Job overview
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, motivated, and keen team player to undertake the role of Occupational Therapy Assistant on Andersen Ward. Andersen Ward is a 10 bedded Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) which covers the entire North West. The unit's core purpose is to provide a consistently high level of quality specialist mental health care to both women who are pregnant and mothers following child birth.
Central to the philosophy of the MBU is to promote the mother and baby relationship within a secure and supportive environment while incorporating evidence based practice drawn from the fields of both peri-natal and general mental health knowledge.
The time around childbearing may make some women vulnerable to recurrences of, or new mental health problems. In cases of depression, puerperal psychosis and other mental disorders, the separation of mother and baby can create a secondary disturbance of bonding.
The unit provides comprehensive advice, medical and psychological assessment and treatment for women with previous or current mental health problems who have recently given birth or who are pregnant.
Please note - This role is not eligible for sponsorship unless you meet criteria by temporary exemption from current changes to immigration rules put in force on 22/07/2025. Separate provisions are applied to workers who have been sponsored and held continuously Skilled Worker visa since prior to 04/04/2024.
Main duties of the job
Working under the supervision and guidance of a registered Occupational Therapist, the post holder will be assisting service users and their babies presenting with perinatal mental health needs.
They will contribute to occupational assessments and undertake interventions as agreed with the occupational therapist and the multi-disciplinary team. Using a person centred and recovery focused approach, the post holder will support service users to achieve their identified therapy goals.
They will work alongside individuals to participate in their chosen meaningful occupations and support their wellbeing and quality of life. This will include supporting individuals to develop their skills for occupational performance as well as build and sustain individuals' confidence, motivation, autonomy and self-perception.
The post holder will be working on an individual and/or group basis with service users and their babies with the oversight and guidance of the Band 6 Occupational Therapist.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification
Staff benefits
- Pay Enhancements
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Excellent pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Wellbeing programme
- Blue Light Card Discounts
- fuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles)
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrates an understanding of Occupational Therapy
- An understanding of health and social issues relating to perinatal care
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people with mental health needs
- NVQ/QCF Level 3 or willingness to work towards. Or equivalent demonstrable experience.
Desirable
- Experience of working with perinatal women
- Proven ability to support patients to engage in therapeutic activities
- Experience of planning, running and evaluating groups
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Perinatal Occupational Therapy Assistant with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, North 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 Permanent: Successful candidates will be required to work at our Prestwich site temporarily. The application deadline is 03 Jul 2026.
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