Occupational Therapist - Special School

The Placement Group; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Band 6 Occupational Therapist for a special school in North London. The role involves managing a caseload of children with severe or complex needs, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and implementing evidence-based interventions. Candidates should have a degree in Occupational Therapy, HCPC registration, and experience with children. Flexible working opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Degree or Master in Occupational Therapy (or equivalent).
• Current HCPC registration required.
• Experience with children and young people with health conditions.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist Occupational Therapy with clinical decision-making.
• Develop OT programmes for implementation by Therapy assistants.
• Manage a complex caseload independently.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Knowledge of sensory needs

Knowledge of physical needs

Education

Degree or Master in Occupational Therapy

Current HCPC registration

Job description

Our client has a fantastic permanent Band 6 Occupational Therapist opportunity in North London, working in a special school to manage a caseload of children with severe or complex needs. The school is part of a Multi Academy Trust that promotes inclusive practice and delivers outstanding provision at all levels.

Occupational Therapist - Band 6 (Equivalent)

• Salary: £43,742 - £45,996
• Location: North London
• Hours: Full-time, 36 hours/week, 52 weeks/year; flexible working opportunities available
• Client Group: Special School - children with severe or complex needs
• No Sponsorship Available

The successful candidate will collaborate with school Therapy Leads and existing therapists to develop and implement a centralised 'streams' model, focusing on areas such as PMLD or neuro-diverse support, to deliver evidence-based interventions. Pupils have a range of health conditions (e.g., PMLD, SLD, MLD, ASD), and the therapy team plays a vital role in enabling pupils to access the curriculum. The role involves close collaboration with families, school staff, NHS, social care teams, and onsite multidisciplinary teams including nurses, dieticians, and paediatricians, as well as joint clinics like orthotics and wheelchair services.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Provide specialist Occupational Therapy with clinical decision-making and case management in consultation with the Head of Therapy.
2. Develop OT programmes for implementation by Therapy assistants, students, volunteers, and other staff, supervising their work and OT input.
3. Work with education staff, parents, caregivers, and other agencies to integrate therapy targets into learning goals for children with Education, Health, and Care Plans.
4. Deliver clinical decision-making for children and adolescents with motor, sensory, perceptual, and functional needs, including assessments, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation.
5. Demonstrate clinical effectiveness using evidence-based practices and outcome measures.
6. Manage a complex caseload independently, seeking supervision and support when needed.
7. Carry out assessments, monitor intervention outcomes, and adapt plans accordingly.
8. Ensure clinical governance and quality standards are maintained, including safeguarding policies.
9. Collaborate with the School Therapy team and external agencies on client needs and therapy input.
10. Maintain equipment safety, infection control, and standards.
11. Engage in CPD, clinical supervision, and professional development activities.
12. Work with school staff to set, implement, and monitor interventions following school therapy procedures.
13. Communicate assessment findings, diagnoses, and intervention plans effectively with parents, carers, and other professionals, including sensitive discussions.

Candidate Skills and Qualifications:

• Degree or Master in Occupational Therapy (or equivalent)
• Current HCPC registration
• Experience working with children and young people with health conditions
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork ability
• Knowledge of sensory and physical needs of school children