Blog Job search Get in touch Accessibility tools
0121 728 8111
recruitment@cygnethealth.co.uk
Change lives as a...

Specialist Occupational Therapist (Band 6)

Colchester, CO4 5HF
Up to £39,015 per year (Depending on experience)
Arrow graphic

About the role

Overview

Colchester, CO4 5HF
Full Time
Up to £39,015 per year (Depending on experience)
27 March 2025

Would you like to explore a rewarding career experience as an Occupational Therapist?

 

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 – Band 6 Occupational Therapist

Working hours – 40 Hours per week

Salary: £39,015 p/a

Service Line:

  • Learning Disability Mental Health
  • Learning Disability Other (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Location: Cygnet Hospital Colchester, Boxted Rd, Mile End, Colchester CO4 5HF

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

We are looking for: An individual experienced working within a Learning Disabilities / ASD setting and has some Sensory Integration training or sensory-based work experience 

 

We are happy to consider a full-time Band 6 Occupational Therapist, or part-time Band 7 for this position

 

Summary of the site

Cygnet Hospital Colchester is a 59 bed service providing a range of intensive support and rehabilitation services for men with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or mental health needs.

The aim of our services is assessment, stabilisation, treatment and engagement, with a view to supporting service users in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs. Our services are recovery-focused, with the aim of preparing individuals for a move to rehabilitation or step-down services, and ultimately, back into the community wherever possible.

Clinical: You would be responsible for the assessment and treatment of occupational dysfunction for patients on your allocated caseload. 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.

Leadership: You would report directly to the Head Occupational Therapist on site. You would also hold leadership and management responsibilities of the Occupational Therapy service of your allocated ward providing clinical and managerial supervision for an Occupational Therapy Assistant. You may also be required at times to deputise for the Head of Occupational Therapy.

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 have sensory intergration experience but no formal qualifications we will fast track your sensory intergration training!

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 & 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 LD and ASD, Acute mental health, and High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services.
  5. You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team of 3 OTs and 7 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).
  • Sensory Integration training or sensory-based work experience 
  • An understanding of working with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • 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: Leadership & Management, and Sensory Modulation.
  • Training days provided by highly experienced and renowned OT specialists
  • Expert clinical supervision from Regional Lead and peer support
  • Bi-monthly OT CPD meetings focused on skill and strategic service development.
  • Employee referral scheme: recommend a friend to us and claim a cash reward for their successful hire.
  • 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: Emmanuel Ozowara (Head of Occupational Therapy at Colchester) at EmmanuelOzowara@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

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 Colchester

Colchester
London & South East
CO4 5HF
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

Support endorsement icon

Kim

Senior Staff Nurse
Recognised for
Support
Recognised by

Kim as part of a response team from Sherwood House attended a neighbouring Cygnet service for a medical emergency.

I just want to express my massive thanks to all the support given yesterday. The team were a class act and worked so well as a team and just did an amazing job.

Positivity endorsement icon

alice

management
Recognised for
Positivity
Recognised by

Alice came to Outwood as our new manager & I can’t praise this woman enough, she is absolutely brilliant, everything she does, she does it with pride, this is reflected by the things that she does for the residents, their families & staff, she’s very approachable & down to earth & just a lovely lass, & were all very thankful for you Alice!

Hard Work endorsement icon

Tichona

support worker
Recognised for
Hard Work
Recognised by

Tich has been here for a very long time, and knows the residents so well, he is such a lovely man with so much knowledge to give to all, both old and new staff, he doesn’t get enough recognition for what he does in the service, he is amazing!

Empathy endorsement icon

olukemi

support worker
Recognised for
Empathy
Recognised by

I just wanted to nominate Olukemi for this award because recently I received some bad news, she was so thoughtful and kind with her words of comfort, when we get the chance, we sit and talk to one another about life, mental health, the residents that we care for and what were grateful for. Im grateful for her friendship and empathy, she is amazing

Growth endorsement icon

Jack

support worker
Recognised for
Growth
Recognised by

I wish to nominate Jack, I watch him with the residents, hes brilliant with them all, helping them to lead as independently as possible lives by encouraging them to try and do new things, he has worked well with a particular resident, introducing him to new foods, textures and flavours. Jack will go far in what endeavour he chooses.

Resilience endorsement icon

Nnamdi

Specialty Doctor
Recognised for
Resilience
Recognised by

Dr Nnamdi delivers persistently good care and remains calm under pressure, which is an excellent quality to have

Passion endorsement icon

Akudo

support worker
Recognised for
Passion
Recognised by

Akudo is the life and soul of Outwood, she’s amazing with the residents always pushing them towards to reaching their goal as independently as possible, she cares so much about everyone around her and is often there for staff members too. She is absolutely amazing! She is a great colleague and support worker and loved and respected by many.

Resilience endorsement icon

Toluwani

Support Worker
Recognised for
Resilience
Recognised by

Valued member of the Team, deals with some very challenging and unwell patients and has often been targeted by patients.He is very resilient in these situations and continues to treat the patients with care, respect and dignity. Great role model to colleagues, displays professionalism in all aspects of his role, regardless of the situation he faces

Support endorsement icon

Michael

Support worker
Recognised for
Support
Recognised by

The festive period had many challenges with a change in senior team, emergency admittance and health issues. The experienced team on nights supported the service and residents consistently. Through their resilience and hard work it was a successful festive period for all and this had not gone unnoticed. Thank you Michael.

Hard Work endorsement icon

Anne

Support worker
Recognised for
Hard Work
Recognised by

The festive period had many challenges with a change in senior team, emergency admittance and health issues. The experienced team on nights supported the service and residents consistently. Through their resilience and hard work it was a successful festive period for all and this had not gone unnoticed. Thank you Anne.

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.