Occupational Therapist - Specialist Autism School

Compass Associates; Watford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned charity provider of specialist autism education in Watford is seeking an Occupational Therapist to deliver tailored therapy to children within a specialist school setting. This full-time position offers a salary ranging from £34,000 to £47,000 per annum, dependent on experience, along with comprehensive benefits including paid school holidays, ongoing training, and a robust employee assistance programme. The ideal candidate will have experience working with autistic children and be HCPC registered.

Benefits

Paid school holidays

Auto-enrolled pension scheme

Enhanced sick pay

Healthcare Cash Plan

Online staff discount platform

Access to 24-hour employee assistance programme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Registered with HCPC as an Occupational Therapist.
• Experience in SEN schools or specialist settings preferred.
• Experience with children and young people with complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality therapy to children with EHCPs.
• Contribute to integrated therapy delivery across the school.
• Support significant service improvement initiatives.

Skills

Experience working with autistic children

Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Understanding of EHCPs and outcome-focused therapy

Education

HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist

Job description

Occupational Therapist - Specialist Autism School

£34,000 to £47,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Watford, Hertfordshire

Term‑time only (Full Pay) - 35 hrs per week

A candidate information pack including the full job description is available upon request.

Overview

Compass Associates is partnering with a renowned charity provider of specialist autism education and support. They deliver highly individualised education, care, and therapy services for children and young people with autism and complex needs.

We are seeking an Occupational Therapist to join their specialist school near Watford, Hertfordshire. You will provide high-quality therapy to children and young people within the school, supporting pupils with EHCPs and those needing universal OT interventions. You will be part of a growing therapy team, reporting to the Clinical Lead, and contributing to service improvement and integrated therapy delivery across the school.

Work Pattern

• Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Term‑time only (12 weeks paid school holidays per year)

Location

The school is conveniently located in Watford, commutable from St Albans, Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead, Barnet, Enfield, North London, Hatfield, Luton, Stevenage, and surrounding towns. Driving is preferred due to limited public transport options from the train station.

Criteria

• HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist
• Experience working with autistic children and young people, or those with complex needs
• Experience in SEN schools or specialist settings preferred
• Understanding of EHCPs and outcome-focused therapy
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Interview Process

1. Initial informal conversation (virtual or in-person)
2. Formal on‑site interview with the Clinical Lead, Headteacher, and Deputy

Salary and Benefits

• £34,000 to £47,000 per annum, dependent on experience
• Paid school holidays
• Auto‑enrolled pension scheme
• Enhanced sick pay
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training, including autism‑specific learning
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• Online staff discount platform (cycle to work, season ticket loan, shopping discounts)
• Access to 24‑hour employee assistance programme & Headspace App
• Flexible benefits and salary sacrifice schemes

Contact Details

To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion, please contact Lijani Cherry.

A candidate information pack including the full job description is available upon request.

Compass Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £200 John Lewis vouchers for each successful recommendation.