Learning Disability Occupational Therapist

Old Moat; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Manchester is seeking an Occupational Therapist to join their team on a full-time basis. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Occupational Therapy and at least two years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include providing therapy interventions and supporting residents with learning disabilities. This role comes with a generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Local government pension scheme

Access to discounts and wellbeing programs

Qualifications

• At least 2 years experience working as an Occupational Therapist.
• Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is required.
• Ability to complete comprehensive reports in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful therapy interventions to maximize independence.
• Support transitions in and out of accommodations provided by the Council.

Skills

Extensive experience with learning disabilities

Organizational skills

Excellent oral and written communication

Empathy and compassion

Education

Degree (Hons) in Occupational Therapy

Job description

About the Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance

Closing Date: 16 November 2025

Closing time: 11.59pm

Interview Method: Face to Face

Qualifications & Requirements

Degree (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and at least 2 years experience working as an Occupational Therapist.

Medical Clearance – Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA).

Essential Car Documentation – This post is a designated Essential Car User. You must hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance.

DBS Clearance – Enhanced DBS check required.

Evidence of conduct in previous employment concerning the provision of services relating to health or social care or children or vulnerable adults.

Proof of identity including recent photograph.

Full employment history.

Background & Purpose

We are looking for a driven, dynamic and passionate Occupational Therapist who wants to make a real difference to the quality of life of Manchester residents.

You will be part of developing and shaping a new Learning Disability Occupational Therapy role, which is integral to ‘My Life My Way’, an exciting transformation programme for learning disability and autism services within the Council.

You will work closely with Provider Services, who provide person-centred support to over 400 individuals with learning disabilities, and/or autism, and/or physical disabilities, as well as Learning Disability Social Workers and Community Health Learning Disability Services.

Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful therapy interventions to maximise independence and enable people to have choice and control over their lives.
• Support the transition of people with learning disabilities in and out of accommodation provided by the Council.

Benefits and Opportunities

• A Principal Occupational Therapist in post, leading the way and shining a light on what we do as Occupational Therapists.
• Access to a state-of-the-art equipment & adaptation demonstration facility – Smart Suite.
• Access to a Padlet providing a one‑stop platform for all things OT in Manchester City Council.
• Monday–Friday working, no working on bank holidays or weekends, 35 hour working week, supportive of positive work/life balance.
• Manchester is a large bustling vibrant city with great transport links, concerts, events, festivals, restaurants, and independent businesses.

What Our OTs Say

• ‘There is no doubt about the vibrance, spirit and sheer potential that defines Manchester. Working in a city that is bold, dynamic and not afraid to do things differently has been an exciting opportunity and experience as an occupational therapist.’
• ‘I love Manchester as a City and working with the citizens of Manchester is amazingly rewarding. The community OT role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of citizens with a range of conditions, this means that after 23 years of working as an OT I am continuing to learn every day and every day is different.’
• ‘The flexible working means that I can establish a good work/life balance.’

About the Candidate

You will be resilient, empathic, compassionate and motivated.

You will have extensive experience working with citizens with learning disabilities and autism, including developing personalised plans to help individuals achieve their goals and engage in daily activities.

You will have well developed skills in undertaking functional assessments; recommending sensory and environmental adaptations, technology‑enabled care solutions, and equipment; and promoting safe moving and handling practices.

You must be organised and have excellent oral communication and written skills, with the ability to complete comprehensive reports in a timely and efficient manner.

You will maintain the standards set out by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT).

Your induction will be tailored to you so you can learn at your own pace.

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance: up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension: Enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with life cover of three‑times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave.
• Brilliant perks: access to discounts, free flu jabs, eye tests, cycle to work scheme, ultra‑low emissions vehicle lease options, and more.
• Learn and grow: dedicated learning opportunities, workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships, and qualifications.
• A Good Employment Charter member: fair, flexible work and ongoing commitment to health and wellbeing.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave.
• Celebration: annual staff awards for excellence.
• Wellbeing: employee assistance programme and staff EDI network groups.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

We’re dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people, and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: let us know if you need adjustments during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: the ReciteMe tool is available on the careers page and offers text-to-speech, translation, adjustable text size, colour, and more.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirement for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Armed Forces members or veterans.
• Current or former care leavers.
• People with a disability or long‑term condition.

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer. We offer a workplace adjustment hub, Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and influence council practice. We’re committed to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability‑friendly.

Application & Pre‑Employment Checks

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Candidates are encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

If you are successful, the following checks will be required: Proof of Right to Work, References, Proof of Qualifications, DBS Check, Driving Licence.

Other Relevant Information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

Additional Information

For more information about the role, please ensure you read the role profile attached.

Calculate your take home pay: Use this service to estimate how much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay for the current tax year.

Privacy Notice

Contact: Sarah Piercey, Principal Occupational Therapist, [e-mail]; enquiries: [e-mail]