Location: St Matthews Hospital, 21-23 St Matthew’s Parade, Northampton, NN2 7HF
Salary: From £12.81 per hour
Contract Type: Full Time permanent
Hours: Full Time – 37.5 Hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
Job Summary
St Matthews Healthcare is seeking a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to join St Matthews Hospital, our male-only inpatient mental health rehabilitation unit.
Working under the supervision of the Senior Occupational Therapist and with oversight from the OT Lead, the successful candidate will support the delivery of structured, occupation-focused rehabilitation programmes for adults with complex mental health needs.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about rehabilitation, recovery-focused care, and supporting individuals to develop independence and daily living skills within a therapeutic environment.
Key Responsibilities of the Role
Clinical and Rehabilitation Support
- Assist in delivering individual and group occupational therapy interventions as directed by the Senior Occupational Therapist
- Support patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including meal preparation, laundry, budgeting, personal care, and social participation
- Facilitate planned therapeutic activities, structured sessions, and community-based rehabilitation activities
- Encourage and motivate patients to engage positively with rehabilitation programmes and personal recovery goals
- Contribute to the delivery of a meaningful 7-day rehabilitation programme within contracted working hours
- Support the safe and purposeful use of therapeutic ward spaces
Assessment and Documentation
- Observe and record patient engagement, participation, and progress, providing feedback to the Senior Occupational Therapist and MDT
- Assist with outcome measures and rehabilitation-related assessments under supervision
- Maintain accurate, timely, and professional clinical documentation
- Report concerns or changes in patient presentation appropriately and promptly
Team Working and Service Support
- Work collaboratively with nursing staff, psychologists, medical professionals, and wider MDT colleagues
- Participate in handovers, team meetings, and rehabilitation planning discussions
- Assist with maintaining OT resources, therapeutic materials, and activity spaces
- Support the promotion and visibility of occupational therapy within the service
- Contribute ideas to support ongoing service and rehabilitation programme development
Professional Responsibilities
- Work within the boundaries of the OTA role and delegated responsibilities at all times
- Engage with regular supervision, training, and professional development opportunities
- Adhere to safeguarding responsibilities, mental health legislation, and organisational policies
- Maintain high professional standards aligned with St Matthews Healthcare values
Experience and SkillsEssential
- Relevant qualification in Health & Social Care, Occupational Therapy Support, or equivalent experience
- Experience supporting adults with mental health needs in a care, rehabilitation, or therapeutic setting
- Ability to support therapeutic activities and group sessions under supervision
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain accurate written records
- Understanding of rehabilitation principles and person-centred care
Desirable
- Experience within inpatient mental health or rehabilitation services
- Experience facilitating structured activity sessions or groups
- Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and inpatient rehabilitation practice
- Driving licence and access to a vehicle preferred but not essential
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities.
Please note: St Matthew’s Healthcare is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK.
St Matthew’s Healthcare is committed to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults.
If you believe you have the right skills, values, and passion for this role, Apply Now!
Pay: From £12.81 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Northampton, Northamptonshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship now or in the future? (Please note: visa sponsorship is not available for this role.)
Experience:
- supporting therapeutic activities: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
