Occupational therapist

Job Purpose

To provide specialist, evidence-based occupational therapy for children and young people with profound, multiple and severe learning difficulties and complex medical conditions, supporting their comfort, regulation, engagement, and participation in all aspects of school life. The role focuses on enabling access to learning through sensory, physical, and environmental adaptations, working closely with experienced education and care staff. The school serves pupils aged two to 19 years, and you will work as part of our growing therapy team covering physio, OT, communication and speech and language. The school is also supported by NHS therapists and nurses.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Assess pupils with complex needs, including physical disabilities, sensory processing differences, postural challenges, and limited communication abilities.
• Plan and deliver individualised and group interventions focused on:
• Postural management and positioning
• Sensory regulation and alertness
• Access to learning and engagement
• Functional participation in daily routines
• Support the development and implementation of 24-hour postural management programmes.
• Provide recommendations for specialist equipment (e.g., seating systems, standing frames, positioning aids) and monitor their effectiveness.
• Use observation-based and informal assessment approaches appropriate for pupils with additional and complex needs.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely clinical records.

Multidisciplinary Working

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team including physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, teachers, and support staff.
• Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), annual reviews, and person-centred planning processes.
• Collaborate with physiotherapy colleagues on postural management and moving and handling plans.
• Support consistent implementation of therapy strategies throughout the school day.

Support, Training, and Capacity Building

Commitment to training and continuing professional development.

• Provide training and practical support to school staff on:
• Safe positioning and handling
• Use of specialist equipment
• Sensory strategies to support regulation and engagement.
• Develop simple, accessible programmes and guidance for classroom teams.
• Work closely with families and carers to promote consistency between home and school where appropriate.

Safeguarding and Professional Practice

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils with highly complex and vulnerable needs.

Equal opportunities - a determination to ensure that all students are given the chance to succeed.

Good communication, organisation and prioritisation skills.

Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Practice in line with professional standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council and guidance from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
• Maintain high standards of infection control, moving and handling, and risk management.

Service Development

• Contribute to the development of our specialist occupational therapy service within the school.
• Participate in audits, outcome measurement, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Engage in supervision, reflective practice, and continuing professional development (CPD), developing skills in complex care and specialist interventions.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council

Experience

• Relevant student placements or experience with children or young people with complex needs is desirable (but not essential)
• Experience or understanding of working with individuals with PMLD, physical disabilities, or complex health needs is desirable (but not essential)
• This role is suitable for experienced or newly qualified therapists wanting to develop skills and their career in an enthusiastic, supportive, collaborative and progressive setting

Skills and Knowledge

• Understanding of:
• Postural management principles
• Sensory processing and regulation
• Total communication approaches (e.g., non-verbal cues, intensive interaction)
• Ability to adapt assessment and intervention for pupils with limited or no verbal communication
• Strong observational, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning skills
• Effective communication and teamwork skills

Desirable

• Experience in a PMLD or complex needs school setting
• Knowledge of specialist equipment provision and review
• Experience working alongside physiotherapy in postural management

Key Attributes

• Highly compassionate, patient, and responsive to subtle communication cues
• Calm and adaptable in a complex, dynamic environment
• Committed to improving quality of life and meaningful engagement for pupils with profound needs
• Willingness to learn and develop specialist skills in SEN practice

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person