At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic children with communication, sensory, and motor skills through therapy interventions.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Flexible term-time roles available with a collaborative team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rewarding environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have recognised OT or SaLT qualification and HCPC registration.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 44962 £ per year.
Occupational Therapist / Speech Language Therapists (SaLTs) to join our specialist multidisciplinary team supporting autistic children and young people. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a collaborative transdisciplinary model where therapy expertise is embedded into everyday classroom practice. You will play a key role in helping learners develop communication, sensory, motor, and independence skills in a supportive and rewarding environment. Whether you are newly qualified or an experienced clinician seeking progression, we welcome applications across Band 5 to Band 7 levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver individual and group therapy interventions
- Complete specialist assessments and develop therapy programmes
- Support autistic learners to achieve communication, sensory, motor, and independence outcomes
- Work collaboratively with teachers, Behaviour Analysts, and wider multidisciplinary teams
- Coach and support classroom staff in implementing therapy strategies
- Produce high-quality clinical records, reports, and recommendations
- Contribute to annual reviews, EHCP outcomes, and transition planning
- Maintain safeguarding, clinical governance, and professional standards
Band 6/7 clinicians may supervise junior therapists or therapy assistants.
About You
Essential
- Recognised Occupational Therapy or Speech Language Therapy qualification
- HCPC registration (plus RCSLT membership for SaLT applicants)
- Experience working with autistic children and young people
- Strong assessment, communication, and clinical reasoning skills
- Experience working within multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary teams
- Understanding of safeguarding, clinical governance, and evidence-based practice
- Ability to adapt therapy approaches to meet learner needs
Desirable
- AAC experience
- Sensory Integration training
- Knowledge of EHCPs and annual reviews
- Experience delivering training to staff, parents, or carers
- Service development experience
- Relevant post-qualification training (e.g. Zones of Regulation)
- Membership of Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs)
Benefits
- Competitive NHS Band 5–7 salary
- Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 5%
- Term-time only opportunities available
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Additional annual leave with length of service
- Season ticket loan scheme
- Bicycle purchase loan scheme
- Ongoing CPD, supervision, and career progression opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
Working Hours
37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 4:45pm (30-minute lunch break). Occasional evening meetings or events may be required.
Safeguarding
BeyondAutism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults. All successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and safeguarding procedures.
Specialist Occupational Therapist- Community Services employer: BeyondAutism
At BeyondAutism, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Therapists. Our commitment to professional development is evident through ongoing CPD opportunities and a clear pathway for career progression, making it an ideal place for both newly qualified and experienced clinicians. Located in a vibrant community, we provide a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic children and young people while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous leave policy and pension contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Occupational Therapist- Community Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of occupational therapy and autism support. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with others who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience working with autistic children and young people. Include examples of therapy programmes you've developed or assessments you've completed to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or family. Focus on articulating your clinical reasoning and how you adapt therapy approaches to meet learner needs—this will help you feel more confident when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities for both newly qualified and experienced clinicians. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our supportive team—your dream job could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Occupational Therapist- Community Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with autistic children and young people. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your assessment, communication, and clinical reasoning skills. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their expertise and how they can contribute to our multidisciplinary team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at BeyondAutism
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy and speech language therapy, especially in relation to working with autistic children. Familiarise yourself with the latest evidence-based practices and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve coached or supported classroom staff, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Think about specific situations you've encountered and how you adapted your therapy approaches to meet the needs of learners. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the support available for professional development, the team dynamics, or how they measure success in therapy outcomes. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
