Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist – Sunderland

Location: Sunderland
Salary: Up to £50,000 FTE, pro rata, depending on experience
Hours: Part-time – 22.5 hours per week (3 days)
Contract: Permanent or Locum
Working Pattern: 3 days per week
Start Date: September 2026

The Role

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join a growing multidisciplinary team in Sunderland.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an OT looking to develop their clinical skills while working predominantly within school settings and supporting children and young people with a range of developmental, learning and additional needs.

The role includes assessment, intervention, consultation and collaborative working with children, families and education professionals.

For OTs looking to move into paediatric practice, there is also structured support and development available to help build confidence and specialist skills within paediatric occupational therapy.

Key Responsibilities

As an Occupational Therapist, you will:

• Assess children and young people’s developmental and learning needs, including needs identified through EHCPs.

• Develop, deliver and review individualised occupational therapy intervention plans.

• Provide specialist occupational therapy interventions within school and educational settings.

• Work closely with parents, carers, teachers and other professionals.

• Embed therapy goals into children's everyday environments and routines.

• Provide practical strategies to school staff and key adults supporting the child.

• Evaluate the impact of interventions and adapt plans where required.

• Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation.

• Contribute to multidisciplinary meetings and collaborative planning.

• Support children and young people to develop greater independence and participation.

What We're Looking For

You will need:

• HCPC registration.

• RCOT registration.

• An undergraduate or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy.

Previous paediatric experience would be highly desirable, particularly within school or specialist educational settings.

We would also welcome applicants with experience in:

• Paediatric occupational therapy.

• EHCP-related assessments.

• Supporting children and young people with SEMH, complex or developmental needs.

• Sensory processing.

• Fine and gross motor development.

• Handwriting.

• Specialist paediatric assessments.

Moving Into Paediatrics?

If you are an Occupational Therapist looking to move into paediatric practice, this opportunity can provide support to develop the skills required.

Training and professional development can include areas such as:

• Fine motor skills.

• Gross motor skills.

• Sensory processing.

• Handwriting.

• Paediatric assessments.

• Movement ABC.

• BOT.

• Beery VMI.

Clinical supervision and professional support will be available as you develop your paediatric practice.

Working Environment

The role is primarily school-based, with some clinic-based and remote opportunities where appropriate.

You will work as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team alongside other clinical and education professionals.

There is also protected administration time to support high-quality clinical practice.

About the Service

The service provides multidisciplinary support to children and young people experiencing complex educational, developmental and emotional needs.

The wider service works collaboratively with schools, families and professionals to provide assessment, therapy and practical recommendations that help children and young people achieve greater independence and make progress.

Safeguarding

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and appropriate pre-employment checks.