Job overview
Opportunity to join an innovative and forward thinking team!- Join our Team as a Occupational Therapy Assistant. This is a full-time post but part time hours/job share will be considered.
The post holder will provide support for the patients who are admitted to the ward and will require the successful candidate to work flexibly, which could include weekends and evenings.
Harvest Ward is an 8 bedded psychiatric intensive care unit that provides assessment and treatment for inpatients aged 18 and over, presenting with a Mental Health crisis. We work hard to provide a therapeutic environment which promotes the principles of person centred care that is least restricted and recovery focused.
This job is currently only open to people who already work for the NHS in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. We are committed to supporting our dedicated staff, so only current employees of the following organisations can apply:
- Cornwall Foundation Trust
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
- Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board
If you do not currently work for one of these NHS organisations, your application will not be considered at this time.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for supporting occupational therapy led, therapeutic groups, moving on groups, life skills, sensory and functional activities. You will be using practical, communication and creative skills to provide a flexible programme of groups and individual activities on and off the ward. The post holder will co facilitate/facilitate activity based groups in collaboration with third sector/ partner agencies where appropriate. You will also be responsible for coordinating volunteers in group delivery. The post holder will also be responsible for supporting specific interventions which have been identified from the occupational assessment this could be ward based or in the community.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see ‘supporting documents’.
Person specification
Skills and Aptitude
Essential
- Ability to use persuasive, motivational and reassurance strategies to build rapport and engage patients in activities
- Personal practical or creative skills eg. craft, music, art, cookery,physical activities
Education / Qualifications and Relevant Experience
Essential
- Qualification to level 3 or equivalent experience in relevant subject
- Experience of providing social and recreational activities in group settings and with individuals
- Experience of working with people who have cognitive, physical, learning disability or challenging behaviour.
- Recent experience of working in a mental Health setting
Desirable
- Qualifications in exercise, complementary therapies etc.
- Previous NHS Experience
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Occupational Therapy Assistant with Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Bodmin, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 Per Annum/Pro Rata. The contract type is 12 months (Fixed term contract or Secondment Opportunity with potential of becoming a permanent position). The application deadline is 02 Aug 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (17 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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