:1 and group interventions across our core OT pathways:
Physical: graded activity, activation, healthy routines
Sensory: regulation and self-management strategies
Psycho-educational (Trauma-Informed): skills for wellbeing & safety
You’ll contribute to assessments, co-create care plans, complete clear documentation, and feed back meaningfully in MDTs/board rounds. A full, supportive induction and in-house training are provided, with opportunities to progress (including the OT Degree Apprenticeship).
About you
You’re compassionate, practical and a team player who enjoys helping people set and achieve goals.
Great communicator; confident facilitating small groups
Organised, reliable, and comfortable working on busy wards
Basic IT and documentation skills
Values-led, trauma-informed and recovery-focused approach
Willingness to learn; reflective and open to supervision
Experience in mental health, social care, or support work
Knowledge/interest in sensory approaches and occupation-focused practice
UK driving licence (for occasional community tasks)
What we offer
27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
Free onsite parking
Clear development pathways—several OTAs have progressed into training as Occupational Therapists
Interested?
Let’s talk.
Call: Sarah Berrington or Katie Crowfoot 0116 225 2669
Email: sarah.berrington1@nhs.net or katie.crowfoot@nhs.net
Job Description Summary
Main Duties and Responsibilities
As a Band 3 Mental Health Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will play an essential role in delivering high-quality treatment programmes that support the recovery of adults of working age who are experiencing severe and enduring mental health challenges.
Working under the supervision and guidance of Occupational Therapists, you will contribute to a diverse range of individual and group interventions, helping patients develop the skills and confidence they need to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
This role offers the opportunity to demonstrate leadership within your scope of practice, by supporting patients on their recovery journeys and working collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
Key responsibilities include:
Delivering delegated therapeutic interventions with compassion, consistency, and professionalism
Supporting patients to build daily living skills, independence, and confidence through meaningful activity
Contributing to assessments and providing constructive feedback to the Occupational Therapy team
Demonstrating effective communication and teamwork with colleagues across the service
Promoting and modelling the Trust’s values and behaviours in your daily practice with patients, carers, and colleagues
Participating in service delivery across core Occupational Therapy pathways, including:
Functional (daily living skills, routines, roles, community participation)
Physical Health (graded activity, lifestyle management, activation)
Sensory (regulation, self-management strategies)
Psycho-Educational / Trauma-Informed approaches
Additional Information
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 8:00am 4:00pm (negotiable and to be discussed at interview)
Driving Licence: Not essential for this role
We may close the advert early, if we receive a sufficient number of applicants, so please apply as soon as possible.
About Us
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) provides a range of community health, mental health and learning disability services for people of all ages. Delivered through over 100 settings from inpatient wards to out in the community, our 6,500 staff serve over 1 million people living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
We aim to develop a workforce that reflects our community. We actively implement equal opportunities in employment and service delivery and seek people who share our commitment. We strongly encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly from underrepresented groups.
Details of our benefits, leadership behaviours and other important information can be found in the Information for Applicants, please view the supporting documents.
We will consider requests to work alternative hours or varied working patterns in line with our flexible working policy.
For all substantive roles, new staff (excluding medical staff) are appointed subject to a 6-month probationary period (see Probation Policy).
All jobs will require permission to work in the UK.
For all jobs the cost of any DBS disclosure required will be met by the individual. This will be deducted from salary once started.
Applicants at risk within the local NHS who meet essential criteria will have preference for interview.
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Senior Health Care Assistant employer: Riverside Care Home
Contact Detail:
Riverside Care Home Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Health Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core Occupational Therapy pathways mentioned in the job description. Understanding the specific interventions like graded activity and sensory regulation will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in mental health or social care during your conversations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in crisis, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and compassion.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to teamwork and communication. Since you'll be working closely with Occupational Therapists and other staff, showcasing your ability to collaborate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your willingness to learn and grow within the role. Mentioning your interest in the OT Degree Apprenticeship can show that you're committed to developing your skills and advancing your career with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Health Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Senior Health Care Assistant.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in mental health, social care, or support work. Provide specific examples of how you've contributed to patient care and recovery, particularly in group or individual settings.
Showcase Your Skills: Mention your communication skills, ability to work in a team, and any relevant IT skills. Discuss your approach to trauma-informed care and how you can contribute to a supportive environment for patients.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for helping others and your commitment to recovery-focused care. Use this opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation, and explain why you're a great fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Riverside Care Home
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Senior Health Care Assistant, compassion is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've supported individuals in crisis and helped them build confidence and skills. This will demonstrate your alignment with the role's focus on recovery.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
This role involves working closely with Occupational Therapists and other team members. Discuss your previous experiences in a team setting, emphasising your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate on patient care.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Therapeutic Approaches
Familiarise yourself with the core OT pathways mentioned in the job description, such as sensory regulation and trauma-informed care. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these approaches in practice during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Engage with your interviewers by preparing thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the specific challenges faced in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.