Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job summary

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

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.

The team at Colchester consists of nurses, psychologists, psychology assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, 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.

Main duties of the job

The Occupational Therapy Assistant role involves planning and implementing therapeutic activities appropriate to the needs, choices and interests of individuals in our care, under the supervision and guidance of a qualified Occupational Therapist.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant will also be working with the in-house MDT which is designed to support the individual in our care throughout their journey with us.

About us

Cygnet Health Care was established in 1988. Since then we have developed a wide range of services for individuals with mental health needs, autism and learning disabilities within the UK.

We have built a reputation for delivering pioneering services and outstanding outcomes for the people in our care.

Our expert and highly dedicated care team of 10 000 employees empower 2864 individuals across 150 services to consistently make a positive difference to their lives, through service-user focused care and rehabilitation.

Details

• Date posted: 22 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £29,642.55 a year post probation £30,186.45 and at 18 months £ 30,730.35.
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: VPBDC1CE5F
• Job locations: Colchester, CO4 5HF, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Helping others improve and turn their lives around theres no better feeling. Its what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Be a part of it.

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

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 Assistant
• Working hours:40 Hours per week
• Salary: £29,642.55, post probation £30,186.45 and at 18 months £ 30,730.35.
• Service Line:Learning Disability/ Mental Health
• Location:Cygnet Hospital Colchester, Boxted Rd, Mile End, Colchester CO4 5HF
• Responsible to:Head of Occupational Therapy and Regional Lead Occupational Therapist

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.

The team at Colchester consists of nurs es, psychologists, psychology assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, 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.

Main duties of the job

The Occupational Therapy Assistant role involves planning and implementing therapeutic activities appropriate to the needs, choices and interests of individuals in our care, under the supervision and guidance of a qualified Occupational Therapist.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant will also be working with the in-house MDT which is designed to support the individual in our care throughout their journey with us.

Occupational Therapy Directorate

Under the leadership of our occupational therapy directors we support over 150 Occupational Therapists and over 160 OT support staff. 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 therapy team members have a voice through participating in service model development, utilising the expertise and support of our clinical lead occupational therapists.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Preceptorship & Induction:

Starting a new job can be daunting, which is why we have a robust induction process that enables you to shadow staff, discuss your learning and receive expert support to develop into your role. We offer an Occupational Therapy Assistant preceptorship programme in your first12 months to support and consolidate core skills. We also offer regular, virtual Q&A se ssions with our clinical lead OT and networking with other OT Assistants and Activity Coordinators in your service line.

Reasons why you should make an application today

• We care about people in our services
• Expert clinical supervision with an occupational therapist Induction & service line training in area of specialism
• Dedicated CPD time for peer support, skill development and specialist training We support and develop you to build skills and confidence for the next level in your career.

Cygnet Health Care Benefits

• Free parking
• Free meals for staff on duty
• Relocation package available
• Group pension plan helping you save for your future
• NHS Discount Cards & Blue Light Card (includes big brand discounts)
• Wellbeing centre with exercises, recipes, financial and mental health advice.
• Plus much more

A career at Cygnet comes with excellent benefits. Whether its 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, wed be more than happy to facilitate this. Please contact: Emmanuel Ozowara emmanuelozowara@cygnethealth.co.uk

RequirementsThe 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*

What next?

If you care about making a difference we want to talk to you.

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