Specialist Children's Occupational Therapist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for 3 dynamic and innovative Children’s Community Occupational Therapists to deliver OT provision within the Expert at Hand model, alongside managing a mixed Band 6 caseload within a highly respected and integrated OT service.

This post is funded through the ‘Expert at Hand’ SEND reform programme and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to system-wide transformation. The role is likely to be extended, subject to ongoing funding and service development.

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who has experience of working with children in a community / education setting, or has other relevant experience but are looking for a change in role to join our large and dynamic Occupational Therapy team, based at the Hackney Ark. The Ark is a purpose built Child Development Centre.

You will also hold a mixed caseload of children including those with physical disabilities, co-ordination disorders, autism and developmental delay. The children will be seen in the context relevant to their functional difficulties, so visits to home and school will be required. The team works proactively with schools and MDT colleagues to meet children’s needs efficiently and effectively. The service offer training packages to schools and early year’s settings as well as direct treatment and advice.

Working hours: 37.5 per week. We offer flexible working - we would also consider term time only or part time applicants.

Main duties of the job

Main duties include:

• The post holder will be responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of Occupational Therapy to a caseload of children. This will include effectively and independently managing their caseload and OT provision to any allocated schools as well as working closely with the school multi-disciplinary team.
• The post holder will provide mentorship to more junior occupational therapy colleagues, therapy assistant and student occupational therapists within the department as agreed with the Team Manager, and will be responsible for allocation of work to these staff. Effective appraisal, supervision and mentorship skills are a requirement of the post.
• The post holder will ensure effective assessment, goal setting and use appropriate outcome measures to identify and show change in occupational performance. The post holder will identify and implement evidence based therapeutic intervention for children, which will include children with physical disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder, coordination and sensory processing difficulties.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s on this page.

The person specification below is not the full person specification but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.

Post holder may be asked to work very occasional evenings and weekends.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.