Occupational Therapist

National Autistic Society; Radlett; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension - Auto-enrolled

Training - Great induction and autism

Discounts - Staff discount scheme

Healthcare - Cash plan

Life Assurance - 2x base salary

Flexible Benefits - private health, re

Support - 24-hour EAP

Mindfulness - Headspace access

Blue Light Card

Job summary

The National Autistic Society is seeking an Occupational Therapist to contribute to a high-quality, neuroaffirming OT service for autistic children and young people at Radlett Lodge School.

You will join a transdisciplinary team, supported through supervision and CPD, with a focus on inclusive, sensory-friendly learning environments and evidence-informed approaches to improve outcomes for pupils and families.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration or eligibility required.
• Member of RCOT.
• Experience or strong interest in autistic children/youth.
• Neuroaffirming, strengths-based, evidence-informed practice.

Responsibilities

• Support autistic pupils to access learning and participate in school life.
• Work closely with families, staff and other professionals to create inclusive, sensory-friendly environments.
• Embed therapeutic approaches into everyday practice to help pupils thrive and achieve goals.
• Participate in supervision, CPD and maintain reflective practice.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Organisation

Reflective practice

Empathy

Job description

To protect our autistic pupils and young adults within the National Autistic Society, all employees will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.

Join Us as an Occupational Therapist

At the National Autistic Society, we provide services that support autistic children and young people. You will join a transdisciplinary team, contributing to the delivery of a high-quality, neuroaffirming, evidence-informed Occupational Therapy service for autistic children and young people with diverse profiles and associated needs

About the School

Radlett Lodge School is a specialist school for autistic children with learning difficulties. We have smaller class sizes (typically 5-8 pupils) helping to build important relationships

You will support autistic and neurodivergent pupils to access learning, participate in school life, and develop independence. Working closely with staff, families, and other professionals, you will help create inclusive, sensory-friendly environments and embed therapeutic approaches into everyday practice, enabling pupils to thrive and achieve their individual goals.

About the Role

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who:

• Is HCPC registered and a member of RCOT
• Has experience (or a strong interest) in working with autistic children and young people
• Is committed to neuroaffirming, strengths-based, and evidence-informed practice
• Enjoys collaborative, transdisciplinary working
• Has strong communication, organisational, and reflective practice skills
• Is motivated, compassionate, and committed to improving outcomes for pupils and families

Whether you are developing your specialist autism experience or bringing established expertise, you will be supported through supervision, CPD, and a strong team culture.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is patient, kind, and supportive
• Understands that people communicate, learn, and experience the world in different ways
• Works well with pupils, families, and colleagues
• Can work independently and as part of a team
• Is flexible, proactive, and positive

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who genuinely cares about children and young people and brings empathy, commitment, and consistency to their work every day.

This role is a permanent contract (35 hours per week) with 12 weeks paid holiday a year, which must be taken within the existing school holidays for your school. This is to ensure our pupils receive the continuous support they require while at school.

What we can offer you

• Pension - Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
• Training - Great induction and training, including autism training.
• Discounts - Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
• Healthcare - Cash plan for permanent staff.
• Life Assurance - 2x your base salary.
• Flexible Benefits - Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.
• Support - 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
• Mindfulness - Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
• Blue Light Card - Eligibility for discounts.

About our application process

When you write your supporting statement:

• Look at the job description and person specification.
• Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
• Give examples if you can.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.

Agencies need not apply.

Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.

Important Information

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

The National Autistic Society may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist our recruitment team with reviewing applications for this role. All application decisions are made by people and are not determined automatically by AI.