Children's Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust (Cambridgeshire); Ely; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust is recruiting a Children’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner (Band 4) based in Ely. The post supports a dynamic paediatric OT service, joining a team delivering assessments, therapy and discharge planning for children and young people across clinic, home, school and community settings.

The role requires at least two years’ experience in children’s therapy support, with knowledge of equipment provision, and you will work as an

Qualifications

• Level 5 qualification or Foundation Degree as required for the OT service.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and appraisal.
• Understanding of KSF dimensions and PDR process.
• Experience with paediatric OT services and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver occupational therapy programmes to children with varied needs in clinics, homes, schools or pre-schools.
• Assess, treat and discharge planning under supervision of an OT, maintaining accurate records.
• Collaborate with MDT members and external agencies to achieve OT goals.
• Promote independence and safe use of equipment, with demonstrations and training.
• Manage own caseload and travel to county locations as required.
• Participate in supervision and training sessions; support less experienced staff.

Skills

Understanding of physical disability

Knowledge of OT treatment protocols

Knowledge of OT interventions for pedi

Clinical governance awareness

KSF and professional development

Education

Level 5 qualification / Foundation Degree

A Levels or NVQ level 3 equivalent

GCSE English and Maths

Tools

SystmOne

Job description

Main area Occupational Therapy Grade Band 4 Contract Permanent Hours

• Part time


• Flexible working

30 hours per week (Must be able to work on a Tuesday) Job ref 448-CCYP-8222480

Employer East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust (Cambridgeshire) Employer type NHS Site Princess of Wales Hospital Town Ely Salary £28,392 - £31,157 per annum, pro-rata Salary period Yearly Closing 02/09/2026 23:59 Interview date 18/09/2026

Children's Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner

Band 4

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust delivers expert healthcare in people’s homes, community hospitals and local settings across the East of England.

Our nurses, therapists, clinicians, support teams and partners work together to provide coordinated care that supports independence, recovery and wellbeing. We believe people are best cared for close to home, in the communities where they live and belong.

By combining professional expertise with strong local relationships, we help people stay well, feel supported and access the right care at the right time. Expert healthcare, close to home, trusted by our communities.

Different ideas, experiences and backgrounds make us stronger and more creative and applications from all walks of life are welcomed. Our processes ensure that all applicants are treated fairly at every stage of the recruitment process.

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust is committed to creating a modern and inclusive work environment. We actively promote flexible working opportunities where possible to meet the needs and wishes of our workforce and maintain and improve their wellbeing. We also offer flexible working patterns and we would encourage you to discuss this with the recruiting manager before or during the application process if this would interest you.

We welcome applications from people who share our values and can help us deliver outstanding care in our local community.

Before applying for this vacancy, please make sure you’re familiar with ongoing GOV.uk sponsorship eligibility criteria which will impact the organisations ability to provide sponsorship, whether this is currently or in the future.

Please note, our selection processes are in place to ensure we recruit candidates with the right values and skills. Please be advised that the use of AI in applications is monitored. We remain watchful of candidates who misuse these tools to generate an application that doesn’t accurately reflect their skills.

Please note all new starters will be subject to a 6 month probationary period.

Job overview

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Occupational Therapy Assistant to use their skills and knowledge to make a real difference in children and young people’s lives.

You will be joining a dynamic team of Occupational Therapists and Assistants within the Community Occupational Therapy Service to contribute to holistic care and therapy delivery for children and young people.

The postholder will be an integral part of the Children’s Occupational Therapy team supporting assessment and treatment for children and young people. The successful candidate will have a minimum of two years’ experience working as a Children’s Therapy assistant and have knowledge of equipment provision.

The post holder will be required to work as part of the Occupational Therapy Service as an autonomous practitioner to undertake specific work independently, as identified by registered Occupational Therapy staff. This will include working with other agencies and Multi-Disciplinary Teams to deliver Children’s OT goals across different settings including clinic, patients’ home, schools and/or pre-school sites.

The post holder will require very good communication, organisation and time management skills to support provision of effective interventions. The post holder will be based in Princess of Wales Hospital, Ely with some travel across the county.

To be able to work on a Tuesday

To work as part of the Occupational Therapy team, as an autonomous practitioner and understanding your role within the service

To undertake specific work independently, as identified by registered Occupational Therapy staff.

To accept patients referred by the Occupational Therapist and carry own caseload.

Work independently within the multidisciplinary team setting, reporting back patient progress and informing Therapists of any problems.

To appropriately conduct assessments, treatment and discharge planning for patients under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist

Typical caseloads have a mixture of children with physical and developmental needs, with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and Autism.

