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Job summary

We are looking for an Occupational Therapy Technician to support the Occupational Therapy team in delivering high-quality, person-centred care to individuals experiencing mental health conditions.

The OT Technician plays a key role in facilitating therapeutic activities, promoting recovery and ensuring safe and effective discharge. Working under the supervision of registered Occupational Therapists, the role involves engaging patients in meaningful occupations that support their mental well-being and rehabilitation. The OT Technician will play an important role in preparing and completing assessments to enable successful discharging.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

• Assist in delivering structured individual and group therapy sessions that promote emotional well-being, social skills, and independence (e.g. self-care, cooking, creative and physical activities).
• Observe and report patient engagement and mental health changes to the OT, maintaining accurate records per NHS policies.
• Support the setup and facilitation of therapeutic groups (e.g. mindfulness, creative arts) and encourage use of coping strategies and leisure activities.
• Prepare therapy spaces and assist with adaptive equipment for emotional regulation and functional independence.
• Collaborate within the MDT to support holistic care and attend team meetings.
• Work under OT supervision but independently manage delegated tasks, showing initiative and adapting activities to meet patient needs.
• Use judgment to assess engagement and report concerns. Balance patient work, documentation, and setup duties while remaining flexible to changing needs. Maintain therapy equipment, follow health and safety protocols, and assist with ordering resources per NHS procedures.
• Engage in CPD and may help deliver basic training on therapeutic techniques.

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.

Job description

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.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

GCSEs or Equivalent- minimum of GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above).

Relevant Health or Social Care Qualification- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent OR BTEC Diploma in a relevant subject.

Experience in a Healthcare or Mental Health Setting- previous experience working in mental health, rehabilitation, or therapy services.

Basic IT and Record-Keeping Skills- ability to use electronic patient record system and write accurate clinical notes.

Desirable

Further Training in Occupational Therapy or Mental Health- Level 3 Diploma in Occupational Therapy Support or a related therapy qualification OR Mental Health First Aid certification OR similar.

Additional Training in Therapeutic Interventions- Training in sensory integration, mindfulness, or recovery-based approaches OR experience in facilitating therapeutic group activities.

Care Certificate or Other NHS Training- Completion of the Care Certificate if working in NHS roles.

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.

For help with your application, contact:

Katrina Cassey

katrina.cassey@southernhealth.nhs.uk

02382310080