Lead Occupational Therapist for Mental Health

Dibden Park School; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Southampton is seeking a Lead Clinician to enhance the quality of life and outcomes for pupils. The role involves coordination and leadership of the clinical team, with responsibilities including service development, supervision, and report writing. Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience, HCPC registration, and a valid UK driving license. This permanent position offers a competitive benefits package focused on well-being and personal growth.

Benefits

Life Assurance Pension scheme

Access to mental health support services

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience, preferably in a child/education setting.
• Preferably management experience.
• Full UK-valid driving licence and access to own transport.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the line management of the members of the onsite clinical team.
• Lead on the service development of the clinical school-based service.
• Provide supervision and support for the therapy team.
• Produce clear and concise report writing relating to clinical and research activities.

Skills

Coordination

Leadership

Supervision

Education

HCPC registered Occupational Therapist

Job description

flourish and grow in independence is key.

Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of world‑class education. Our schools are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales, with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the children and young people we educate. Our Acorn schools are there to meet the social and emotional needs of pupils who have faced trauma or adversity, equipping them for life’s important steps. Our Options Autism schools support autistic pupils to value their uniqueness and access the world in their own way. Another division, Momenta Connect, supports young people to overcome barriers and engage with education. While our most recent addition, Blenheim Schools, enables outstanding futures through high‑quality independent and international schools. Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world‑class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving environment.

We are looking for a Lead Clinician who shares our vision to use innovative approaches to enhance the quality of life and outcomes of the pupils we support.

Location & Working Hours

Dibben Park School, Hampshire SO45 5TD

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm.

Contract: Permanent (term time only, or flexibility around full‑time contract can be discussed based on your personal circumstances).

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the line management of the members of the onsite clinical team.
• Lead on the service development of the clinical school‑based service, alongside the school SLT and Regional Clinical Lead.
• Provide supervision and support for the therapy team.
• Produce clear and concise report writing relating to clinical and research activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 2 years post‑qualification experience, preferably in a child/education setting.
• Preferably management experience.
• HCPC registered Occupational Therapist (Acorn HCPC registered).
• Full UK‑valid driving licence and access to own transport.

What We Offer

• Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions.
• Wellbeing Matters access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks.
• Four days a week well‑being (4DWW) subject to successful completion of probation and not a contractual benefit.
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits.
• 100+ discount options valid in the UK and abroad.
• Cycle to Work Schemes.
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme.
• Critical illness cover.

Safety & Recruitment

All successful applicants will be subject to social media checks and will undergo a fully enhanced DBS check. We are committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.