Regular supervision will be provided. The post-holder will also be supported by the Team Lead OT for South Team and join other OT Assistant Practitioners at targeted training sessions as well as regular in-service training. The service is supportive of staff wishing to pursue apprenticeship training in Occupational Therapy.

To assess for standard equipment with guidance from the Occupational Therapist, adhering to relevant competencies.

To promote independence, health and well-being and safety in clinical or community settings.

Assist Occupational Therapy staff in activities related to non-direct patient contact: equipment maintenance, delivery and collection, clerical and administrative

Working for our organisation

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.

There’s one reason why our services are outstanding – and that’s our amazing staff who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Purpose: To work as part of the Occupational Therapy team, as an autonomous practitioner and understanding your role within the service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To undertake specific work independently, as identified by registered Occupational Therapy staff.

To accept patients referred by the Occupational Therapist and carry own caseload.

Work independently within the multidisciplinary team setting, reporting back patient progress and informing Therapists of any problems.

To appropriately conduct assessments, treatment and discharge planning for patients under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist

To assess for standard equipment with guidance from the Occupational Therapist, adhering to relevant competencies.

To promote independence, health and well-being and safety in clinical or community settings.

Assist Occupational Therapy staff in activities related to non-direct patient contact: equipment maintenance, delivery and collection, clerical and administrative.

To plan, organise and prioritise own day-to-day tasks, meeting deadlines and within the time constraints as per service demands.

With support from the Occupational Therapist: plan, organise and implement tasks, activities and treatment programmes for delegated patients; specific to their needs – collaborating appropriately and effectively alongside other professionals and the child’s relevant family members/guardians.

There will be the frequent requirement for concentration where the work pattern is predictable with few competing demands for attention.

Communication

Communicate in an open, transparent, and effective way to promote the well‑being of patients and their families/carers.

To effectively demonstrate appropriate communication with the patient, their families/carers, school staff and other professionals (and maintaining confidentiality).

To understand that some information received will be complex and sensitive; demonstrate tact, reassurance, empathy when having these conversations.

To demonstrate understanding and knowledge that there may be barriers to communication due to understanding as well as language, therefore, to be able to use appropriate resources to ensure effective and appropriate communication is achieved.

Demonstrates the ability to make accurate verbal and written reports, summarising assessment and intervention outcomes for the child and family.

To support and motivate patients to improve and develop their functional skills and in‑turn improve their health and well‑being.

To liaise effectively with other healthcare professionals and external agencies.

To appropriately contribute within clinical meetings as well as operational team meetings.

Responsible for the safe use of equipment other than equipment which you personally use.

To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with local policies.

Budgetary Responsibility

No budgetary responsibilities.

People Management

Assists with the induction of new or less experienced staff (or agency staff), by demonstrating own role.

Provide support to less experienced staff.

Assist and be available to supervise the clinical activities of less experienced staff.

Actively participate in EEC appraisal review (PDR) process and In-service training.

Research & Development Activity

Be aware of and work within Trust Policies and procedures (for example: infection and prevention policies / clinical governance framework).

Contribute to the ongoing development of the service, reviewing and maintaining up to date with knowledge of local policies and procedures.

To contribute to research projects / audits / surveys within the clinical specialty under the supervision of a registered health care professional.

Clinical and Practice Governance

Make accurate and timely records of delegated work undertaken and maintain monthly statistics required.

To document all interactions on patient records regarding their care.

To be competent in IT skills to produce reports and set up appropriate spreadsheets and databases.

Use of shared folders, accessing online training through ESR, completing all training updates identified through team correspondence, effective use of intranet, appropriately using SystmOne including effective use of SystmOne ledger for daily activities.

Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.

Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies.

Adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes.

Adhere to infection control policies and procedures.

Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required by East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust.

Participate in clinical and other audits as required.

The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.

Personal & professional development

Improve the quality of care to our patients by updating your knowledge, skills and experience through personal and professional development.

In line with trust policy, every employee should have an annual PDR (performance & development review; appraisal) and these competencies must be reviewed as part of this. However, the PDR process is continuous, and progress and performance should be reviewed throughout the year.

For a new starter to the Team, a review at 6 months will be in place. Clinical supervision will be every 4-6 weeks and there will be a regular caseload review (quarterly) with a registered Occupational Therapist.

To maintain up to date knowledge and skills relevant to the field of practice, including mandatory training.

Meets training needs identified through Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) and Personal Development Plan, and shares information gained with other members of the Occupational Therapy and multi-disciplinary team.

Working effectively with other colleagues within field of practice.

