Occupational Therapist (OT) – Professional Consultant (Post-16 SEND)

Fastispeed Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to provide specialist support for post-16 learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will deliver tailored interventions to enhance learners' independence and participation in college life. The role requires a flexible commitment of 2 hours per week, making it ideal for professionals looking to influence educational practices in a collaborative environment. Interested candidates should apply via email, including their HCPC registration details.

Benefits

Collaborative team environment

Opportunities for professional influence

Qualifications

• A recognised Occupational Therapy qualification.
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Proven experience supporting post‑16 learners with SEND in various settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist support for post-16 learners with SEND.
• Deliver targeted occupational therapy input.
• Create and implement support plans.

Skills

Communication skills

Understanding of SEND practices

Ability to engage learners

Experience with Autism/ADHD

Experience with assistive technology

Education

Occupational Therapy qualification

Registration with HCPC

Job description

Occupational Therapist (OT) – Professional Consultant (Post-16 SEND)

Organisation: British Creative Institute (BCI)

Location (on-site): 6 Dyas Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B44 8SF

Commitment: 2 hours per week (typically term-time; flexible by agreement)

Contract type: Consultant / Contract for Services (self‑employed applicants welcome)

Pay: Competitive hourly rate above National Minimum Wage, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Role overview

British Creative Institute (BCI) is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide specialist, practical support for post‑16 learners with SEND (16–25). You will deliver targeted occupational therapy input to help learners improve independence, access learning, and participate meaningfully in college life. You will work collaboratively with staff, learners and families, contributing professional advice that aligns with the SEND 0–25 system and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Complete OT screening and functional assessment (as appropriate) linked to learning access and everyday participation.
• Create, implement and review support plans with clear targets and practical strategies (for example: sensory regulation, fine and gross motor skills, organisation, handwriting or assistive approaches, daily living skills, fatigue and pacing).
• Deliver brief, structured 1:1 interventions and/or small‑group programmes within the 2‑hour weekly model.
• Provide clear, professional written notes and reports for internal planning and, where agreed, EHCP advice and annual review contributions.
• Coach and upskill staff in reasonable adjustments, sensory‑informed practice, and environmental/classroom adaptations.
• Liaise with parents/carers and relevant external professionals in line with consent, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.

Essential requirements (must‑have)

• A recognised Occupational Therapy qualification.
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist (you must be registered to practise and use the protected title).
• Evidence of meeting and maintaining the HCPC standards of proficiency for Occupational Therapists.
• Proven experience supporting post‑16 (16–25) learners with SEND in education, community, or integrated settings.
• Strong understanding of SEND practice and outcomes‑focused planning across the 0–25 system, including EHCPs.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage learners with a wide range of needs and present information clearly to staff and parents/carers.
• Ability to attend BCI on‑site weekly and work independently within agreed professional boundaries.

Desirable (nice‑to‑have)

• Experience supporting learners with Autism/ADHD, SEMH needs, anxiety‑related school avoidance, sensory processing differences, or executive functioning difficulties.
• Experience with assistive technology and practical environmental adaptations to support learning and independence.
• Experience contributing professional advice and evidence for EHCP processes and annual reviews.

Safeguarding, legal and compliance checks

• Enhanced DBS check (and barred list check where appropriate to the duties and level of contact).
• Right to work in the UK (evidence required before start).
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance (evidence required before start).
• Commitment to follow BCI policies and procedures, including safeguarding/child protection, staff code of conduct, data protection and confidentiality, and health and safety.
• Willingness to undertake and refresh safeguarding training as required, including awareness of education‑sector safeguarding expectations.

What BCI offers

• A consistent weekly consultancy slot in a specialist post‑16 SEND setting.
• A collaborative team environment where OT recommendations are taken seriously and implemented.
• Opportunities to influence whole‑setting practice through staff coaching and practical strategy development.

How to apply

Please email the following to [e-mail]:

• CV (including your HCPC registration number)
• A brief covering statement outlining your experience with post‑16 SEND learners and your approach to OT within an education setting
• Evidence of qualifications and HCPC registration
• Confirmation of your availability for a weekly 2‑hour on‑site visit
• Two professional references and one character reference (requested as part of safer recruitment)

Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and may be asked to discuss a case scenario (SEND OT context) and/or provide example anonymised reports (if available).

Safeguarding statement

British Creative Institute is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, right to work checks, and satisfactory references.