At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs, helping them develop skills for learning and independence.
- Company: A brand new specialist independent school in Manchester with a supportive leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and modern facilities designed for SEMH learners.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of occupational therapy in education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping young people thrive and overcome barriers to learning.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy, HCPC registration, and experience with children and SEMH needs.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester (excellent transport links)
Salary: Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
Start Date: September start
About the Role:
You will support students aged 11–18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them develop the skills required to access learning, build independence, and succeed both in and out of the classroom. This is a varied and highly rewarding role where you will support students with sensory, emotional, physical, and functional development needs, working closely with teaching staff and other professionals to ensure a joined‑up approach to support.
You Will:
- Assess students’ occupational therapy needs and create individual support plans.
- Deliver targeted interventions to support sensory regulation, motor skills, and emotional wellbeing.
- Work 1:1 and in small groups with students to develop independence and engagement.
- Support staff with strategies to help students access learning more effectively.
- Contribute to EHCP targets and multidisciplinary planning.
- Help create a calm, structured, and supportive learning environment.
This role goes beyond traditional therapy — it’s about embedding support into everyday school life and helping students overcome barriers to learning.
What's On Offer:
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- September start date
- Excellent Manchester location with strong transport links
- Opportunity to shape the OT provision in a brand new specialist independent school
- Small group and highly personalized working environment
- Supportive and forward‑thinking leadership team
- Modern, purpose‑built facilities designed for SEMH learners
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- A genuinely rewarding and impactful role
About You:
We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting young people with complex needs and can bring both clinical expertise and a nurturing approach.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration & QTS (essential)
- Experience working with children and young people
- Strong experience supporting SEMH needs (essential or highly desirable)
- Experience in specialist, SEN, or alternative provision settings
- Strong understanding of sensory processing and regulation strategies
- Calm, patient, and relationship‑focused approach
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable Experience:
- Trauma‑informed practice
- Attachment‑aware approaches
- Experience in school‑based OT or education settings
- Supporting EHCP outcomes
Why This Role?
This is more than a therapy position — it’s a chance to be part of something new and help build a specialist provision from the ground up. You’ll play a key role in helping young people develop independence, confidence, and the skills they need to thrive.
Interested? Let’s Talk:
If you are an Occupational Therapist ready for a new challenge in a specialist education setting, we would love to hear from you.
Occupational Therapist - Specialist School in Brighton employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Join a forward-thinking independent school in Manchester, where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students with SEMH needs. With a competitive salary, modern facilities, and a supportive leadership team, this role offers a unique chance for professional growth and the ability to shape the occupational therapy provision in a nurturing environment. Experience a rewarding career that goes beyond traditional therapy, as you help young people build independence and confidence.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist - Specialist School in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and therapy sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH needs and occupational therapy. Think about real-life scenarios where you’ve made a difference. We want you to showcase your passion and expertise, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! Include case studies, intervention plans, and any creative strategies you've used. This will give potential employers a clear picture of your approach and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to support young people with complex needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist - Specialist School in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Occupational Therapist role. Highlight your experience with SEMH needs and how you can support students in a school setting. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about supporting students with complex needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy, especially in relation to SEMH needs. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students and how you can apply them in this new role.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about supporting young people with complex needs, so let your passion shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping students develop independence and confidence.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with teaching staff and other professionals, emphasise your ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles to create effective support plans.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to OT provision and how they envision your role contributing to their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and invested in the position.
