Contract: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £35,000–£47,000 (Band 5-6 equivalent, depending on experience)
Hours: 32 hours Term time only
Start Date: As soon as possible
As an Occupational Therapist, you will deliver high-quality, specialist OT provision across both primary and secondary SEN/SEMH/ASD/LD settings. The role focuses on enabling pupils to access learning, regulate effectively, develop independence, and participate meaningfully in school life.
The post-holder will be an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team, providing direct therapy, assessments, staff training, equipment recommendations, and strategic therapeutic input across the trust.
Key Responsibilities
* Clinical practice and intervention
* Provide high quality occupational therapy interventions for pupils across primary and secondary phases.
* Deliver direct therapy as outlined in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
* Deliver targeted small group and whole class interventions to support sensory regulation, functional skills, participation and independence.
* Develop and review personalised therapy plans in collaboration with staff and families
* Embed OT strategies within the curriculum by modelling practice and coaching teachers/support staff.
Maintain professional standards in line with HCPC and RCOT guidelines.
Assessment and equipment
- Carry out comprehensive functional, sensory and environmental assessments using evidence based tools.
- Identify the need for specialist equipment and make recommendations for purchase.
- Set up, monitor and adjust equipment to ensure safe and effective use.
- Train staff and parents on appropriate and safe use of equipment.
- Maintain oversight of equipment safety, suitability and reporting.
Staff training, support and capacity building
- Plan and deliver high quality training for staff, including INSET, workshops, and informal coaching.
- Support teachers and support staff to integrate OT strategies into daily routines and classroom practice.
- Provide advice to staff on pupils’ sensory, physical, emotional and functional needs.
- Work closely with SENCOs, intervention and pastoral teams and leaders to build sustainable therapeutic practice across settings.
Professional standards
- Uphold the trust’s values, policies and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Keep accurate, up-to-date clinical records and reports in line with HCPC standards.
- Prepare clear written reports for review meetings, professionals and families.
- Manage your own caseload, time and priorities effectively.
- Engage in professional development, supervision and reflective practice.
- Stay informed of current research, legislation and evidence-based approaches in educational OT.
Multi-disciplinary working
- Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings, assessments and reviews.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, leaders, therapists and external agencies.
- Contribute specialist knowledge to behaviour support planning, environmental adaptations and curriculum access.
- Support transitions between key stages, provisions or schools.
- Offer specialist guidance to parents and carers when appropriate.
Communication and documentation
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation and data in line with GDPR requirements.
- Communicate clearly with pupils, families and professionals.
- Provide specialist advice during EHCP reviews, annual reviews and planning meetings.
- Produce reports that inform school practice, family understanding and statutory processes.
Health, safety and safeguarding
- Comply with all trust policies including Safeguarding, Child Protection, Behaviour, Whistleblowing and Health and Safety.
- Maintain safe working practices in all therapy activities.
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately in line with policy.
Professional development
- Maintain current registration with Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) or other relevant professional body
- Participate in regular supervision (clinical and managerial).
- Pursue CPD relevant to SEMH, ASD, sensory integration, LD, and educational practice.
- Contribute to trust wide development, pilot projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Degree or master’s in occupational therapy (essential)
- HCPC registration or other relevant professional body (essential)
Experience
- Experience working with children/young people with SEN (essential)
- Experience in school or educational settings (desirable)
- Experience in multi-disciplinary teams (essential)
- Experience training or coaching staff (desirable)
Knowledge and skills
- Strong understanding of sensory needs, regulation and functional skill development
- Ability to conduct a variety of assessments
- Knowledge of specialist OT equipment
- Understanding of the EHCP process
- Ability to manage caseloads across multiple sites- currently Stevenage, Baldock and Dunstable
Personal qualities
- Positive, solution-focused and adaptable
- Reflective, professional and committed to CPD
- Strong relationship builder with staff, pupils and families
- Committed to inclusive, trauma informed and pupil centred practice
- High integrity and strong safeguarding awareness
Salary description
£35000.00 - £47000.00 per year