At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality occupational therapy for children and young people in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, a leading integrated care provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and involvement in innovative service development.
- Why this job: Empower children and families while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Occupational Therapist with relevant clinical experience.
The predicted salary is between 39959 - 48117 £ per year.
Band 6 Occupational Therapist needed to join our dynamic team delivering paediatric occupational therapy across County Durham and Darlington. The role involves assessments, interventions, and coordination with families and multidisciplinary teams. The post will be based within the South Durham area – currently at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.
Main duties of the job
- Provide high‑quality occupational therapy assessments and intervention programmes for children and young people.
- Assess for and recommend major and minor home adaptations as part of the social care remit.
- Work collaboratively with children, parents, caregivers and professionals across health, education and social care sectors.
- Practice autonomously, managing a varied and complex caseload with support from the local OT team.
- Contribute to training packages for parents, carers and colleagues and engage in continuous professional development, appraisal and supervision.
- Lead service development and quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation, case records and professional reports.
- Supervise student occupational therapists and therapy assistants.
About us
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated care providers in England, serving a population of around 600,000. We provide hospital services from two acute sites and a range of community settings across the region. Our paediatric occupational therapy service offers excellent clinical support and opportunities for continued professional development.
Job responsibilities
- Be professionally and legally accountable for children in your care.
- Carry out skilled assessment of children with diverse or complex needs.
- Develop and deliver outcome‑focused, individualized therapy programmes based on evidence‑based practice.
- Manage children with particular conditions under delegated responsibility from Team‑Lead OTs.
- Formulate accurate prognoses and recommend optimal interventions.
- Communicate effectively, adapting to children with communication or cognitive barriers.
- Evaluate and adjust treatment programmes as progress is reviewed.
- Prioritise children’s health and wellbeing and raise safeguarding concerns through proper channels.
- Supervise assistants and students in line with professional and service standards.
- Represent the OT service in multi‑agency meetings and integrate therapy into the multidisciplinary programme.
- Maintain competency through CPD and keep a portfolio of development.
- Participate in staff appraisal schemes, research projects, audits and outcome measurement as directed by senior therapists.
- Act as deputy for OT staff, managing caseloads and organising duties in their absence.
- Ensure safe use of equipment, appliances and aids and that assistants are competent.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Diploma, BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy.
- Specialist postgraduate clinical experience in Occupational Therapy practice related to a field such as Neurology, Paediatrics, Learning Disabilities or Social Care.
Special Requirements
- Ability to travel independently across the County.
- Valid full UK driving licence for driving posts.
Special Skills and Knowledge
- Proven ability to communicate effectively about a client's health and social care needs, including written and verbal reports.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and meet timescales.
- Specialist skills in postural management, fine and gross motor skills, handwriting development, and provision of aids and adaptations.
- Knowledge of sensory development and related difficulties in children and young people.
Experience
- 2 years post‑registration clinical experience as a Band 5 or Band 6 OT in a health or community setting.
- Experience in social care OT interventions such as specialist aids and environmental advice/adaptations.
- Clinical experience with children and young people with additional or complex needs.
Statutory Registration
- Qualified Occupational Therapist registered with H.C.P.C.
- Member of relevant specialist sections of RCOT or participation in Special Interest Groups in a related field.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 per annum, pro‑rata. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates.
Children's Occupational Therapist in North East employer: CDDFT Charity
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Children's Occupational Therapists. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from continuous training opportunities and the chance to engage in meaningful service improvement initiatives. Located in the vibrant South Durham area, our team is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Occupational Therapist in North East
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at CDDFT Charity. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like CDDFT Charity.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Occupational Therapist in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for CDDFT Charity:Take some time to research CDDFT Charity and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at CDDFT Charity
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for CDDFT Charity's values and approach.
