Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) – Full-Time Position
Location: Newbridge House, Female Acute Inpatient Ward Employer: Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and creative Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to join our female acute inpatient ward team at Newbridge House. You will play a vital role in promoting the health, wellbeing, and functional abilities of patients through meaningful activity, supporting rehabilitation and facilitating discharge.
This is a full-time, varied role requiring flexible working to meet the dynamic needs of service users. You will work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, including Occupational Therapists, Nursing Staff, and the Ward Manager, to deliver a therapeutic programme of care rooted in the Occupational Therapy Process (assessment, planning, and implementation).
Key Responsibilities
Patient Care & Activity Delivery
- Facilitate group activities and one-to-one sessions to support rehabilitation, recovery, and functional independence
- Assist in the development and delivery of treatment and care plans under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist
- Lead therapeutic activities—both on the ward and in the community—aimed at enhancing recovery and enabling timely, sustainable discharge
- Implement culturally sensitive and creative interventions tailored to individual patient needs
- Ensure adherence to Trust Values and clinical best practice in all interactions
Collaboration & Interprofessional Work
- Work flexibly with Nursing Staff, Support Workers, and Ward Managers to meet the diverse needs of service users
- Demonstrate excellent communication and professionalism when engaging with patients, families, and collaborators
- Support the wider function of the ward, including administrative and observational support as required
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Continuous Professional Development
- Participate in training and development opportunities linked to your Personal Development Plan
- Engage with Occupational Therapy networks and allied health professionals to share best practice
- Contribute ideas for improving current and future service models
Requirements & Qualifications
Essential Criteria
- STP qualification/scheme for Occupational Therapy Assistants or equivalent recognised training
- Experience working in mental health is desirable but not always mandatory (applicant-specific judgment)
- Ability to demonstrate creativity, empathy, and diligence in designing and delivering therapeutic activities
- Strong collaborative skills with a keen eye for supporting interprofessional teams
- Flexibility to adapt to a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable ward environment
- Commitment to continuous learning within a NHS setting
Desirable Attributes
- Familiarity with Occupational Therapy assessment frameworks (e.g., MOSART, ADL frameworks)
- Knowledge of community mental health resources and how to integrate them into treatment plans
- Proficient in risk assessment and de-escalation techniques for acute mental health settings
Benefits & Opportunities
- ** Flexible and varied working hours** tailored to service needs
- ** Training and development support** aligned with your career goals
- Access to occupational therapy networks across both local and national services
- Opportunity to shape future service models and innovate in mental health care
- Employment within a recognised NHS Trust offering competing salaries, pension schemes, and more
- Contribution to a diverse and deeply supportive community where your role makes a direct difference
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About Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
We are a Team of over 4000 compassionate professionals dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of approximately 70,000 service users annually across Birmingham and Solihull. Our services extend nationally, and we pride ourselves on innovation, research, and excellence in care.
Our culturally diverse areas often face high levels of deprivation, which fuels our commitment to ensuring universal access to lifelong mental health support. If you value belonging, purpose, and the tangible impact of your work, you will thrive within our inclusive and collaborative environment.
Together, we deliver excellent care—where every team member is celebrated, respected, and empowered to make a real difference.
Next Steps
For further details or informal queries, please contact:
Name: Elle Anthoney Job Title: Lead Occupational Therapist Email: eleanor.anthoney2@nhs.net Telephone: 0121 301 6598
Robyn Wilcock Job Title: Ward Manager Email: robyn.wilcock1@nhs.net Telephone: 0121 301 6598
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