Children's Occupational Therapist in London

The Children's Integrated Therapies Service (CITS) is a multi‑therapy service embedded in a multi‑disciplinary, community children’s team. Centrally based within the Child Development Centre in Hillingdon, the service is delivered from settings across the borough. The service is open to all children and young people aged 0‑19 with a range of need. We work with our therapy colleagues and other agency partners to support and promote the health and development of children and young people who are experiencing barriers to participation in everyday occupations. These children may experience barriers due to physical disability, social communication challenges or other specific developmental differences. The service is delivered to all school‑aged children and young people within the school environment in close partnership with mainstream schools and SEND colleagues. Pathways within the service ensure MDT working is integral to the role and provides a whole‑systems approach for families, supporting them to tell their story just once.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate confidence and competence in delivering assessment and therapy in a range of settings and provide comprehensive written clinical reasoning in all documentation.
• Work autonomously across schools, children’s centres, homes, nurseries and clinics, often on your own, with an understanding of safe lone working.
• Apply a strong understanding of statutory assessment for Education, Health and Care Plans as part of SEND.
• Develop leadership skills through day‑to‑day operational management of junior or support staff and monitoring the quality of care given.
• Pro‑actively identify and promote areas for service development.
• Support evidence‑based practice, outcome measurement, continuous development and reflective thinking across a range of community settings.
• Maintain safeguarding of children and young people at all times.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification – Essential

• Recognised Occupational Therapy Degree qualification or equivalent.
• Registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Registered Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists & College of Occupational Therapists.

Education and Qualification – Desirable

• Successful completion of post graduate specialist short courses.
• Attendance at relevant special interest group/clinical excellence group.
• Evidence of CPD and self‑directed learning.

Previous Experience – Essential

• Relevant or transferable experience of working with children and young people.
• Roles which required effective teamwork.
• Knowledge of (children’s) occupational therapy equipment and resources.

Previous Experience – Desirable

• Experience in working as part of a team.
• Experience of delivering training packages to patients, parents and carers and other professionals.

Skills and Knowledge – Essential

• Knowledge of a broad range of assessment tools relevant to the specialist client group.
• Knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions (relevant to client group).
• Knowledge of the standards of record keeping.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing SEND reforms including outcome‑focused EHCP assessment.
• Aware of Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Skills and Knowledge – Desirable

• Knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to children’s services.
• Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance including patient safety, quality, clinical audit and patient experience.
• Knowledge of the roles of other professionals across agencies.
• Experience of using Systmone as the electronic record.
• Evidence of reflective clinical practice such as audits and CPD.

Attitudes, Aptitudes, Personal Characteristics – Essential

• Good communication and interpersonal skills with professionals, children / young people and their families.
• Evidence of being a pro‑active and supportive team member.
• Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.

Other – Essential

• Comprehensive IT/digital skills.

Other – Desirable

• Car driver and owner.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.