Community Children OT Clinical Specialist/SEND Team Leader

Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an experienced professional to lead occupational therapy services in education. The role involves managing a team, overseeing assessments, and collaborating with schools and local authorities on special education needs (SEND). The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders and SEND processes, along with proven management skills. This position offers a supportive environment within the community children occupational therapy leadership team.

Qualifications

• Experience in overseeing occupational therapy services.
• Ability to manage and supervise a team effectively.
• Strong communication skills for working with multi-agency partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage occupational therapy services for education settings.
• Supervise a team of occupational therapists.
• Support schools in the development of community occupational therapy services.

Skills

Knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders

Understanding of SEND and Education Tribunal processes

Management skills

Job description

Job Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to take of the role of leading our services in our schools and with our partners in Special Education Needs and disabilities. You will work closely with our multi‑agency partners in education provision and in the local authority in contributing towards the delivery of occupational therapy Educational and Health Care needs assessments and the provision of expert support and guidance for Educational Tribunal work.

Requirements

You will need to have knowledge of a range of neurodevelopmental disorders and impact with education settings as well as an understanding of SEND and Education Tribunal processes.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for overseeing the management of and delivery of occupational therapy services to our key partners and stakeholders. You will line manage and supervise a team of occupational therapists supporting SEND work.

You will support commissioning schools in the development and delivery of school based community children occupational therapy service offers., This post holder will work closely with colleagues in Schools and SEND across the boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth providing both consultation and advice on quality improvements as well as training as required.

You will be responsible for monitoring SEND referrals, supporting triage and allocating cases ensuring that assessments are completed within statutory timelines.

The post holder will be responsible for supervising and leading a small team of occupational therapists. The team are responsible for carrying out assessments of need for children referred by our colleagues in Southwark and Lambeth Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND). The team also provides occupational therapy services to schools through commissioning arrangements.

You will work in collaboration with schools commissioning Occupational Therapy, developing service packages, monitoring and overseeing the occupational therapy service offer into these schools.

You will carry a small caseload and provide support to our occupational therapy pathways and group offers to parents and carers.

You will assist the Head of Community Children Occupational Therapy with overseeing SEND commissioned work agreed in contracts and liaise closely with colleagues in the local authorities as well as schools.

You will be joining our community children occupational therapy leadership team and will receive peer support in addition to supervision and management support from the Head of Community Children Occupational Therapy. You will be supported to receive the appropriate training and guidance to perform your role.