Job overview
Male Occupational Therapy Assistant (Band 3)
This job is exempt from the Equalities Act 2010 which supersedes the provisions within the (Sex Discrimination Act 7(2) 1975 by reasons of decency or privacy as it is likely to involve physical contact with men in the circumstances where they might reasonably object to it being carried out by a member of the opposite sex.
This job is exempt from the Equalities Act 2010 which supersedes the provisions within the (Sex Discrimination Act 7(2) 1975 by reasons of decency or privacy as it is likely to involve physical contact with men in the circumstances where they might reasonably object to it being carried out by a member of the opposite sex.
Currently the team are looking for people with gardening or wood work skills. The rehabilitation of patients involves learning new skill and engagement in meaningful actives. Staff who work in these area enjoy working with people and are aware that people take time as adults to learn new skills.
You will work with a minimum of three other staff in each session and work with the patients in simple tasks which give a sense of achievement.
In the wood crafts area, this could be a construction of a bird box, jigsaw cutting, wood turning lathe or pyrography engraving.
If in the horticultural area you could be working with patients in the greenhouse or the allotment area on seeding, weeding, grass cutting etc.
You will always work with two other staff who have a good knowledge of the patients who have a primary diagnosis of server mental illness or personality disorder.
The post is a face to face job and is very practical in nature but does involve sessions notes and in patient’s records.
Main duties of the job
The RTS Assistant post is based in the Rehabilitation Therapy Service (RTS) within the high security setting of Broadmoor hospital.
The aim of the service is to engage, support and develop patients as part of their recovery through engagement in meaningful therapeutic activities.
The RTS assistant would work as part of a close team of staff who work together to provide a wide range of activities which help patients develop work skills. These skills could be personal organisation and time management, concentration on a task, following instructions or copying tasks.
These skills are developed through a variety of activities including Gardening, Pottery, wood craft skills, picture framing, professional publishing and printing.
The RTS assistant need to be able engage with patients and staff and support the process of the work ability sessions. It is helpful to have be able to learn practical tasks easily and to be a good communicator.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of the need to consider environmental risk factors in a work place and with patients with a mental illness
- To have an understanding of people with a severe mental illness.
Desirable
- To have knowledge of what a high secure hospital is and what it entails.
- Knowledge of wider NHS and Mental Health service
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people in a work place where practical skills are taught.
- Experience in working in environment where people challenge each other.
Desirable
- Experience at working with others on implementing a new activity.
- Experience motivating and engaging people
- Experience as a band 3 in a relevant patient care NHS post.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Able to chat to people of all backgrounds and cultures
- To be honest, non- judgemental and companionate with all people
- An ability to work with others and take direction.
- To be able to use IT
- Good time management skills.
Desirable
- Demonstrate a positive attitude to change.
- To have an enquiring approach to skill development.
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Good general education with 2 or more CSE, GCSE or O’ Levels
- To have a relevant trade or skill NVQ, City and Guilds, BTEC
- To have a nationally recognisable trade qualification or craft
Desirable
- Motivation and Engagement Training
- Degree in a relevant area
- Adult Education qualification – PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector)
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for RTS Assistant with West London NHS Trust in Southall, London, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £30,630 - £32,346 Per Annum Inclusive of Allowances. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 10 Jul 2026.
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