Advanced Occupational Therapist (NHS AfC: Band 7) - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Main area Advanced Occupational Therapist Grade NHS AfC: Band 7 Contract 12 months (fixed term) Hours

• Full time
• Part time

18 hours per week (Full Time may be a option) Job ref 425-25-7134078

Employer Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Archdale Specialist School Town Sheffield Salary £46,148 - £52,809 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 08/05/2025 23:59

Advanced Occupational Therapist

NHS AfC: Band 7

Job overview

Fixed Term: 12 months | 18 hrs per week | Full Time considered

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our Special Schools team in Sheffield for a 12-month contract. You will provide high-quality occupational therapy care to children with a range of conditions across school and community settings. You will work with two schools, contributing to both school life and therapy sessions, making a lasting difference to the lives of children and their families.

About You:

You have advanced knowledge in managing children with physical, sensory, and developmental challenges, and are keen to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team. You have strong communication skills and enjoy supporting both children and staff to reach their full potential.

BSc in Occupational Therapy or Dip COT.

HCPC Registration.

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of children with complex needs, we would love to hear from you!

Main duties of the job

Reporting into the Community Team Leader , your responsibilities will include:

Provide a specialised service for the assessment, treatment, and management of children with chronic and complex learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

Be an expert resource, using your experience managing children with physical, sensory, and developmental dysfunction in both school and community settings.

Offer specialist advice to inter-agency professional staff and deliver clinical education to senior therapists, education staff, assistants, technical staff, and students.

Take a lead role in managing complex cases within a multidisciplinary team, as an autonomous practitioner.

Working for our organisation

At Sheffield Children’s, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are:

• Brilliant Place to work
• Leaders in Children’s Health

We work with local, regional, and national partners to provide physical and mental healthcare across acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are amongst the best in their field, recognised nationally and internationally for their expertise.

As well as having enormous pride in what we do, we are a friendly, welcoming, and motivated NHS Trust who are guided by our CARE values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Our nearly 4000 colleagues live these values, ensuring kind and compassionate care that makes patients and their families feel safe and at home.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we remain committed to enhancing our reputation in children’s health leadership, improving the experiences of both patient and colleagues, and focusing on our communities and population health.

Sheffield Children's provides great benefits to support your wellbeing, with excellent annual leave and pension schemes, health programmes, and exclusive discounts—helping you succeed at work and beyond.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

Please note that Sheffield Children's uplift pay to meet the Real Living Wage, which is £12.60 per hour.

Diversity Statement

At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone’s success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs.

#LI-Onsite

Person specification

Qualifications/Training

• BSc in Occupational Therapy or Dip COT
• HPC Registration
• Portfolio evidence of reflective practice
• MSc in Paediatric Occupational Therapy or other relevant MSc
• Research qualification
• Moving and Handling qualification/training Transition

Experience

• Significant and relevant post graduate experience
• Paediatric development disorders / cerebral palsy Community / lone worker experience
• Appraisal / supervision / teaching of more junior staff
• Standardised Assessment tools
• Outcome measures
• Moving and handling
• Experience of special school education
• Active involvement in relevant BAOT special interest groups, local PT/OT Federation sub-groups or voluntary organisations

Knowledge

• Child development
• Child disability
• Child Protection procedures
• Audit / Research / Service Evaluation
• Understanding of the legal responsibilities of the profession.
• Advanced understanding of clinical governance and its implications for services.
• Understanding of family / team dynamics and how to develop working relationships with all involved in the child’s care.
• Understanding of the impact of disability on children and their families.
• Understanding of data protection, confidentiality and health and safety requirements in meeting the needs of the child and family.
• Special Educational Needs & Disability Processes
• Transition processes
• Moving and handling legislation and current practice.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to present information, written and verbal in a clear and logical manner.
• Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate appropriately.
• Ability to keep accurate and legible clinical records.
• Ability to cope working in a stressful environment and within emotional or challenging situations.
• Problem solving approach
• Ability to communicate effectively and work well within a multi-professional team.
• Self directed learning
• Forward thinking / visionary
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to organise internal / external courses
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and tact
• Excellent presentation skills.

Attributes

• High level of interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, punctual, flexible
• Access to a car for commuting between sites around the city and delivering small pieces of therapy equipment. Evidence of car insurance appropriate for this activity

Demonstrates Trust values

• Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence

Employer certification / accreditation badges

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.