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Occupational Therapist (Band 5)

London, SE1 7PW
£37,580 per year (will increase to £40,532 upon successful completion of OT Preceptorship)
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This vacancy has expired.

About the role

Overview

London, SE1 7PW
Full Time
£37,580 per year (will increase to £40,532 upon successful completion of OT Preceptorship)
24 July 2025

About Us

Cygnet Health Care was established in 1988 as an independent provider of health and social care services in England, Scotland and Wales.

Your Role – 12-month Fixed Term Band 5 Occupational Therapist

Working hours – 40 Hours per week

Salary: £37,580 p/a (will increase to £40,532 upon successful completion of OT Preceptorship)

Service Line: Mental Health (Acute & High Dependency Rehabilitation)

Location: 22 Barkham Terrace Lambeth Road, London, Greater London, SE1 7PW

 

Responsible to: Head of Occupational Therapy and Regional Lead Occupational Therapist

 

Cygnet encourages applications from newly qualified, or soon to be qualified, Occupational Therapists. Cygnet is a great place to launch your career in Occupational Therapy, offering lots of learning opportunities and support.  We provide a monthly Band 5 development programme, a 12-month OT preceptorship supported by your supervisor with peer support from other Band 5s too, and weekly 1:1s with your supervisor to help you feel empowered and supported in your role.Would you like to explore a rewarding career experience as an Occupational Therapist?

 

Summary of the site

 

Cygnet Churchill, in South London, is an inpatient mental health hospital for men. Cygnet Churchill has four wards, including two emergency acute admissions services (Juniper Court and Palm Court) and two high support inpatient rehabilitation (level 2) services (Elm Court and Mulberry Court). You would initially be based on our high dependency rehabilitation unit, which provides recovery and rehabilitation approaches to enable service users to lead full and independent lives in the community. There will be the opportunity to rotate to the acute services. We have a designated qualified Occupational Therapist on each ward as well as Occupational Therapy Assistants.

In this role you will assess, implement and develop an OT treatment programme according to service users’ diagnoses and identified occupational needs. This will be based upon findings from assessments including associated risks, in order to develop treatment plans accordingly. You will be an integral member of the Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and OT department whilst working autonomously with the support of an OTA. The MDT wrap around the service to support the individuals in our care throughout their journey with us to capture and manage risk and relapse in community settings.

The team consists of nurses, psychologists, psychology assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, social workers, and psychiatrists as well as 24/7 support from the nursing team. This means that we are able to meet the changing needs of our service users as they progress through their care pathway, while ensuring their safety is maintained and their independence supported.

If you feel you suit the criteria, then please make an application today.  For an informal discussion about the role please contact our in-house recruiter, Hannah Dunlop 07720 497 792.

Occupational Therapy Directorate

Under the leadership of our occupational therapy directors we support over 150 Occupational Therapists. Working together as a large team we provide support to each other across the group, with the opportunity to be part of specialist interest groups and become involved in service development.

Every service line has a clinical lead occupational therapist to lead and develop evidence based practice and agreed occupational therapy pathway.

We ensure our occupational therapists have a voice through participating in service model development, utilising the expertise and support of our clinical lead occupational therapists.

5 reasons why you should make an application today…

  1. We care about people in our services
  2. Career pathway progression within the company to support your development and skills, including sensory integration training and leadership and management training
  3. You will be an integral part of a large, well established MDT with extensive experience to draw from
  4. Dedicated CPD time being part of a national network of over 150 OTs in the Cygnet Group within different specialisms including Forensic Practice, HDU, LD and ASD, Acute mental health, and PICU.
  5. You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team of 3 OTs and 3 OTAs who are driven to provide excellence and where innovation and creativity are welcomed with enthusiasm.

The Successful Candidate should be/ have:

  • A registered Occupational Therapist with the HCPC (Health Care Professions Council).
  • An understanding of Occupational Therapy process/ interventions and can take a “hands on” approach.
  • Excellent communication and time management skills
  • Passionate about student education
  • Ability to manage highly demanding clinical presentation
  • Interest in the field of adult mental health

In return we will offer you:

  • A competitive salary
  • Free parking and free meals for staff on duty
  • Opportunities for CPD and to undertake further learning and development. For example: VdTMoCA Preceptorship, and Sensory Modulation.
  • Training days provided by highly experienced and renowned OT specialists
  • Expert clinical supervision from the Head of Occupational Therapy and peer support
  • Bi-monthly OT CPD meetings focused on skill and strategic service development.
  • Group pension: a generous pension plan helping you save for your future.
  • NHS Discount Cards & Blue Light Card – includes big brand discounts.
  • Plus much more…

A career at Cygnet comes with excellent benefits. Whether it’s saving you money on the high street, with healthcare, holidays & leisure – or securing your future with professional development and a pension – we support you to be happy both in & out of work.

Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while reaping the rewards of making a difference to others – every day.

