Occupational Therapist
hace 5 días
Stevenage
Location: Stevenage 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