Occupational Therapist

Academics; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Academics in West London is seeking an experienced Specialist/Advanced Occupational Therapist (Band 6/7 equivalent) to join a multidisciplinary team at an independent special school in Harmondsworth. You will lead clinical governance and supervise the OT team while delivering SI-focused assessments and interventions.

The role demands excellent communication, postgraduate SI training or demonstrated expertise, and a commitment to EHCP reporting and practical school-based strategies.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate or undergraduate Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Significant experience as a Band 6 equivalent OT with autism and complex needs.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff or Therapy Assistants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for EHCPs and annual reviews.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise the OT team, providing high-quality clinical supervision.
• Lead operational delivery and clinical governance of the Occupational Therapy service.
• Support resource allocation to maximise team impact.
• Mentor junior colleagues and Therapy Assistants in professional development.

Skills

Clinical supervision

Mentoring

Sensory Integration

Leadership

Clinical reasoning

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

About the Role

An independent special school in Harmondsworth, West London is seeking a passionate, proactive and highly skilled Specialist/Advanced Occupational Therapist (Band 6/7 equivalent) with a keen interest in Sensory Integration (SI), or demonstrated expertise in this area, to join its dedicated multidisciplinary team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Therapy Assistants.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Management & Clinical Supervision

• Manage, support and provide high-quality clinical supervision to members of the Occupational Therapy team.
• Lead the operational delivery and clinical governance of the Occupational Therapy service.
• Support effective resource allocation to maximise the impact of the therapy team.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues and Therapy Assistants in their professional development.

Clinical Expertise & Caseload Management

• Manage a specialised caseload of children and young people with autism, severe learning difficulties and complex neurodevelopmental needs.
• Deliver evidence-based Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration assessments and interventions.
• Use clinical reasoning to inform holistic student profiles, environmental adaptations and life-skills support.
• Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) through clear, functional and outcomes-focused clinical reporting.
• Translate clinical recommendations into practical strategies that can be implemented by school staff beyond individual therapy sessions.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be:

• An inspiring mentor with experience supporting the development of junior colleagues, providing clinical supervision and guiding therapy teams.
• An expert practitioner with strong clinical reasoning in Sensory Integration and the ability to translate complex concepts into practical classroom strategies.
• Flexible and resilient, with the ability to lead, guide and adapt within a dynamic educational environment.
• Interested in or experienced in Sensory Integration, with relevant postgraduate training, CPD certification or demonstrated expertise in the area.

Essential Requirements

• A postgraduate or undergraduate Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Significant experience working as a Band 6 equivalent Occupational Therapist with children and young people with autism, severe learning difficulties and complex neurodevelopmental needs.
• Proven experience in the supervision, line management or clinical mentorship of junior staff or Therapy Assistants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing high-quality advice and reports for EHCPs and annual reviews.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.