Occupational Therapy Assistant
Priory Hospital Chelmsford is looking to recruit an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the team. This is a full-time/37.5 hours role.
Chelmsford is one of the UK’s leading treatment centres and is rated by former patients for its excellence, dedication and commitment, as well as producing outstanding treatment outcomes.
Chelmsford is one of the UK’s leading treatment centres and is rated by former patients for its excellence, dedication and commitment, as well as producing outstanding treatment outcomes.
Chelmer Ward and The Lodge are private general psychiatry and addiction treatment facilities. We offer support to people in crisis with mental health issues, such as psychosis, mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety and trauma. The ward has a multidisciplinary team consisting of experienced consultant psychiatrists, specialty doctors, mental health nurses and therapists, who provide person-centred care, in collaboration with the patient, to allow them to maximise their recovery journey.
What you'll be doing
You will be part of a compassionate team who are committed to our patients wellbeing. We take a personalised approach, using proven therapies to help people move forward with confidence and build a healthier, more fulfilling future. You will play a key part in their recovery, assisting qualified staff with the assessment and implementation of individual patient care plans, undertaking routine tasks and activities as directed or delegated to facilitate wellbeing, dignity, and treatment of patients.
- Support occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans by assisting clients with therapeutic activities and exercises.
- Help prepare therapy materials and set up equipment needed for sessions.
- Monitor and document client progress, reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising occupational therapist.
- Assist clients with daily living skills to improve their independence under the guidance of the occupational therapist.
- Provide encouragement and support to clients to promote motivation and engagement during therapy sessions.
You can find additional information in the attached job description.
What you'll bring to the role
Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.
The ideal candidate should have completed a recognized occupational therapy assistant program or diploma and possess relevant certification or licensure as required by the region. Previous experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting is preferred but not always mandatory. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to follow treatment plans accurately, and a compassionate approach towards clients are essential. Candidates must be able to work effectively under the supervision of an occupational therapist and demonstrate reliability and professionalism.
The ideal candidate should have completed a recognized occupational therapy assistant program or diploma and possess relevant certification or licensure as required by the region. Previous experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting is preferred but not always mandatory. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to follow treatment plans accurately, and a compassionate approach towards clients are essential. Candidates must be able to work effectively under the supervision of an occupational therapist and demonstrate reliability and professionalism.
What we will give you in return
We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.
- Free on-site parking
- Supplemented meals
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Contributory pension scheme
- Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
- Access to development opportunities
- Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
- Leadership & management development
- Long service award
- Refer a friend bonuses
Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified. In such cases, adverts should be closed immediately, and remaining applicants informed of the reason.
About Priory
Priory is the leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care in the UK. We support 26,000 people a year to move towards a healthier future so they can live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions, including depression, anxiety, addictions and eating disorders, as well as children’s mental health, across our nationwide network of sites. We also support autistic adults and adults with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome and brain injuries, as well as older people, within specialist residential care and supported living facilities.
With over 13,000 colleagues working at Priory, we have a long and prestigious history, and an unrivalled reputation for making a real and lasting difference to the lives of every individual in our care.
Priory is part of MEDIAN Group, a leading pan-European provider of mental health, specialist care and rehabilitation services, focussed on restoring quality of life through effective, evidenced and data-driven care.
Priory is committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, read more here.
All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. We are an equal opportunities employer. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. Should we require assistance, we will reach out directly to our 'PSL'
Priory is committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, read more here.
All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. We are an equal opportunities employer. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. Should we require assistance, we will reach out directly to our 'PSL'
Application Deadline
October 31, 2025
Department
Allied Health Professionals and Psychology
Employment Type
Permanent - Full Time
Location
Priory Hospital Chelmsford
Address
Stump Lane, Springfield, Essex, CM1 7SJ
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
£24,637 / year