Head Occupational Therapist; Maternity Cover

About Us

Helping others improve and turn their lives around is what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Cygnet Health Care, established in 1988, is an independent provider of health and social care services in England, Scotland and Wales.

Head Occupational Therapist (Fixed Term Contract – Maternity leave cover)

Working hours:

37.5 Hours per week | Salary: £52,870 per year | Contract duration: 1st November 2026 (9‑12 months) | Service Line:
Mental Health Adults – Acute / PICU |

Location:

Cygnet Hospital Godden Green, Sevenoaks | Responsible to:
Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, Clinical Services Manager and Regional Lead Occupational Therapist.

• Provide innovative leadership and manage the Occupational Therapy service comprising one Occupational Therapist and one Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Assess and treat occupational dysfunction for patients on the allocated caseload, delivering person‑centred group and individual therapy sessions.
• Work with a full multidisciplinary team to support service users from admission to discharge.
• Collaborate with therapists from different disciplines, including music therapy, dance and movement therapy, activity coordinators, assistant psychologists and the Active Life team.
• Implement evidence‑based models such as VdTMoCA and Sensory Modulation, and use APOM to assess outcomes.

• Registered Occupational Therapist with HCPC.
• Experience working with individuals diagnosed with mental health conditions, dual diagnosis, sensory processing difficulties or complex trauma.
• Hands‑on approach to Occupational Therapy processes and interventions.
• Excellent communication and time‑management skills.
• Knowledge of severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorders.
• Proficiency in designing and delivering individualized, activity‑based interventions to promote engagement and recovery.
• Ability to use sensory‑based interventions to reduce anxiety and create calmer environments.
• Effective in multidisciplinary team collaboration.
• Passion for student education.
• Skill in managing highly demanding clinical presentations.
• Interest in the mental health field.

• Competitive salary.
• Free parking and meals for staff on duty.
• Opportunities for CPD and further learning in leadership, management and sensory modulation.
• Expert clinical supervision and peer support.
• Bi‑monthly OT CPD meetings.
• Group pension plan.
• NHS Discount Cards and Blue Light Card – brand discounts.
• Additional benefits including healthcare, holidays and leisure.

If you meet the criteria, please contact our in‑house recruiter Hannah Dunlop at  You may also discuss the role with recruiting Occupational Therapist Courtney Greene at Co