Location
Cygnet Hospital Blackheath, 80-82 Blackheath Hill, London, SE10 8AD

Hours
37.5 Hours per week

Salary
£29,137.50 per annum

About the Role
Would you like to explore a rewarding career experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant? Cygnet Hospital Blackheath is a two-ward hospital providing PICU and low secure mental health services. You will primarily be based on the low secure unit, which focuses on recovery and rehabilitation to enable service users to lead full and independent lives in the community. Occasionally, you will support the PICU ward. The Occupational Therapy Team includes qualified OTs and OT Assistants on each ward.

You will be an integral member of the Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) and OT department, working alongside nurses, psychologists, psychology assistants, occupational therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists, with 24/7 nursing support. This collaborative environment allows us to meet the evolving needs of service users as they progress through their care pathway.

Under the leadership of occupational therapy directors, we support over 150 Occupational Therapists and 300 OT support staff across the group. You will have opportunities to engage with specialist interest groups and contribute to service development. Each service line has a clinical lead OT who guides evidence-based practice and occupational therapy pathways.

We ensure OT team members have a voice in service model development and benefit from the expertise of clinical lead occupational therapists.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Preceptorship & Induction
Starting a new role can be daunting, so we provide a robust induction process including shadowing, learning discussions, and expert support. Our 12-month preceptorship programme helps consolidate core skills. Regular virtual Q&A sessions with clinical lead OTs and networking opportunities with other OT Assistants are also offered.

Why Apply?
- We care about people in our services
- Expert clinical supervision with an occupational therapist
- Induction and service line training in your area of specialism
- Dedicated CPD time for peer support, skill development, and specialist training
- Support and development to build skills and confidence for career progression

Cygnet Health Care Benefits
Free parking
Free meals for staff on duty
Relocation package available
Group pension plan to help save for your future
NHS Discount Cards and Blue Light Card with big brand discounts
Wellbeing centre offering exercises, recipes, financial and mental health advice
Plus much more

A career at Cygnet offers excellent benefits, supporting your happiness both in and out of work through savings, professional development, and pension schemes. Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while making a difference every day.

Experience
No specific experience required; enthusiasm and commitment to the role are essential.

About you
- Motivated and compassionate individual eager to support mental health recovery
- Able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Willingness to learn and develop professionally through the preceptorship programme

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications or prior experience in occupational therapy support roles are advantageous but not mandatory. A positive attitude and dedication to professional growth are key.