To further develop knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and understanding of relevant legislation and policy (e.g. The Children’s Act, Education Act, Safeguarding children and implication of these policies in relation to the child and their care).

Physical Skills

Maintain up to date training and knowledge in basic life support skills.

Safely demonstrate moving and handling of patients – including working at a low / floor level.

Ensuring physical skills required to deliver, fit and adjust a variety of equipment (again, working at low / floor level).

To be able to drive to different locations around the county (patch based).

To be able to undertake and demonstrate safe manual handling techniques and requirements of the role: facilitating movement of upper limb, functional positioning of child, awareness of hand/eye/sensory co‑ordination, and sensory awareness of muscle tone.

Ability to carry out agreed procedures appropriate to role: setting up and adjusting specialist equipment, complex moving and handling, manual dexterity to complete necessary IT tasks, intact sensory skills in order to effectively assess and communicate with patients – with or without own equipment/aids.

Maintain highly developed skills through practice in relation to the provision of tasks: mobilising, rehabilitation skills, dexterity for the handling and demonstrative use of equipment.

There may be an occasional requirement to exert moderate physical effort for several short periods during a working day.

There may be occasions where you will be in working within unpleasant working conditions.

Analysis, Problem Solving & Service Planning

Effective use of observation, engagement and assessment, to identify significant changes within patient’s condition – ensure appropriate information is feedback to Occupational Therapist / Case holder, in a timely way.

Recognise emergency situations and respond accordingly (for example – safeguarding children).

To deliver Occupational Therapy programmes to children with varied needs (some conditions will be: complex / life limiting / degenerative) based on information gathered; interests and goals - clinics and child’s home and school, and ensures the environment is safe for practice.

Observes child’s performance during intervention and documents activity in clinical records.

Evaluates progress following intervention and demonstrates analysis of outcome against goals; adapts level of programme; liaising with Occupational Therapist / Case holder in a timely way.

Specific measuring of (specialist) equipment; ordering; provision of; appropriate demonstration and training; discussion of safe use / instructions – Immediate documentation on SystmOne.

Ensure safety standards of equipment: correct, safe and appropriate use of therapeutic equipment as per manufacturers guidelines (including service dates).

Person specification

Qualifications & Training

• Successful completion of Level 5 Qualification (Foundation Degree, equivalent to DipHE or level 5 certificate)


• Sound basic education: evidence of successful A Levels (or NVQ level 3 equivalent) and GCSEs (level 5 / grade C or above) in English and Maths


• Evidence of continued professional development documented through Trust processes and personal portfolio (for example demonstratable evidence of appraisal/supervision)


• Understanding of KSF (Knowledge Skills Framework) dimensions and PDR (appraisal) process

Experience

• Demonstrable experience of working with children, young people and families or within the Occupational Therapy service


• Experience working with families who are adjusting to disability issues


• An awareness of child development and the OT role within the service


• Experience working in the community


• Able to demonstrate an understanding of safeguarding issues


• Experience with working with children with complex physical disability


• Experience working within a special school

Knowledge & Skills

• A good understanding of physical disability and learning disability issues


• Knowledge of treatment protocols, benefits and limitations of Occupational Therapy


• Knowledge of the range of Occupational Therapy interventions appropriate in the treatment of children and young people


• A broad understanding of relevant policy, legislation and how they apply to children’s occupational therapy


• Understanding of clinical governance – how it informs clinical practice and the purpose of audit within Occupational Therapy

Equal Opportunities - We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. Additionally, people with disabilities that fall under the Disability Confident Scheme will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification). All sites are Smoke Free.

Immigration Status – East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust is a diverse employer and welcomes all job applications. However, potential applicants should note that although the Trust is registered with the Home Office as a sponsor organisation for migrant workers, sponsorship can only be offered against eligible roles. If you are an applicant from outside the UK and do not already hold a self‑gained right to work, we recommend you check the Home Office eligibility requirements before making an application.

Please note: Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for some job roles, and this will be identified through filtering questions at the start of any job application on the Trac recruitment system.

Our safe recruitment pre‑employment checks are undertaken before an appointment is confirmed and may include a DBS check. Where the role requires you to drive, we'll ask you to validate your driving licence online via the DVLA.

Redeployment - Please note that in the first instance priority for this vacancy will be given to staff who are on the Trusts Redeployment Register.

Closing and Interview Dates -This vacancy may close early if sufficient applicants are received.

Data Protection - A privacy notice detailing how we will handle your data is attached to this advert as a document. Your application will be transferred to our recruitment management system (Trac) once the advert has closed and you will receive notification then detailing how Trac will handle your data.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

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.

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