Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with autism to develop essential life skills and independence.
- Company: Join Doucecroft School, part of Autism Anglia, a caring and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, mental health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young learners every day.
- Qualifications: Occupational Therapy degree and experience with children preferred.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to creating an inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 31049 - 37796 £ per year.
Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Doucecroft School, part of Autism Anglia, is looking for a Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our friendly and dedicated team.
You will work closely with other therapists and teachers to provide specialist direct and indirect therapy for learners and young adults with autism and related disabilities. Your work will include addressing sensory processing difficulties, anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties, motor and perceptual skills and functional life skills.
Location: Doucecroft School, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6
Salary: £31,049 – 37,796 per annum (full time equivalent)
Hours: 38.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year (term time only) plus 3 training days during school holidays.
Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.
What The Role Involves:
- Supporting and developing learners’ ability to participate in functional skills of daily living and accessing the world around them.
- Encouraging learners to develop self-help skills and promote their independence and well-being.
- Helping to recognise and manage sensory processing difficulties and supporting learners to regulate their sensory systems to enable them to access education.
- Making recommendations and adaptations to the learner’s space to support teaching staff to create a positive learning environment.
- Managing own case load.
- Screening, assessing and reviewing students across the school.
- Supervising other Occupational Therapists, students and/or assistants.
What We’re Looking For:
- A recognised Occupational Therapy degree/qualification.
- Health Care Professionals Council Licence to practice.
- Membership with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
- Experience of working as an Occupational Therapist (ideally with children or within education).
- Training in therapeutic approaches to improve fine and gross motor skills and motor planning.
- Knowledge of special educational needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Experience in writing annual review reports to contribute towards Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
- A confident, caring and pro-active attitude.
- Qualifications with Sensory Integration 1-3 (preferred but not essential).
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone with patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for supporting young people.
Benefits & Support:
- Extensive Induction and Learning & Development programmes, with nationally recognised qualifications.
- Job-related qualifications obtained during employment paid for by Autism Anglia (subject to conditions).
- Flexible working hours (where possible) for study and time off given for job-related exams.
- Staff wellbeing programmes and mental health support.
- Free counselling service.
- Free on-site parking.
- Exclusive discounts with major retailers, restaurants & more via the Blue Light Card.
- A supportive and accessible leadership team, always available for guidance and assistance.
- 24/7 access to a GP.
- Probate helpline.
- Staff dental support.
- Life cover.
- Independent financial advice.
Commitment to Diversity:
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
How To Apply:
If you’re looking for a role where you can use your skills to change lives, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today by clicking the link below, and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch.
Doucecroft is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, registration with the DBS Update Service, and other relevant checks, including verbal verification of references.
We welcome applications from all individuals who meet the requirements of the role and may wish to request flexible working or reasonable adjustments.
Specialist Pediatric Occupational Therapist – Autism Services employer: Autism Anglia
Contact Detail:
Autism Anglia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Pediatric Occupational Therapist – Autism Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the occupational therapy field, especially those who work with children or in educational settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare to discuss specific cases where you've made a difference in a child's life. Use examples that highlight your experience with sensory processing and emotional regulation – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research Doucecroft School! Familiarise yourself with their values and approach to autism services. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Doucecroft School and making a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Pediatric Occupational Therapist – Autism Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through. We want to see your genuine passion for supporting learners with autism and related disabilities.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in occupational therapy, especially with children. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in sensory processing and emotional regulation.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Doucecroft School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Anglia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism and sensory processing. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children in educational settings, as well as the therapeutic approaches that can help. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Have specific examples ready that highlight your skills in developing functional life skills and managing sensory difficulties. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to therapy and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.
✨Be Yourself
Let your genuine passion for helping young people shine through. The team at Doucecroft is looking for someone who is caring and enthusiastic, so don’t be afraid to share your motivations and what drives you in this field. Authenticity can make a lasting impression!