Occupational Therapist

Together Trust; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational support organization is seeking a Specialist Occupational Therapist to deliver high-quality OT services primarily to mainstream schools. The therapist will work autonomously, providing consultancy, training and therapy interventions to students and staff. Candidates should have a relevant degree, HCPC registration, and experience working in school settings with young people with complex needs. This permanent position is located in Ipswich and offers a salary between £31,049 and £37,350, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 12+ months of UK-based post-registration experience as an HCPC registered occupational therapist.
• Knowledge of learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions.
• Experience in mainstream school settings.

Responsibilities

• Manage a clinical caseload of students across schools.
• Conduct assessments using clinical observation.
• Participate in professional development in line with HCPC regulations.

Skills

Experience working with young people

Holistic assessment skills

Communication difficulties awareness

Education

Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy

Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists

Current registration with the Health Care Professionals Council

Job description

Specialist Occupational Therapist

The purpose of the Specialist Occupational Therapist role is to ensure delivery of a high-quality OT service, primarily to mainstream schools, on an outreach basis. The postholder will be a skilled and experienced practitioner who can work autonomously to provide consultancy, training, advice and direct therapy interventions for pupils and staff. The therapist will offer support to families and carers where necessary. The post‑holder will work within Together Trust processes to ensure that interventions are evidence based and that professional guidelines are met.

Key Responsibilities

• To independently manage a clinical caseload of students across a number of schools, working in collaboration with teachers and class teams.
• To undertake assessments utilising clinical observation and judgement, combined with specialist theoretical knowledge, taking a holistic perspective of the students’ needs.
• To undertake an annual appraisal, setting and agreeing targets linked to service development plan priorities with their line manager.
• To manage the appraisal and supervision of junior colleagues within the Occupational Therapy Team as appropriate.
• To be a positive role model, treat people fairly, equitably and with dignity and respect to create and maintain a positive school culture.
• To monitor and evaluate risk within the workplace and to provide support to team members to develop risk awareness.
• To participate in professional development maintaining compliance with HCPC regulations for mandatory training and external training opportunities.
• To invest in special interest groups and discussions relevant to practice.
• To contribute to service development in a clinical area and in line with department and operational needs.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy.
• Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
• Current registration with the Health Care Professionals Council as fit to work in the UK.
• Experience of working in mainstream school settings.
• Experience of working with young people with complex needs including autism spectrum conditions.
• Knowledge of learning disabilities and associated conditions.
• Knowledge of autism spectrum conditions.
• Knowledge of relevant safeguarding requirements and how to help young people with communication difficulties stay safe.
• 12+ months of UK-based post‑registration experience as an HCPC registered occupational therapist (or equivalent).

Employment Details

Location: Ipswich
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 30 hours per week, 41 weeks per year – Term time
Salary: £31,049 – £37,350 (dependent on experience)

Equal Opportunity

The Together Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding checks will be undertaken for the successful candidate in line with our safer recruitment policy, including an Enhanced DBS check (at no cost to yourself). This role will involve regulated activity. Applications are very welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio‑economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience.