Specialist Children’s Occupational Therapist – Neurodiversity Lead

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking an experienced Specialist Children’s Occupational Therapist to lead the development of a high-quality service for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications, including HCPC registration, and experience working in a community OT setting. A valid driving license is required. The role involves both clinical work and leading developments within the community-focused OT team, based at a modern Children's Development Centre. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• Experience with children with disabilities in a community OT setting.
• Experience with children having ASD and ADHD.
• Valid manual UK driving license.

Responsibilities

• Act as a clinical expert on OT for children with ASD and ADHD.
• Supervise junior team members and students.
• Contribute to service development within the Children's OT team.

Skills

Communication with children

Report writing

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Diploma / Degree in Occupational Therapy

HCPC Registration

Post-qualification paediatric training

Job description

Specialist Children’s Occupational Therapist – Neurodiversity Lead

Specialist Children's Occupational Therapist - Neurodiversity Lead

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our team for an Occupational Therapist (OT) with children's OT experience. We are looking for a children's OT to lead on the development of a high quality OT service for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced OT to join our innovative Children's OT service that combines the traditional roles of both health and social services Children's OT. We are based in a modern Children's Development Centre promoting multi-disciplinary team (MDT) working. Along with clinical work the post holder will also supervise junior members of the team and OT students, assist with and lead on service developments. The post holder will also receive supervision and support by senior members of the team.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A Diploma / Degree in Occupational Therapy
• State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Experience working with children with disabilities in a community OT setting
• Experience of working with children with ASD and ADHD
• A valid manual UK driving licence

Interview Date 15th January 2026

Main duties of the job

The post holder will act as a source of clinical expertise and advice on Occupational Therapy input for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder within the Children's Occupational Therapy team and for other health professionals and colleagues working within external agencies.

About us

Our main hospital site, Croydon University Hospital is one of the busiest in London. We're also leading the way in providing more healthcare outside hospitals at clinics, specialist centres and in people's homes. Our experienced district nursing teams, Allied Health Professionals and community matrons look after people of all ages across Croydon and our Children's Hospital at Home cares for children with long‑term conditions without them having to come to hospital.

Across the NHS everyone is working hard to meet growing demand and we're no exception. But with the right people on board, we are rising to this challenge, putting our people in the driving seat, encouraging innovation and transforming our services to give local people the quality of care they deserve. Croydon Health Services puts a great deal of importance on education and training throughout the careers of all of our staff. As well as offering access to a range of core skills training and professional development.

Job description

Job responsibilities

***Please see the attached supporting document which contains more information about the role in the job description and person specification***

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

• OT Degree/Diploma
• HCPC registration
• Post‑qualification paediatric training
• Evidence of self‑directed learning and CPD

Desirable

• Bobath/Neurodevelopmental training
• Postural management training
• Equipment and adaptations training
• Sensory Integration training

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of OT skills in relation to children with disabilities
• Excellent clinical knowledge and well established OT assessment and treatment skills
• Commitment to service development

Desirable

• Knowledge of children's normal developmental milestones and experience of working with developmental checklists
• Knowledge of specialist equipment and adaptations
• Knowledge of Sensory Integration
• Knowledge of Neurodevelopment input

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with children and their families/carers in a family and child centred approach
• Experience of having taught peers / assistants / students
• Experience working in community settings, including a local authority in the UK
• Experience of working with children with Autism and ADHD

Desirable

• Has supervised junior staff / assistances / students
• Postural management and equipment skills and experience
• Experience of working with children in mainstream, special schools and early years settings Experience of working with Local Educational Authorities (LEAs

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents and staff, incl. children with significant communication difficulties
• Excellent report writing skills, including record keeping
• Good organisational and time management skills

Desirable

• Ability to facilitate others to deliver OT treatment programmes

Other Factors

Essential

• Car Driver
• Driving Licence - valid in the United Kingdom for manual car

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust

Address

Crystal Children's Development Centre

malling close

London

CR0 7YD

Employer's website

https://www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk/recruitment/ (Opens in a new tab)

£53,751 to £60,651 a yearpro rata pa incl of HCAS (outer)