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Occupational Therapist (Band 5)

Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 9UZ
Up to £33,777 per year (DoE & completion of preceptorship)
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This vacancy has expired.

About the role

Overview

Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 9UZ
Full Time
Up to £33,777 per year (DoE & completion of preceptorship)
7 May 2025

Are you an Occupational Therapist who would like to explore a rewarding career experience in mental health?

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.

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: Occupational Therapist (Band 5/Newly Qualified)

Working hours: 37.5 Hours per week

Salary:  Up to £33,777 per year (Depending on experience and following completion of preceptorship) 

Service Lines: Mental Health Adults (Mental Health Rehabilitation, Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit – PICU, Acute, Personality Disorder)

Location: Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke, Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 9UZ

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

Your role: You would be responsible for the assessment and treatment of occupational dysfunction for patients on your allocated caseload, including the delivery of person centred group and individual therapy sessions. You will work with a full multidisciplinary team in a coordinated way to support each service user to develop their skills and move through our clinical model of care from admission to discharge. You will have the support of an Occupational Therapy Assistant and work closely with other therapists from different disciplines, including music therapy, dance and movement therapy, activity coordinators, assistant psychologists and the Active Life team. You will receive regular clinical supervision from an experienced Occupational Therapist on-site, including weekly 1:1 check in’s.

Summary of the site

Cygnet Kewstoke is a 71 bedded mental health hospital which provides emergency acute and PICU admission services for men and women, a pathway for men to rehabilitation as well as a specialist female service for personality disorder. The Occupational Therapy team of 11 work across all wards to provide high quality and person centred therapy sessions. Cygnet Kewstoke are developing co-produced and therapeutic spaces across the site and extensive grounds, allowing multiple opportunities for staff and patient development and engagement, from a service user led café to farm/horticulture area on the grounds, as well as on-site gym and therapy rooms. The hospital is in a small village near Weston-Super-Mare, close to the beach and other nature settings but also a stone’s throw away from a vibrant seaside town.

The Occupational Therapy Directorate

Every service line has a Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist to guide and develop evidence based practice and agreed occupational therapy pathway for each specific client group. This includes Cygnet developed guidelines and assessments. Each Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist hosts service line meetings regularly, in which you will link in with other Occupational Therapists in the company based in the same service line, providing a valuable networking and development opportunity. Specific CPD and training opportunities are also available and tailored to individual and service needs. 

For newly qualified Occupational Therapists we offer a comprehensive 12 month preceptorship programme in order to consolidate and develop your skills. For more insight into life as an OT at Cygnet Health Care visit;

https://join.cygnethealth.co.uk/ot-life/

Here you can listen to the opinions, stories and advice from our exceptional OTs – it could help the next step in your career.

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, leadership and management training, VdTMoCA, MOHO or Group Therapy, amongst others.
  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 LD and ASD, Acute mental health, and High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services. Induction & service line training in area of specialism.
  5. You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team of 5 OTs and 5 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 working with individuals diagnosed with mental health conditions, dual diagnosis, sensory processing difficulties or complex trauma.
  • An understanding of Occupational Therapy process/interventions and taking a “hands on” approach.
  • Excellent communication and time management skills
  • Passionate about student education
  • Ability to manage highly demanding clinical presentations
  • Interest in the field of 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: Leadership & Management and Sensory Modulation.
  • Training days provided by highly experienced and renowned OT specialists
  • Expert clinical supervision 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: Josh Jones (Regional Lead Occupational Therapist) via email on joshuajones@cygnethealth.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 Hospital Kewstoke

Weston-Super-Mare
South West
BS22 9UZ
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Our application process

Application Submission
01
Step 1

Application Submission

Your application is received and reviewed by our recruitment team.
Automated Confirmation
02
Step 2

Automated Confirmation

You’ll receive an automated email confirming receipt of your application.
Application Review
03
Step 3

Application Review

We carefully review applications, considering factors like visa status, location, and experience.
Initial Screening
04
Step 4

Initial Screening

If your application is suitable, you’ll be contacted by the recruiter to arrange a telephone screening call.
Interview
05
Step 5

Interview

If you meet the screening criteria, you’ll be invited for an interview, which normally takes place in person at the site you’re applying to.
Feedback and Offer
06
Step 6

Feedback and Offer

Following the interview, you’ll receive feedback, and if successful, a verbal job offer that will be followed up with a written job offer and onboarding information.

Support for Your Job Application

From refining your CV to preparing for your interview, our free career resources give you the tools and advice you need to feel confident at every stage.
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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Martin

Activity Coordinator
Recognised for
Passion

Martin has been with Cygnet over 5 years and shines in his AC role. He supports patients with care, handled a traumatic event with calm professionalism, and brings joy through initiatives like the Lego club. His emotional intelligence, teamwork, and quiet confidence make a real impact. Thank you, Martin—you’re a star!

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Amarachi

Support Worker
Recognised for
Support

Amarachi calmly and confidently supported a distressed individual, ensuring safety for all despite not being their allocated staff. He stepped in for the day, showing deep empathy and care. His dedication and support were greatly appreciated by both the individual and the team. Amarachi’s compassion truly made a difference.

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Chloe

Forensic Psychologist
Recognised for
Support

Chloe has stepped up into a senior role with grace, supporting the psychology team beyond expectations. Despite a heavier workload, she continues to share her knowledge generously and uplift those around her. We’re lucky to have her—thank you, Chloe, for your dedication and leadership!

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Eve

Support Worker
Recognised for
Passion

Eve passionately motivates residents to engage in community activities like day trips, swimming, and meals out. She plans with staff and encourages daily involvement, boosting residents’ mood and confidence. Her support helps residents feel empowered and return from outings feeling positive and fulfilled.

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Georgia

Activity Coordinator
Recognised for
Hard Work

Thank you for your thoughtful email and for sharing such helpful insights on the activity planners at Nightingale. It was a pleasure meeting you—your passion and dedication to creating meaningful experiences for young adults with disabilities truly shine. Your hard work is seen, valued, and appreciated. You’re making a real impact!

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Joy

Team Leader
Recognised for
Support

Joy showed incredible strength and compassion during a resident’s crisis, staying extra hours and using therapeutic care to ensure comfort. Despite the trauma, she remained steady and supportive. Thanks to her dedication, the resident has fully recovered. Joy truly exemplifies what it means to be a support worker.

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Tobi

Support Worker
Recognised for
Fun

Tobi brought joy to residents by organizing a vibrant African Themed Day at Beckly, filled with music, food, decorations, and laughter. Her creativity, care, and dedication made the event unforgettable. Thanks to her passion, the home came alive—her efforts truly deserve recognition.

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Panka

Assistant Psychologist
Recognised for
Resilince

Panka receives high praise for her compassion, impactful sessions, and flexibility. She’s described as the best therapist by a service user and is a true team player, balancing psychology service promotion with wider hospital support. Her dedication shone during the transition to a new psychologist—thank you, Panka!

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Julie

Support Worker
Recognised for
Hard Work

Julie goes above and beyond, taking initiative to support residents’ health and wellbeing. She acted swiftly to address weight concerns and reintroduced meaningful activities, helping a resident visit the supermarket for arts and crafts—her first since Covid. We’re proud to have Julie on our team. Thank you for your dedication!

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Danielle

Senior Nurse HC
Recognised for
Resilince

Danielle has stepped up as senior nurse, supporting the unit in the Clinical Manager’s absence. Despite a busy schedule, she always makes time for staff and patients, staying calm and composed through challenges. Her resilience and soothing presence uplift everyone—her dedication truly stands out!

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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