Occupational Therapist
28 days ago
Stevenage
Occupational Therapist Primary and Secondary – SEN (SEMH/ASD/LD) Location: Hertfordshire and CBC (across trust schools) Contract: Permanent – Full time Salary: £35,000–£47,000 (Band 5-6 equivalent, depending on experience) Hours: 32 hours Term time only Reports to: Senior Leader/ SENCO Start Date: As soon as possible Job Purpose 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., • 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., • 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., • 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., • 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., • 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., • Comply with all trust policies including Safeguarding, Child Protection, Behaviour, Whistleblowing and Health and Safety., • Maintain safe working practices in all therapy activities., • 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. Qualifications • Degree or master’s in occupational therapy (essential), • Experience working with children/young people with SEN (essential), • Experience in school or educational settings (desirable), • Experience in multi-disciplinary teams (essential), • Strong understanding of sensory needs, regulation and functional skill development, • Ability to conduct a variety of assessments, • Knowledge of specialist OT equipment, • Excellent communication and report writing skills, • Understanding of the EHCP process, • 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
