Job summary
The Occupational Therapy Assistant will support the delivery of interventions within Older Adult Mental Health services, working within the Day Treatment Team across a number of sites in the trust. The team consists of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurse Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant.

The successful candidate will work as part of the Day Treatment Team in the Thurrock and Essex area, screening for groups and assisting with Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and Living Well With Dementia groups. The Occupational Therapy Assistant will be supported with regular supervision, team meetings and opportunities for development attending the monthly CPD meeting.
Main duties of the job

• Support the Day Treatment Team in delivering interventions for older adults with mental health needs, particularly those experiencing cognitive difficulties, memory problems and cognitive impairment.
• Screen and assess suitability of service users for therapeutic groups.
• Assist with weekly Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and Living Well with Dementia groups.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary Day Treatment Team across different sites.
• Attend supervision, team meetings and continuing professional development sessions to support learning and development.

About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Job responsibilities
Work as part of the multidisciplinary Day Treatment Team across Thurrock and Essex, supporting Occupational Therapists and other professionals in delivering therapeutic interventions for older adults with mental health needs, including dementia, memory loss and cognitive impairment. Assist with screening service users for group suitability and facilitate Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and Living Well with Dementia groups to promote cognitive functioning, social engagement, independence and overall wellbeing.

Participate in regular supervision, team meetings and monthly continuing professional development (CPD) sessions to enhance knowledge, skills and professional development.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Previous relevant experience

Desirable

• Previous NHS experience

Group facilitation
Essential

• Previous group work experience

Desirable

• Practical skills i.e. gardening, cooking

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
Employer name: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Thurrock Community Hospital, Jubilee Day Unit, Grays, RM16 2PX, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://eput.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Senior Occupational Therapist Lucy Hedge, lucy.hedge@nhs.net, 07583115908

Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year Per annum plus HCA
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 364-B-522

The closing date is 23 November 2026. Apply through our website.