Occupational Therapist

Location: Stevenage
Contract: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £35,000–£47,000 (Band 5-6 equivalent, depending on experience)

Hours: 32 hours Term time only
Start Date: As soon as possible

As an Occupational Therapist, you will deliver high-quality, specialist OT provision across both primary and secondary SEN/SEMH/ASD/LD settings. The role focuses on enabling pupils to access learning, regulate effectively, develop independence, and participate meaningfully in school life.

The post-holder will be an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team, providing direct therapy, assessments, staff training, equipment recommendations, and strategic therapeutic input across the trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical practice and intervention
• Provide high quality occupational therapy interventions for pupils across primary and secondary phases.
• Deliver direct therapy as outlined in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Deliver targeted small group and whole class interventions to support sensory regulation, functional skills, participation and independence.
• Develop and review personalised therapy plans in collaboration with staff and families
• Embed OT strategies within the curriculum by modelling practice and coaching teachers/support staff.

Maintain professional standards in line with HCPC and RCOT guidelines.

Assessment and equipment

 - Carry out comprehensive functional, sensory and environmental assessments using evidence based tools.

 - Identify the need for specialist equipment and make recommendations for purchase.

 - Set up, monitor and adjust equipment to ensure safe and effective use.

 - Train staff and parents on appropriate and safe use of equipment.

 - Maintain oversight of equipment safety, suitability and reporting.

Staff training, support and capacity building

 - Plan and deliver high quality training for staff, including INSET, workshops, and informal coaching.

 - Support teachers and support staff to integrate OT strategies into daily routines and classroom practice.

 - Provide advice to staff on pupils’ sensory, physical, emotional and functional needs.

 - Work closely with SENCOs, intervention and pastoral teams and leaders to build sustainable therapeutic practice across settings.

Professional standards

 - Uphold the trust’s values, policies and safeguarding responsibilities.

 - Keep accurate, up-to-date clinical records and reports in line with HCPC standards.

 - Prepare clear written reports for review meetings, professionals and families.

 - Manage your own caseload, time and priorities effectively.

 - Engage in professional development, supervision and reflective practice.

 - Stay informed of current research, legislation and evidence-based approaches in educational OT.

Multi-disciplinary working

 - Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings, assessments and reviews.

 - Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, leaders, therapists and external agencies.

 - Contribute specialist knowledge to behaviour support planning, environmental adaptations and curriculum access.

 - Support transitions between key stages, provisions or schools.

 - Offer specialist guidance to parents and carers when appropriate.

Communication and documentation

 - Maintain accurate clinical documentation and data in line with GDPR requirements.

 - Communicate clearly with pupils, families and professionals.

 - Provide specialist advice during EHCP reviews, annual reviews and planning meetings.

 - Produce reports that inform school practice, family understanding and statutory processes.

Health, safety and safeguarding

 - Comply with all trust policies including Safeguarding, Child Protection, Behaviour, Whistleblowing and Health and Safety.

 - Maintain safe working practices in all therapy activities.

 - Report any safeguarding concerns immediately in line with policy.

Professional development

 - Maintain current registration with Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) or other relevant professional body

 - Participate in regular supervision (clinical and managerial).

 - Pursue CPD relevant to SEMH, ASD, sensory integration, LD, and educational practice.

 - Contribute to trust wide development, pilot projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Person specification

Qualifications

 - Degree or master’s in occupational therapy (essential)

 - HCPC registration or other relevant professional body (essential)

Experience

 - Experience working with children/young people with SEN (essential)

 - Experience in school or educational settings (desirable)

 - Experience in multi-disciplinary teams (essential)

 - Experience training or coaching staff (desirable)

Knowledge and skills

 - Strong understanding of sensory needs, regulation and functional skill development

 - Ability to conduct a variety of assessments

 - Knowledge of specialist OT equipment

 - Understanding of the EHCP process

 - Ability to manage caseloads across multiple sites- currently Stevenage, Baldock and     Dunstable

Personal qualities

 - Positive, solution-focused and adaptable

- Reflective, professional and committed to CPD

- Strong relationship builder with staff, pupils and families

 - Committed to inclusive, trauma informed and pupil centred practice

 - High integrity and strong safeguarding awareness