At a Glance
- Tasks: Support therapy sessions and assist students with complex needs in a specialist school.
- Company: Clifton Hill School, a supportive environment for students with severe learning difficulties.
- Benefits: Full training, professional development, health benefits, and a warm team culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a strong sense of community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Interest in therapy or education; experience with children is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Ideal for Graduates Exploring Careers in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy & Specialist Education
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: As soon as possible
Hours: 35.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday term time only
Working pattern: Four days per week as a Therapy Assistant and manual handling lead working across the school and one day per week class based supporting a group with high therapeutic needs.
This role is an excellent first step for graduates and aspiring professionals considering careers such as:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation and Healthcare Support
- Social Care
You will gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside therapists, teachers and other professionals supporting young people with complex needs in a highly specialist school environment.
About Us: Clifton Hill School is a friendly, ambitious and highly supportive specialist school for students aged 11-19 with severe learning difficulties, autism and complex needs. We are proud of our:
- Strong team culture and collaborative approach
- Commitment to professional development
- Focus on helping every young person achieve independence and achieve their full potential
The Role: This unique role combines therapy support and direct classroom experience. For four days each week, you will work closely with our therapy teams, supporting physiotherapy and occupational therapy programmes across the school. This includes:
- Supporting therapists with therapy sessions and programmes
- Delivering therapy activities under professional guidance
- Monitoring and recording student progress
- Supporting pupils during hydrotherapy sessions
- Liaising with parents, therapists, nurses and class teams
- Assisting with specialist equipment and positioning programmes
- Helping ensure students have access to the equipment and support they need to succeed
For one day each week, you will join a class team supporting students with high therapeutic and complex physical needs. This gives you the opportunity to:
- Build strong relationships with pupils
- Support learning and communication throughout the school day
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Develop a deeper understanding of specialist education and therapeutic practice
- See how therapy interventions support learning and independence in the classroom
Why Join Us? This is far more than a support role. It is an opportunity to:
- Gain experience valued by Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy degree programmes
- Work alongside experienced therapists and specialist teachers
- Develop practical skills in therapy delivery, communication and behaviour support
- Build understanding of complex physical, medical and learning needs
- Gain insight into multidisciplinary working
- Receive excellent training and professional development
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of young people
We Welcome Applications From People Who Are:
- Interested in therapy, healthcare, psychology or SEND education
- Caring, patient and reflective
- Enthusiastic and motivated to learn
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Highly organised and able to communicate effectively
- Passionate about helping young people achieve their potential
Experience working with children or young people is helpful but not essential. Your attitude, commitment and willingness to learn are what matter most.
What We Offer:
- A warm, welcoming and supportive staff team
- Full training and ongoing professional development
- Direct experience working alongside therapy professionals
- Opportunities to develop specialist skills
- Health and lifestyle benefits
Thank you for your interest working at Park School. ‘Park life’ is fantastically unique and a visit to the school is strongly recommended so that you can experience this. It is always a pleasure to introduce visitors to our incredible students and staff. We have a strong sense of community and a commitment to all of those who work and learn with us. There is always an array of experiences happening within the school, from relaxed opera performances to business ventures, sports fixtures to work experience, in-house theatre productions to inspirational visitors, trips to charity fundraisers. No two days are ever the same in the most wonderful way. We are in an exciting phase for the school as we move towards our aspiration of becoming one of the leading specialist provisions in the country. As part of this, we pride ourselves on growing staff to become exceptional. Our Ofsted report from October 2024 stated that ‘staff morale is sky high’ and ‘this school moves from strength to strength’. Please also look at our website for more information and the trust’s staff prospectus to show all we can offer. We look forward to welcoming you at The Park School.
Clifton Hill School Team
HR team_hr@prospecttrust.org.uk
The Park School Onslow Crescent Woking Surrey GU22 7AT
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant and Manual Handling Lead employer: Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill provides a nurturing environment for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with complex needs. The school emphasizes collaboration and offers valuable experience in therapy and education, making it an attractive employer for aspiring professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant and Manual Handling Lead
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Clifton Hill.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Clifton Hill.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Clifton Hill, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant and Manual Handling Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Clifton Hill.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Clifton Hill.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Clifton Hill. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Clifton Hill. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clifton Hill
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Clifton Hill’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
