Occupational Therapy Assistant in Southampton inSouthampton PUBLISHED MON 10 NOV 2025 Jump to job information section
Band 3: £24,937 to £26,598 a year Plus forensic Lead enhancement
PERMANENT
Job description
Job summary
At Southfield we are looking for a part time Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our team.Are you passionate about helping service users to learn skills for life? Do you want to empower service users to increase their independence? Are you looking to support service users to manage their mental health and live the life they want? If so, this role may be for you!Southfield is a secure forensic hospital for females and males aged 18-65 years. There are 26 service users across two low secure wards. Staff work together to support the service users on their recovery pathway, from admission, through their rehabilitation, before returning to the community.In this role you will work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, using activity to assess service users' level of functioning and achieve their individual occupational goals. Good interpersonal skills are essential as well as motivation and enthusiasm.
Main duties of the job
You will work closely alongside members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team to support the rehabilitation of service users, by building good therapeutic relationships, developing and working towards goals, maintaining safety and working together with service users on their recovery journey.Working in secure services is rewarding but can be challenging at times so it is important to be resilient and recognise the need to manage personal wellbeing. To do this you will be supported with a comprehensive induction, ongoing training and monthly supervision.For an informal discussion, or to arrange a visit please contact Sarah Thomas 02382 313 511 or Becky Harding on 02382 310 932
About us
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a newly established organisation, bringing together expertise from across mental health, learning disabilities, community, and physical health services. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality, and accessible care to the diverse communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.With over 13,000 dedicated staff working across more than 300 sites, we place patients and staff at the centre of everything we do. Our goal is to create an integrated healthcare system that improves accessibility and ensures more consistent care for patients. By working together, we aim to improve patient outcomes, drive innovation, and meet the unique needs of the populations we serve.Our Trust unites services from Southern Health, Solent NHS Trust, Isle of Wight NHS Trusts community and mental health teams, as well as Hampshire CAMHS, originally part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. This transformation enables us to deliver more seamless care across the region, ensuring that patients receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to shape the future of healthcare across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are deeply committed to our CARE values of compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence, and offer outstanding opportunities for career development, training, and collaborative working.
Details
Date posted
10 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for changeBandBand 3
Salary
£24,937 to £26,598 a year Plus forensic Lead enhancement
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
348-SAC-9579
Job location
sSouthfieldTatchbury Mount, CalmoreSouthamptonHampshireSO40 2RZ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the
Job description
and
Person Specification
document attached. It is important to us that we ensure our recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive to everyone - if as a potential candidate you are concerned a
Person Specification
may prevent or restrict your application for employment as a result of unintentional barriers on the grounds of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, religion/belief or disability please initially contact the Trust's Recruitment team - detailed in the advert. The Trust will seek to resolve this issue wherever possible.We are happy to talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process.
Job description
Job description
and
Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialPlease refer to the
Job description
and
Person Specification
DesirablePlease refer to the
Job description
and
Person Specification
Experience
EssentialPlease refer to the
Job description
and
Job description
and
Person Specification
Person Specification
Job description
and
Job description
and
Person Specification
Experience
EssentialPlease refer to the
Job description
and
Job description
and
Person Specification
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.Employer
Details
At Southfield we are looking for a part time Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our team.Are you passionate about helping service users to learn skills for life? Do you want to empower service users to increase their independence? Are you looking to support service users to manage their mental health and live the life they want? If so, this role may be for you!Southfield is a secure forensic hospital for females and males aged 18-65 years. There are 26 service users across two low secure wards. Staff work together to support the service users on their recovery pathway, from admission, through their rehabilitation, before returning to the community.In this role you will work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, using activity to assess service users' level of functioning and achieve their individual occupational goals. Good interpersonal skills are essential as well as motivation and enthusiasm.
