NHS Band 3 Interview

[butterfliesss]

Hello,

I have applied for an occupational therapy assistant role within the NHS which will involve a lot of admin duties alongside clinical and I have an interview in a few days. I just wanted to know if anyone knows of any questions that come up in NHS Band 3 admin/ota roles?? 🙏

It is almost impossible to say without knowing what the role is. OTA's are employed in every medical specialty, plus mental health, learning disabilities.
First thing to do is look closely at the job description and person specification. Questions will be designed to score against the person spec.
There are likely to be questions about the Trust Values (research these). Equality and Diversity (often as a practical question), potentially some situational questions (what would you do if...in x situation' ).
Our OTA's don't do much admin to be honest so can't comment on that but think about things like confidentiality, good record keeping, monitoring progress against goals.
Hope that's even a little bit helpful and good luck!

We just recruited for a B3 HCA/receptionist, we asked the following questions amongst other service-specific and simple clinical questions.

• Based on the job description/person spec, what skills and qualities do you think you can bring?

• Tell us what good teamwork looks like to you and give an example of how you worked with a difficult colleague

• You are alone on reception, the phone is ringing, there are patients queuing at the window and a senior colleague asks you to help them with a task, how would you cope/tackle this scenario?

• How would you deal with an aggressive or upset patient?

I’d prepare an answer to sell yourself and your qualities in relation to the JD/PS (and make sure you mention why you want THAT job), some examples of situational judgement, calmness, planning/preparation etc.

Good luck!

There are usually buzz words that you have to use to gain points. The more buzz words the more points you get.
Things like "diversity" "communication" etc.

They will probably also ask safe guarding questions and information governance and data protection questions.

Also make sure you know the Trust's values. It will be on their website.

Good luck.

Sorry for being vague, the role is for a neurological rehabilitation unit. Thanks for all of your advice so far 🫶🏻

I've been interviewing for a band 3 OTA today!

Look closely at the job description and make sure you can talk about each of the listed essential and desirable criteria. Make sure you can evidence your answers; anyone can tell me they're really organised. Answers don't have to be work related- one lady today told me about an event she'd organised in her PTA role rather then her current job.

Show that you have an understanding of the type of patient you will see and the role of the assistant in that area. Don't miss the opportunity to explain why you want this job in particular.

You'll get some generic questions; working well as a team, time management, equality and diversity, trust values/mission statement.

My one tip would be, really listen to the question and take a sec before you answer. Everyone I saw today rushed into answers and only superficially answered the questions, they missed huge opportunities to explain how the skills they have developed will fit into our team and our role.

Good luck with your interview, i loved being a neuro OT!

Thanks all for your help! Does anyone know if there are any Microsoft Office proficiency tests or something similar during the recruitment process??

I've never asked for one or had to do one in 21 yrs in OT!

Our Trust get candidates to do tests

Hi,
I have an NHS interview for band 3 pharmacy support worker. What are the likely questions am to expect during the interview.
Thanks