If you would like to discuss this role with the recruiting occupational therapist or arrange an informal visit, we’d be more than happy to facilitate this. Please contact: Emma Hahn (Head of Occupational Therapy at Churchill) at emmahahn@cygnethealthcare.co.uk

Requirements
The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS and reference check and an offer of employment will be subject to successful clearance.

*Recruitment agencies please note: Speculative emails are not to be sent directly to our clinical staff, these need to go via our internal recruitment team. If speculative candidates are sent directly to a member of the clinical team, we will consider these candidates as our own*

Benefits & Rewards

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Group Pension

We’ll look after you beyond Cygnet by helping you save for your future with a pension scheme. Cygnet provides a monthly contribution into your pot for every month you actively pay in.

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Free Mortgage Broker & Insurance Cover

Cygnet understands that buying a home is probably the biggest and most important financial decision for most of us. As a result we have partnered with L&C to offer free mortgage advice, free insurance cover and receive a voucher on completion of your mortgage

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Enhanced Maternity

In addition to statutory pay, Cygnet provides enhanced maternity pay.

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Free Life Assurance Cover

Cygnet provides a Group Life assurance scheme which pays out a lump sum benefit to your family or next of kin in the event of your death whilst employed by Cygnet.

Plan your commute

Cygnet Churchill

London
London & South East
SE1 7PW
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Stories from our staff
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OT's have the biggest opportunities to change somebody's life
It is very challenging, but at the same time a very rewarding experience

88% of staff enjoy working for Cygnet

At Cygnet, you’ll work in incredible, inspiring teams and enjoy satisfying careers with plenty of opportunities to grow

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90% of staff said access to training has helped them in their role

No matter what your role is, we invest in your learning and development to help you achieve your career aspirations.

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Colleague to colleague endorsements

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Ajibola

Support Worker
Recognised for
Hard Work

Ajibola showed true commitment while supporting a resident who refused to return from a bus ride. Though due to finish at 8pm, he stayed until 10:30pm to reassure and guide the resident back safely. His passion, patience, and sense of duty truly reflect the character of care and hard work.

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Rafiat

Support Worker
Recognised for
Fun

Residents at Gotts have shared their love for working with Rafiat, especially praising her fun, uplifting nature. One said, “I trust Rafiat with anything—she’s cool!” Her ability to bring joy and build trust is truly valued. Fantastic feedback, Rafiat—keep shining and spreading those laughs!

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Taiwo

Support Worker
Recognised for
Hard Work

Taiwo has supported a challenging resident with 3:1 care, helping him maintain routine and access the community for swimming and walks. He’s confidently guided new starters and often picks up extra shifts. His dedication and leadership are truly appreciated—keep up the amazing work, Taiwo!

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Ukeme

Support Worker
Recognised for
Empathy

Ukeme offers deep emotional comfort to residents in distress, responding with empathy, patience, and heartfelt presence. His compassionate care turns sadness into healing, earning trust across the team. His quiet acts of kindness uplift not just individuals—but the whole care environment.

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Chloe

Senior Support Worker
Recognised for
Hard Work

Despite staff shortages and rising risks, Chloe has handled challenging shifts with calm leadership. She shares duties fairly, supports on the floor, and is always approachable—earning trust across wards. Chloe’s problem-solving and dedication make her an invaluable asset to Nield House.

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Katie-Leigh

Regional Facilities Manager
Recognised for
Hard Work

Katie Walsh, RFM, led two full refurbishments at Outwood and Longfield, preparing flats for new residents in just weeks. Her dedication ensured not only timely completion, but a homely, welcoming feel that anyone would be proud of. Though it’s her role, Katie went above and beyond—thank you!

Passion endorsement icon

Akwasi

Support Worker
Recognised for
Passion

Akwasi is the embodiment of passion and dedication. Even on his day off, he responded when a resident absconded—locating and engaging him until staff arrived. His commitment to duty of care and unwavering support during incidents proves he’s a true asset. Akwasi’s hard work speaks volumes.

Resilince endorsement icon

Jake

Service Manager
Recognised for
Resilince

Jake has been a strong, positive leader during busy times—supporting staff, improving practices, and driving team engagement. He’s made meetings more dynamic and used QR codes to share residents’ stories. His support has uplifted service users and helped me grow through my level 4. Thank you, Jake!

Trust endorsement icon

Kelechi

Senior Support Worker
Recognised for
Trust

Kelechi has grown into a trusted Senior Support Worker at The Mews. I often rely on his judgment like I would a nurse’s—he truly knows what’s best for our residents. He’s a hardworking, respected team member who never shies from duties. His daily commute shows real dedication to the service.

Comfort endorsement icon

Chizoba

Support Worker
Recognised for
Comfort

Chizoba’s ability to comfort distressed residents is truly special. Her calm presence, empathy, and thoughtful gestures uplift those around her. She creates emotional safety, connects deeply, and transforms difficult moments into healing ones. Her kindness enriches the whole care environment.

Click here to apply for a life changing career

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Speculative candidates or CVs sent to Cygnet by recruitment agencies/headhunters will be treated as a “free of charge” gesture. For further clarification, email recruitment@cygnethealth.co.uk
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