Paeds Occupational Therapist Social Care | Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 1,000 - 3,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health service provider in Watford is seeking a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT) for a 9-month fixed-term post to support children and young people. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing home adaptations, and collaborating with housing teams. Ideal candidates should have knowledge of CYP services and a foundation in safeguarding assessments. The role offers benefits such as a friendly team environment, professional development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Cycle to Work and Car Lease Schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Health and wellbeing support

Occupational pension scheme

Qualifications

• Qualified Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration required.
• Knowledge of working within CYP services preferred or willingness to learn.
• Foundation in safeguarding assessment and risk assessment specific to equipment provision.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and provide equipment and home adaptations for children and families.
• Maintain professionalism in emotive situations.
• Collaborate with housing teams and support clinical pathways.

Skills

Knowledge of working within CYP services

Interest in recommending and delivering specialist home equipment

Foundation in safeguarding assessment and risk assessment

Education

Qualified Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration

Job description

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust’s (HCT) Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Service provides dedicated specialist posts to support CYP with occupational performance needs that impact their access to activities of daily life, including equipment and home adaptations.

We are excited to offer a 1 WTE Band 5/6 (dependent on experience) Occupational Therapist (OT) post on a fixed‑term basis for 9 months to cover maternity leave. The post is based in Watford in the Social Care team. If you enjoy being community‑based and working with CYP and their families, this post may be right for you. We support development of your clinical skills through training; experience with CYP is preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and provide equipment and home adaptations for children and families.
• Develop clinical pathways and support the 3‑tiered service model.
• Work within legislative frameworks for CYP, including the Children’s Act (1989) and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (1970), and collaborate with housing teams.
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism in emotive situations.
• Perform safeguarding assessment and risk assessment related to equipment provision.
• Serve as part of an integrated therapy team that includes a Clinical Quality Lead, Highly Specialist OTs, Trusted Assessors, and Therapy Assistant Practitioners.

Qualifications

• Qualified Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration.
• Knowledge of working within CYP services across a range of developmental, neurological, and health conditions, or a willingness to develop such knowledge.
• Interest and aptitude for recommending and delivering specialist home equipment, including minor and major adaptations.
• Foundation in safeguarding assessment and risk assessment specific to equipment provision.

Benefits

• Friendly team and supportive working environment.
• Regular line‑management and professional supervision.
• Personal development planning and opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Access to internal and external training to develop specialist OT and leadership skills.
• Mentoring and coaching support.
• Structured induction period with a peer buddy for the first few months.
• Generous annual leave (27 days rising to 33 days with long service).
• Flexible working arrangements, including up to 5 days of carer's leave (pro‑rata).
• Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 confidential support.
• Cycle to Work and Car Lease Schemes.
• Blue Light Card and NHS discounts.
• Health and wellbeing support, including free flu jabs, physiotherapy referrals, and eye‑care vouchers.
• Occupational pension scheme with competitive benefits.
• Enhanced sick pay above statutory entitlements.

Applicants wanting to work full time or part time will be considered. A full valid driving licence and access to a car for business use is essential, unless a disability qualifies under the Equality Act 2010.

In addition to the basic salary, this post attracts a High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of basic salary, with a minimum payment of £1,303 and a maximum payment of £2,198 per annum (pro‑rata).

Interview dates are set for 17th December 2025. This advert closes on Monday 8 Dec 2025.

Additional Information

HCT provides integrated Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy Services across Hertfordshire. The CYP Integrated Service supports collaborative working and shared learning across professions, enabling a seamless pathway of care from early years through to schools, specialist provisions, further education, and home settings.

Applicants may contact Caroline Griffiths, Occupational Therapist, Clinical Quality Lead, on 07825316108 for an informal conversation.

For an informal conversation please contact Caroline Griffiths, Occupational Therapist, Clinical Quality Lead on 07825316108.

Word versions of documents are available if needed to allow for any adaptations (e.g., font, colour, background, convert to read‑aloud).

HCT encourages and supports all staff to be vaccinated against COVID‑19, although this is not a legal requirement.