Senior Occupational Therapist

National Autistic Society; Southall; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension – Auto-enrolled pension scheme

Induction and autism training

Staff discounts

Cash plan for permanent staff

Private health

Dental insurance

Holiday trading

Enhanced pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Headspace mindfulness

Blue Light Card discounts

Job summary

The National Autistic Society is seeking a Senior Occupational Therapist to join the transdisciplinary team at Sybil Elgar School to deliver a neuroaffirming, evidence-informed OT service for autistic children and young people.

The role focuses on participation, regulation, independence and access to learning, working with education staff, families and professionals to embed therapy within everyday school practice.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered and committed to ongoing professional development.
• Experience with autistic children and young people.
• Neuroaffirming, strengths-based and evidence-informed practice.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments using strengths-based, functional approaches.
• Deliver evidence-informed individual and group interventions to support sensory processing, motor skills and participation.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to embed therapy strategies into classroom practice.
• Contribute to EHCP processes including reports, reviews and multidisciplinary planning.

Skills

HCPC registered

Experience with autistic children

Neuroaffirming practice

Communication & organisation

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 a Senior Occupational Therapist

At the National Autistic Society, we offer many services to support autistic children and young people. We work to improve education, care, and experiences so they can reach their full potential.

About the School

Sybil Elgar is an outstanding specialist school for autistic children and young people aged 4 ½ to 22 years old. We have over 50 years experience in providing a holistic and personalised education within a caring and safe environment. Our creative approach, and focus on independent life skills help every autistic child to learn and develop.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Occupational Therapist to join our transdisciplinary team at Sybil Elgar School. You will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, neuroaffirming, evidence-informed Occupational Therapy service for autistic children and young people with diverse needs.

This role focuses on supporting participation, regulation, independence, and access to learning, reducing barriers to engagement and ensuring therapy is embedded within everyday school practice. You will work closely with education staff, families and other professionals to deliver a holistic, strengths-based approach aligned to each pupil’s needs and aspirations.

What You’ll Do

• Undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments using strengths-based, functional approaches
• Deliver evidence-informed individual and group interventions to support sensory processing, motor skills, and participation
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to embed therapy strategies into classroom practice
• Contribute to EHCP processes including reports, reviews, and multidisciplinary planning

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who:

• Is HCPC registered and committed to ongoing professional development
• Has experience (or a strong interest) in working with autistic children and young people
• Is committed to neuroaffirming, strengths-based, and evidence-informed practice
• Demonstrates strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills

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.
• 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.

Applications for this job aresoughtfrom anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome fromautistic 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.

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

Important Information

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

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.

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