Job summary
- Main area
- Admin
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Part time - 22.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 186-788-26-FS
- Employer
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Wathwood Hospital
- Town
- Rotherham
- Salary
- £25,760 - £27,476 Per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 04/10/2026 23:59
- Interview date
- 19/10/2026
Employer heading
Education Library Assistant
NHS AfC: Band 3
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Job overview
We have a very exciting opportunity available for a part time 22.5 hours per week band 3 education assistant at Wathwood Hospital, medium secure unit in Rotherham. We are looking for a dynamic individual to join the team to support the education service.
The education team offers therapeutic education and planned education sessions that work towards formal qualification. The role of the education assistant at Wathwood Hospital is to assist in the provision of an effective education, library and information service to patients. You will work under the supervision of a qualified teacher to facilitate education sessions to individuals and small groups. Sessions are held both on-ward and in designated off-ward areas. The role also includes working in the patient library to provide information services.
Wathwood Hospital is a purpose-built, 78 bed adult, male, medium secure hospital in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Located in its own grounds and surrounded by open countryside and woods, it supports those aged between 18 and 65 who require assessment and treatment of mental health difficulties in a secure environment.
The Occupational Therapy and Education service is well established and provides a comprehensive range of interventions to promote rehabilitation and mental health recovery. The hospital has excellent facilities for patients and provides a wide range of leisure, sport, craft, vocational and educational opportunities.
Main duties of the job
The role includes supporting, teaching and learning whilst maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
To assist in the provision of a comprehensive education and library service.
To facilitate non-specialist patient education sessions to individuals or small groups as directed by the education team leader, which assist patients in the development of a range of skills, e.g. Maths, English, and IT.
To help establish patients’ current skill level in subjects through completing assessments.
To support the planning of sessions and preparation of resources for group and individual education sessions.
To provide educational and social activities in collaboration with the Education and Occupational Therapy team.
Working for our organisation
#TeamNottsHC comprises over 10,500 dedicated colleagues who #MakeADifference every day. We deliver intellectual disability, mental health, community health and forensic health services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and South Yorkshire. Our care is provided from over 80 sites, spanning community locations, acute settings and secure environments.
We offer a variety of employee-led staff networks, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) groups, the Green Champions network, the Freedom to Speak Up network, the Health and Wellbeing Champions network, and the Menopause Champions network. These networks play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce and promoting a culture of inclusivity.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To assist in the provision of a comprehensive education, library and information service to both patients and staff.
To facilitate non-specialist patient education sessions to individuals or small groups as directed by the education team leader.
Work with the Education team to deliver interventions, assist patients in the development of a range of skills, for example, maths, English and IT, as instructed by teaching staff.
Assist in the delivery of education sessions, helping patients who need extra support to comprehend topics and complete associated tasks.
Provide cover for Education/Library colleagues in the staff and patient library as required.
Have a basic understanding of the day-to-day running of the staff library.
Induct new users to the patient library.
Manage the circulation in the patient's library, i.e issuing and returning resources.
Collecting, escorting and observing patients in relevant areas.
Provide social and educational activities on-ward as appropriate in collaboration with the Education and Occupational Therapy teams.
Help in the planning of suitably creative and stimulating learning activities that help patients to develop their education and social wellbeing skills.
Support tutors in the preparation and distribution of resources for inclusion in group and individual learning sessions.
Help to establish patients' current skills levels in math and English using the outcomes of learners completing initial and diagnostic assessments to inform an appropriate learning programme
Support use of ICT in learning activities, promoting increased confidence and competence in its use.
Monitor and check/mark learners' completed activities, correcting as necessary.
Provide constructive feedback to patients in respect of progress and achievement.
Maintain records of patients' participation in Education sessions, documenting key aspects of progress and learner presentation.
Liaise closely with named OTs in order to contribute to the CPA process.
Operate the computerized library management system to process book issues, returns, reservation routines register new users, send out overdue notices and item recalls.
Carry out administrative and clerical duties as required, including attending team meetings, wider meetings and education network meetings as required.
Attend and actively engage in relevant courses workshops, tutorials and conferences where appropriate.
Continually update and develop skills utilize continuous professional development opportunities.
To participate in appropriate training courses and updates in accordance with mandatory training requirements.
This job description is not exhaustive and other duties or tasks may be required as consistent with the job role and grade.
Please note that this post does not meet the pay or skill level required for a Skilled worker visa.
Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Person specification
Values and Behaviours
Essential criteria
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust’s expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation
Physical Requirements
Essential criteria
- Ability to undertake relevant mandatory training and engage in the management of violence and aggression, commensurate to the role
- Occasional requirement to exert intense physical effort throughout the period of work to respond to incidents
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- GCSE 5-9 (A*-C) or equivalent in Maths and English
- NVQ level 3 teaching qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable criteria
- Other qualifications relevant to the post
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification
Training
Desirable criteria
- Training specific to mental health care
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of supporting individuals and/or groups of learners within and educational setting
- Experience and understanding of working in a team setting, liaising with colleagues, other agencies and services
- Ability to organise and facilitate groups and individual sessions
- Experience of delivering planned sessions
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working within Occupational Therapy and/or Education and Library teams
- Experience of working within mental health or the forensic setting
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Understanding of the role of education within mental health recovery
- Understanding of library services
- Awareness of health and safety and clinical risk issues
- Demonstrates an understanding of cultural and diversity needs of individuals
- Knowledge of effective learning strategies for those with specific learning needs
- Knowledge of Functional Skills, Maths, English and Digital Skills
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of phonics
Skills
Essential criteria
- Competent in the use of IT, record keeping and administrative tasks related to patient education/library services
- Ability to work independently and prioritise own workload
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to demonstrate a non-judgemental and positive attitude to working with people with offending histories who have experience of mental health problems
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Ability to engage with and motivate others
- Ability to actively participate in development of the service
Contractual Requirements
Essential criteria
- Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
- Ability to work evenings and weekends
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Rachel Morley
- Job title
- Education Team Leader
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01709 870827
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