At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in achieving independence and managing sensory, behavioural, and motor challenges.
- Company: Join South Thames Colleges Group, a leading provider of post-16 education in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, excellent pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role across multiple colleges with a focus on student success and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and experience with learners with disabilities required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Permanent, Part time 0.6 FTE 21.6 hours a week. As a college we believe that young adults should be respected and have their individual choices, needs and aspirations reflected in the educational opportunities made available to them. We encourage independence in all our learners and support them to achieve their full potential through a high-quality curriculum to develop skills in living, work, community and communication.
As our Occupational Therapist, you will have a vital role in supporting learners to meet their optimal level of function and autonomy. You will be supporting students to manage their sensory, behavioural and motor coordination challenges in a range of different environmental settings. You will carry out holistic occupational therapy assessments and person-centred interventions that will support the learners to access and develop their functional skills across the curriculum.
You will support students' social integration at college as well as supporting their emotional wellbeing, working pro-actively to avoid behaviours of concern. You will use a person-centred approach to promote choice, independence, and inclusion, reflecting the key principles of Valuing People and Valuing People Now.
We would like our Occupational Therapist to hold a degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy and have experience of assessing learners with Learning Disabilities, Autism and Sensory processing differences, both formally and informally. You will have experience of devising and implementing evidence-based intervention for learners with different communication profiles with experience of writing reports and support plans/communication guidelines for a range of audiences and needs.
HPC registered, you will have experience of planning and delivering training (both classroom and/or coaching & reflection), able to keep clear and accurate records for clinical records and additional support funding purposes. With knowledge of sensory and motor needs/learning strategies for this client group, you will be able to use initiative, organise and prioritise your own caseload with the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
Although this is a Group wide role, it will be primarily based at Kingston College and Carshalton College.
The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 40 days, plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees' physical and mental health. This leave is all in addition to Bank Holiday entitlement. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. The benefits package will be pro-rated for part time staff.
South Thames Colleges Group is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK. The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London's largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students' success at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to progress and achieve.
Occupational Therapist in Kingston upon Thames employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist in Kingston upon Thames
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like All The Top Bananas who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at All The Top Bananas can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to All The Top Bananas and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps All The Top Bananas see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at All The Top Bananas.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to All The Top Bananas about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how All The Top Bananas supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
