Childrens Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor

Job Description

Eden Brown Synergy is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our team and play a key role in delivering high-quality Children's Occupational Therapy services.

Job Title

Children's Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor

Salary

Equivalent to NHS Agenda for Change Band 4 (£26,000 - £31,000 per annum equivalent, dependent on experience)

Service Area

Children's Services / Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) / Integrated Therapy Services

Reporting To

Senior Occupational Therapist / Occupational Therapy Team Lead

Location

Hybrid: Home based, community settings, schools and family homes.

Job Purpose

To support the delivery of high-quality occupational therapy interventions for children and young people with disabilities, developmental difficulties, sensory processing needs, and additional needs. Working under the direction of a registered Occupational Therapist, the postholder will support the triaging of referrals, provide information, advice and guidance to children, families, carers and professionals, implement therapy programmes, undertake delegated assessments, provide practical advice and equipment support, and contribute to promoting independence, participation, and wellbeing.

The role involves close partnership working with children, families, schools, social care practitioners, health professionals and wider multi-agency teams to help identify needs, prioritise support, provide timely information and guidance, and ensure children achieve positive outcomes in their daily activities, education, and community participation.

Key Responsibilities

Occupational Therapy Support

Deliver delegated occupational therapy interventions in accordance with treatment plans developed by a registered Occupational Therapist.

Support children and young people to develop functional skills related to self-care, play, learning, mobility and independence.

Carry out routine observations and gather information regarding a child's functional abilities and needs.

Monitor progress against agreed therapy goals and provide feedback to Occupational Therapists.

Support the delivery of group programmes, workshops and training sessions for children, parents and carers.

Assessment and Review

Undertake delegated assessments of functional abilities within home, school and community environments.

Collect and record relevant information to support occupational therapy assessments and reports.

Identify changes in a child's circumstances or presentation and report concerns to the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Assist with reviews of intervention programmes and equipment provision.

Equipment and Adaptations

Support assessment processes for minor equipment and adaptations.

Provide demonstrations and guidance on the safe use of specialist equipment.

Monitor equipment use and report faults, maintenance issues or changes in need.

Liaise with suppliers, schools, families and partner agencies regarding equipment provision where appropriate.

Partnership Working

Develop positive working relationships with children, families, schools and partner agencies.

Work collaboratively with social workers, education staff, health professionals and community services.

Promote a person-centred approach that enables children and young people to maximise their independence and participation.

Contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings where appropriate.

Record Keeping and Administration

Maintain accurate and timely case records in accordance with professional standards, GDPR and local procedures.

Complete reports, progress notes and outcome records as required.

Support data collection and service monitoring activities.

Assist with management of therapy resources and equipment inventories.

Safeguarding and Professional Practice

Comply with safeguarding policies and procedures, recognising and reporting any concerns relating to a child's welfare.

Work within the scope of delegated authority and seek advice where issues fall outside own competence.

Participate in supervision, appraisal and mandatory training.

Maintain confidentiality and professional standards at all times.

General Responsibilities

Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in service delivery.

Support service improvement initiatives and quality assurance activities.

Maintain a flexible approach to working across different settings.

Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

NVQ Level 3, BTEC, Foundation Degree or equivalent qualification in Health, Social Care, Child Development, Education or a related field.

Evidence of continuing professional development.

Essential Experience

Experience working with children and young people with additional needs, disabilities or developmental difficulties.

Experience supporting therapeutic, educational or care-based interventions.

Experience working with families and multi-agency professionals.

Experience maintaining accurate records and reports.

Essential Knowledge

Understanding of child development and the impact of disability on daily functioning.

Understanding of safeguarding children procedures.

Knowledge of person-centred and strengths-based approaches.

Awareness of occupational therapy principles and child-centred practice.

Essential Skills

Ability to build positive relationships with children, families and professionals.

Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively.

Competent IT and record-keeping skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

Experience within a Children's Occupational Therapy Service, SEND Service or Local Authority Children's Services.

Experience supporting children with sensory processing difficulties, autism, learning disabilities or physical disabilities.

Knowledge of specialist equipment and adaptations.

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Key Competencies

Child-centred practice

Teamwork and collaboration

Communication and engagement

Professional accountability

Problem solving

Adaptability and resilience

Safeguarding awareness

Service user focus

Additional Information

The post involves working across a variety of environments including family homes, schools, clinics and community venues. The role requires a flexible and child-centred approach, a commitment to equality and inclusion, and adherence to Local Authority policies and procedures.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references.

Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.

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