Blog Job search Resource Hub Get in touch Accessibility tools
recruitment@cygnethealth.co.uk
Change lives as a...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Derby, DE24 8WZ
From £28,612.50 p/a
Arrow graphic

This vacancy has expired.

About the role

Overview

Derby, DE24 8WZ
Full Time
From £28,612.50 p/a
9 June 2025

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Location
Cygnet Hospital Derby.

Hours
Full Time

Closing date
09.06.25

Post
Occupational Therapy Assistant

Salary
Starting from £28,612.50 p/a

Responsible for: Supporting Occupational Therapists to perform their role in the assessment, treatment and development of individuals in our care

Responsible to: Head of Occupational Therapy (Line manager)

Hours: 40 hours per week 

Service Line: Low secure male/female and male high dependency unit (HDU)

Summary of the site: 

Cygnet Derby (East Midlands):

We are currently looking for an occupational therapy assistant to join our team at Cygnet Hospital Derby. This post holder would work within the Occupational Therapy team and multi-disciplinary team based on one of the three wards at site.

Cygnet Hospital Derby provides low secure and mental health rehabilitation care based on the Recovery Model. Our integrated male care pathway includes Litchurch Ward, our low secure ward, and the Wyvern Unit, our mental health rehabilitation service. Alvaston Ward, our specialist female personality disorder service, is one of the leading services of its kind in the East and West Midlands.

Our Occupational therapy department supports service users to engage in meaningful occupations and overcome any barriers that prevent this. We focus on supporting individuals to develop the skills needed to live a more independent and fulfilling life in the community. To support with this, we have a full therapy programme that includes a range of self-care, productive and leisure-based activities. Our Occupational Therapy pathway has different stages of treatment and the interventions offered will change as our service user’s progress through each stage of this pathway.

In this role you will:

  • Deliver planned activities for patients under the direction of the ward Occupational Therapist (OT) and Multidisciplinary Team
  • Assist the OT in the day to day duties and running of the department
  • Develop and run a meaningful therapy timetable
  • Undertake assessment and intervention programmes with clients as delegated by a senior occupational therapist underpinned by appropriate experience / knowledge
  • Contribute ideas, create and facilitate events and activities safely and support people to structure their time through meaningful activity
  • Have involvement in the delivery of one to one and group interventions
  • Implement individual care plans during activity sessions and take into account specific interests and opportunities to promote choice and independence.

If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact Katie Dixon via email on KatieDixon@cygnethealth.co.uk or Lindsay Duhra via email lindsayduhra@cygnethealth.co.uk

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.

mortgage insurance icon

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

maternity icon

Enhanced Maternity

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

life assurance icon

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 Derby

Derby
East Midlands
DE24 8WZ
Open in maps

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
Quote marks
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

Arrow graphic

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.

Arrow graphic

Colleague to colleague endorsements

Passion endorsement icon

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!

Support endorsement icon

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.

Support endorsement icon

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!

Passion endorsement icon

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.

Hard Work endorsement icon

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!

Support endorsement icon

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.

Fun endorsement icon

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.

Resilince endorsement icon

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!

Hard Work endorsement icon

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!

Resilince endorsement icon

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

Arrow graphic
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
Life changing careers.
Disability Confident employer
Age Friendly employer
Armed forces Covenant.
Tent UK
Generation UK
Triangle of Care
Find us on Glassdoor.