Main duties of the job
You will work closely alongside members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team to support the rehabilitation of service users, by building good therapeutic relationships, developing and working towards goals, maintaining safety and working together with service users on their recovery journey.Working in secure services is rewarding but can be challenging at times so it is important to be resilient and recognise the need to manage personal wellbeing. To do this you will be supported with a comprehensive induction, ongoing training and monthly supervision.For an informal discussion, or to arrange a visit please contact Sarah Thomas 02382 313 511 or Becky Harding on 02382 310 932
About us
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a newly established organisation, bringing together expertise from across mental health, learning disabilities, community, and physical health services. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality, and accessible care to the diverse communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.With over 13,000 dedicated staff working across more than 300 sites, we place patients and staff at the centre of everything we do. Our goal is to create an integrated healthcare system that improves accessibility and ensures more consistent care for patients. By working together, we aim to improve patient outcomes, drive innovation, and meet the unique needs of the populations we serve.Our Trust unites services from Southern Health, Solent NHS Trust, Isle of Wight NHS Trusts community and mental health teams, as well as Hampshire CAMHS, originally part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. This transformation enables us to deliver more seamless care across the region, ensuring that patients receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to shape the future of healthcare across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are deeply committed to our CARE values of compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence, and offer outstanding opportunities for career development, training, and collaborative working.
Details
Date posted
10 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for changeBandBand 3
Salary
£24,937 to £26,598 a year Plus forensic Lead enhancement
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
348-SAC-9579
Job location
sSouthfieldTatchbury Mount, CalmoreSouthamptonHampshireSO40 2RZ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the
Job description
and
Person Specification
document attached. It is important to us that we ensure our recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive to everyone - if as a potential candidate you are concerned a
Person Specification
may prevent or restrict your application for employment as a result of unintentional barriers on the grounds of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, religion/belief or disability please initially contact the Trust's Recruitment team - detailed in the advert. The Trust will seek to resolve this issue wherever possible.We are happy to talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process.
Job description
Job description
and
Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialPlease refer to the
Job description
and
Person Specification
DesirablePlease refer to the
Job description
and
Person Specification
Experience
EssentialPlease refer to the
Job description
and
Job description
and
Person Specification
Person Specification
Job description
and
Job description
and
Person Specification
Experience
EssentialPlease refer to the
Job description
and
Job description
and
Person Specification
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.Employer
Details
Not sure?
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
Requirements
See the job description for full role requirements.
Benefits
Benefits are provided by the employer and will be confirmed during your application.
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More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:
Useful skills for an Occupational Therapy Assistant:
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To work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in the UK, you need a combination of specific skills, qualifications, and personal attributes. Here are some essential skills and requirements:
Educational Qualifications:
1. Relevant Qualification: While a degree is not always necessary, having a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or occupational therapy assistant-specific training can be beneficial.
2. General Education: Basic GCSEs, particularly in English and Maths, are often required.
Essential Skills:
1. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial, as you will need to interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
2. Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build rapport and establish trusting relationships with patients is vital.
3. Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and being sensitive to patients' needs and difficulties is fundamental to delivering good care.
4. Organizational Skills: Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and keep accurate records.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to think critically and develop practical solutions to support patients in achieving their occupational goals.
6. Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary environment.
7. Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to different patient needs and varying work environments.
8. Technical Skills: Familiarity with assistive technologies or adaptive equipment can be beneficial.
9. Basic IT Skills: Proficiency with computers and software for maintaining records or using therapy-related applications.
Personal Attributes:
1. Patience: Working with individuals who may have differing levels of ability and progress requires patience.
2. Resilience: The ability to cope with the emotional challenges of working in healthcare settings.
3. Attention to Detail: Ensuring that therapy plans are followed accurately and that records are maintained correctly.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and needs of patients.
Experience:
- Relevant Experience: Experience in health and social care, whether through voluntary work, internships, or roles in similar settings, is highly valued.
Continuing Professional Development:
- Ongoing Training: Participating in training and professional development opportunities to stay informed about best practices and new techniques in occupational therapy.
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50.90489085195718 -1.4043126341274477 Southampton 
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