Specialist Occupational Therapist - Autism School in Farnham, Surrey

Occupational Therapist (Band 6 Associate / Locum / Self-Employed) Part-time to full-time (minimum 3 days per week / 18 hours minimum) Term-time to full-time contract, with a minimum of 38 weeks per year. Long-term role. Ideally, the candidate will reside within the region covered by the service or be willing to relocate. Competitive hourly rates aligned with current NHS salary bandings and locum rates.

The service operates from a dedicated clinic base located in Farnham, Surrey, providing assessment and treatment facilities for children and young people. We are looking for a Band 6 Paediatric Occupational Therapist to join an exciting and growing independent practice. The service delivers assessments and treatment for children from age 2 through to young adults aged 25. Services are delivered in schools, clients' homes, community settings and occasionally online. The majority of clients are autistic, with many presenting with sensory processing needs, learning disabilities, specific learning difficulties and other co-occurring conditions.

• Undertake Occupational Therapy assessments in clinic and community settings.
• Complete report writing and develop treatment recommendations and therapy goals, ensuring regular review and evaluation of progress.
• Provide Occupational Therapy intervention and guidance during therapy sessions.
• Maintain high-quality clinical notes and electronic records in accordance with RCOT and HCPC standards.
• Work collaboratively with other agencies and professionals, including health services and local authorities.
• Undertake assessments to support Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) applications and tribunal processes.
• Attend EHCP tribunals when required.
• Support young people and families in accessing and using assistive equipment where appropriate.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision.
• Attend training and professional development activities to maintain high clinical standards.
• Mentor Occupational Therapy students as required.
• Ensure awareness of and compliance with organisational policies and procedures.

BSc Degree in Occupational Therapy. Experience in paediatrics, learning disabilities, CAMHS, trauma and attachment, or related fields. Sensory Integration training would be advantageous but is not essential. Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Enhanced DBS certificate. Minimum 2–4 years' paediatric experience working with neurodiverse children and young people aged 2–25 years across specialist or mainstream educational settings. Experience conducting standardised assessments and delivering treatment for children with gross motor, fine motor and self-regulation difficulties. Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes. Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.

The organisation provides comprehensive assessments and intervention programmes for children and young people with developmental, neurological and chromosomal conditions. Services include EHCP assessments, therapeutic interventions for children and young people aged 2–25 years, training workshops for parents and professionals, school transition support and expert witness services for legal proceedings. Referrals are received from healthcare providers, schools, charities, solicitors, paediatricians and private clients. The organisation works collaboratively with a range of allied health professionals to provide holistic support.

The service operates from a dedicated clinic base and also supports flexible and remote working arrangements through established digital systems. A structured three-month induction and probation period is provided, including regular supervision. Ongoing supervision continues thereafter according to individual requirements. Professional development is strongly encouraged through internal competencies, monthly CPD sessions, e-learning resources, external training courses and joint working opportunities. Additional specialist training opportunities are available, including Sensory Integration, trauma and attachment, and other areas of practice. Regular team social events are held throughout the year. The organisation also supports Occupational Therapy student placements in partnership with local universities.