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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

Group pension icon

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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Alicia

Support Worker
Recognised for
Passion

Alicia went above and beyond to seek out a volunteering job for 2 service users at Langdale House. Langdale have been trying for years to find an old peoples care home for our service users to visit which will help them to help others and feel apart of the local community. Alicia eventually found one which was suitable and has been a success for the service users. Management would like to thank Alicia for going above and beyond to find this placement and organising visits.

Hard Work endorsement icon

Gemma

Support Worker
Recognised for
Hard Work

I would like to take a moment to formally recognise and commend two of our dedicated staff members Arran Wardle and Gemma Rhodes for their exceptional support and commitment in facilitating a truly heart-warming and significant experience for one of our patients.

Recently, these staff members supported a gentleman in leaving the hospital for a visit to McDonald’s—his first community outing in over six years. This outing was not only incident-free but filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of freedom that the patient had not experienced in a very long time. He was belly laughing to the music playing in the van, a moment that deeply moved everyone involved.

This achievement is a testament to the hard work, patience, and compassionate care these staff members have consistently shown. Their efforts have made a profound difference in this gentleman’s life, and this milestone reflects the positive impact of their dedication.

Please join me in acknowledging and celebrating their outstanding contribution. It is moments like these that truly highlight the value of the work we do and the incredible people who make it possible.

Positivity endorsement icon

Annabel

Support Worker
Recognised for
Positivity

Langdale House recently had an admission of a new service user. Annabel has gone above and beyond to support this individual despite the challenges that they exhibited. Annabel has been recognised for her continuous positive attitude and has been able to support the individual in a positive manner which has resulted in the service user achieving positive changes to his daily routines. Management would like to recognise Annabel and say thank you for her positive attitude.

Hard Work endorsement icon

Kimberley

Team Leader
Recognised for
Hard Work

This nomination is for the hard work you put in all of the time keeping the floor staffed well and supporting staff and patients in their development. This nomination in particular is for the hard work put in to getting a patient who has significant difficulties to the dentist and supporting him to have the required treatment. This took a lot of hard work, organisation, and perseverance from you and the team you were leading for a successful outcome. This not only improved the patients quality of life but also improved the ward environment as a whole. Your hard work is always recognised and should be celebrated 🙂

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Michael

Maintenance Operative Hourly
Recognised for
Hard Work

Since Michael has started working at Dene Brook there has been a massive improvement in the service, this is noticed by individuals, staff & visitors.
Michael is creative and uses his own initiative and has done several projects in the service to meet the needs of the individuals and work in a person centered way. Michael has supported individuals to design bespoke furniture and decor in their homes. The most recent being a teletubbies mural wall in an individuals bedroom. Michael has hand painted all the design and this looks absolutely fantastic and the individual will love it!! Michael should be nominated for his hard work and continues efforts to improve the service and make it as homely as possible for individuals.

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Zachari

Support Worker
Recognised for
Hard Work

Langdale House recently had an admission of a new service user. Zach has gone above and beyond to support this individual despite the challenges that they exhibited. Zach has been recognised for his continuous positive attitude and has been able to support the individual in a positive manner which has resulted in the service user achieving positive changes to his daily routines. Management would like to recognise Zach and say thank you for his positive attitude.

Hard Work endorsement icon

Arran

Support Worker
Recognised for
Hard Work

I would like to take a moment to formally recognise and commend two of our dedicated staff members Arran Wardle and Gemma Rhodes for their exceptional support and commitment in facilitating a truly heart-warming and significant experience for one of our patients.

Recently, these staff members supported a gentleman in leaving the hospital for a visit to McDonald’s—his first community outing in over six years. This outing was not only incident-free but filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of freedom that the patient had not experienced in a very long time. He was belly laughing to the music playing in the van, a moment that deeply moved everyone involved.

This achievement is a testament to the hard work, patience, and compassionate care these staff members have consistently shown. Their efforts have made a profound difference in this gentleman’s life, and this milestone reflects the positive impact of their dedication.

Please join me in acknowledging and celebrating their outstanding contribution. It is moments like these that truly highlight the value of the work we do and the incredible people who make it possible.

Flexibility endorsement icon

Susan

Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist
Recognised for
Flexibility

Our OT Susan has done an amazing job of starting yoga sessions with some of our residents with severe autism and learning disabilities. We are so lucky to have her as a qualified instructor who is able to adapt her classes to the people we support. Also excellent team work with our colleagues in SLT and the care team to make this happen! A brilliant initiative!

Comfort endorsement icon

Shimmeka

Support Worker
Recognised for
Comfort

Shammika has been very helpful with staff especially during incidents, she comes in to help staff as she is able to communicate with residents to calm them down. Her communication skills with staff is a top notch and she also helps many staff with their datix.

Passion endorsement icon

Akwasi

Support Worker
Recognised for
Passion

I would like to nominate akwasi because of his passion for the job as he have shown on multiple occasion he would go the extra mile for his resident. when out in the community with a particular resident and that resident became unsettled and attempted to abscorned he have managed to be able to redirect back to service with minimal issues and resistance

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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