Occupational Therapy Assistant in Colchester inColchester PUBLISHED WED 12 NOV 2025 Jump to job information section
Competitive rates
PERMANENT
Cygnet Health Care rqK00rRF
Job description
Job summary
We are looking for a confident Occupational Therapy Assistant with a passion for delivering outstanding care.You'll be working full time, 40 hours a week, making a positive difference to the lives of the people in our care at Cygnet Hospital ColchesterCygnet 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.
Main duties of the job
At Cygnet, we support our people to grow their careers, gain new skills and keep stepping up. Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while reaping the rewards of making a difference to others every day.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.
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
12 November 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£28,612 a year increasing to £29137.5 a year following probation
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
VP4F5A3409
Job location
sColchesterCO4 5HF
Job description
Job responsibilities
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 AssistantWorking hours:40 Hours per week
Salary
:£28,612.50, post probation £29,137.50 and at 18 months £ 29,662.50.Service Line:Learning Disability Mental HealthLocation:Cygnet Hospital Colchester, Boxted Rd, Mile End, Colchester CO4 5HFResponsible to:Head of Occupational Therapy and Regional Lead Occupational TherapistSummary of the siteCygnet 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.Occupational Therapy DirectorateUnder 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 sessions with our clinical lead OT and networking with other OT Assistants and Activity Coordinators in your service line.5 reasons why you should make an application todayWe care about people in our servicesExpert clinical supervision with an occupational therapistInduction & service line training in area of specialismDedicated CPD time for peer support, skill development and specialist trainingWe support and develop you to build skills and confidence for the next level in your career.Cygnet Health Care BenefitsFree parkingFree meals for staff on dutyRelocation package availableGroup pension plan helping you save for your futureNHS Discount Cards & Blue Light Card (includes big brand discounts)Wellbeing centre with exercises, recipes, financial and mental health advice.Plus much moreA 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
Job description
Person Specification
General RequirementsEssentialPlease refer to
Job description
aboveDesirablePlease refer to
Job description
above
Job description
above
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Employer
Details
We are looking for a confident Occupational Therapy Assistant with a passion for delivering outstanding care.You'll be working full time, 40 hours a week, making a positive difference to the lives of the people in our care at Cygnet Hospital ColchesterCygnet 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.
Main duties of the job
At Cygnet, we support our people to grow their careers, gain new skills and keep stepping up. Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while reaping the rewards of making a difference to others every day.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.
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
12 November 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£28,612 a year increasing to £29137.5 a year following probation
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
VP4F5A3409
Job location
sColchesterCO4 5HF
Job description
Job responsibilities
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 AssistantWorking hours:40 Hours per week
Salary
:£28,612.50, post probation £29,137.50 and at 18 months £ 29,662.50.Service Line:Learning Disability Mental HealthLocation:Cygnet Hospital Colchester, Boxted Rd, Mile End, Colchester CO4 5HFResponsible to:Head of Occupational Therapy and Regional Lead Occupational TherapistSummary of the siteCygnet 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.Occupational Therapy DirectorateUnder 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 sessions with our clinical lead OT and networking with other OT Assistants and Activity Coordinators in your service line.5 reasons why you should make an application todayWe care about people in our servicesExpert clinical supervision with an occupational therapistInduction & service line training in area of specialismDedicated CPD time for peer support, skill development and specialist trainingWe support and develop you to build skills and confidence for the next level in your career.Cygnet Health Care BenefitsFree parkingFree meals for staff on dutyRelocation package availableGroup pension plan helping you save for your futureNHS Discount Cards & Blue Light Card (includes big brand discounts)Wellbeing centre with exercises, recipes, financial and mental health advice.Plus much moreA 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
Job description
Person Specification
General RequirementsEssentialPlease refer to
Job description
aboveDesirablePlease refer to
Job description
above
Job description
above
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Employer
Details
Not sure?
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
Requirements
See the job description for full role requirements.
Benefits
Benefits are provided by the employer and will be confirmed during your application.
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More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:
Useful skills for an Occupational Therapy Assistant:
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To work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in the UK, you need a combination of specific skills, qualifications, and personal attributes. Here are some essential skills and requirements:
Educational Qualifications:
1. Relevant Qualification: While a degree is not always necessary, having a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or occupational therapy assistant-specific training can be beneficial.
2. General Education: Basic GCSEs, particularly in English and Maths, are often required.
Essential Skills:
1. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial, as you will need to interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
2. Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build rapport and establish trusting relationships with patients is vital.
3. Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and being sensitive to patients' needs and difficulties is fundamental to delivering good care.
4. Organizational Skills: Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and keep accurate records.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to think critically and develop practical solutions to support patients in achieving their occupational goals.
6. Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary environment.
7. Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to different patient needs and varying work environments.
8. Technical Skills: Familiarity with assistive technologies or adaptive equipment can be beneficial.
9. Basic IT Skills: Proficiency with computers and software for maintaining records or using therapy-related applications.
Personal Attributes:
1. Patience: Working with individuals who may have differing levels of ability and progress requires patience.
2. Resilience: The ability to cope with the emotional challenges of working in healthcare settings.
3. Attention to Detail: Ensuring that therapy plans are followed accurately and that records are maintained correctly.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and needs of patients.
Experience:
- Relevant Experience: Experience in health and social care, whether through voluntary work, internships, or roles in similar settings, is highly valued.
Continuing Professional Development:
- Ongoing Training: Participating in training and professional development opportunities to stay informed about best practices and new techniques in occupational therapy.
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51.88970860329176 0.8993475309503719 Colchester 
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