Occupational Therapist - Sensory

Leicestershire County Council; Barwell; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Leicestershire County Council is seeking an Occupational Therapist to join Oakfield Short Stay School. You will work with a multi-disciplinary therapy team to support pupils who struggle in mainstream settings, helping them reach their full potential.

You will use trauma-informed approaches, engage with children across primary and secondary phases, and contribute to high attendance and outcomes. The role supports flexible/hybrid working and a Rewards package.

Qualifications

• Post graduate or undergraduate Degree in Occupational Therapy and current HCPC registration.
• Postgraduate training in Sensory Integration.
• Educator/Best Interests Assessor training or willingness to undertake.
• Evidence of effective assessment and risk management.
• Experience partnering with children to identify needs with creative solutions.
• Knowledge of Occupational Therapy methodologies and codes of ethics.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary therapy team to support pupils/students.
• Help pupils overcome barriers to achieve their full potential.
• Promote trauma-informed approaches and high attendance.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy (postgraduate or undergraduate)

Tools

HCPC registration

Job description

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: Oakfield Short Stay School LE9 7PA and other locations across the county

Salary: £41,259 - £44,109 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Working Hours:37 hrs per week, term time (39 weeks per year)

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

Interview Date(s): 26th October 2026

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference?

Do you want a job where no two days are the same?

About the Role

Oakfield Short Stay School is Leicestershire’s provision for primary and secondary school aged children who are at risk, or who have been permanently excluded from school. You will be part of a vital team in an exciting period of development, working with us to meet the needs of children and young people in both the Primary and Secondary phase who struggle to manage in mainstream and need a different offer of education to secure their successful next steps.

Working as part of the multi-disciplinary therapy team, to support pupils/students who need help to overcome barriers both inside and outside the school, in order to achieve their full potential. Our students have a variety of learning needs and learn in small groups. We are looking for a person who is creative, flexible, holistic, and has trauma-informed approach, and possesses specialist knowledge to raise engagement, support independence and inspire our children to achieve remarkable outcomes. You will be at the heart of our mission, supporting us to engage our pupils and achieve high rates of attendance. The role would suit someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who can inspire others. Many of our young people present with challenging behaviour, and we are looking for someone who can demonstrate strong empathy and ability to intrinsically connect with pupils.

An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.

For information on our approach to the recruitment of ex-offenders, please see our policy statement.

About You

To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:

• Post graduate or undergraduate Degree in Occupational Therapy and currentHCPC registration.


• Postgraduate training, certification or demonstrated expertise in Sensory Integration.


• Commitment and ability to undertake Educator/Best Interests Assessor or other relevant specialist training.


• Evidence of effective assessment and risk management delivery


• Experience of partnership working with children to identify and meet need with creative and pragmatic solutions


• Knowledge of Occupational Therapy, methodologies and models of practice and ability to use them


• Evidence of practice in line with the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (College of Occupational Therapists)

In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.

Interested in Flexible Working?

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact:

Mel Carte- Head of Therapeutic Inreach and Outreach

Email: [e-mail]