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. 

Working for our organisation

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.