At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities through assessments and tailored equipment recommendations.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension schemes, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with clear progression opportunities in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while promoting independence and reducing care risks.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified and HCPC registered Children’s Occupational Therapist with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
This role sits within a well-defined pay band with clear progression opportunities. The successful candidate will work part-time (approximately 22.5 hours) over three days, usually taken together with a car driver licence and business use insurance.
Role Summary
Work within the Children’s Occupational Therapy Team in the Children’s Social Care department, providing assessment, equipment recommendation, and home adaptation support to children with disabilities and complex health needs across the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Council areas.
Responsibilities
- Complete robust holistic assessments focusing on a child’s function and occupational needs within their home environment.
- Assess, recommend and prescribe specialist equipment such as postural seating systems and bathing/toileting aids.
- Support children, young people and their families with risk assessments, minor and major adaptations, and assist through Disabled Facilities Grant processes.
- Prepare moving and handling risk assessments and bespoke care plans for children with complex physical disabilities.
- Work in partnership with Health, Education and Social Care colleagues, completing joint assessments and contributing to EHCP plans when necessary.
- Promote independence and reduce care risks, minimising the impact of disability on families.
- Occasionally undertake additional duties as directed by the Children’s Occupational Therapy Team Manager.
- Participate in staff training, share best practice, and provide clinical supervision to Occupational Therapy students on placement.
- Use computerised systems (Word, Excel, Mosaic) and maintain accurate case recording in line with HCPC guidance.
- Complete Continuing Professional Development as required by the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Requirements
- Qualified and HCPC registered Children’s Occupational Therapist.
- Relevant experience working with children who have disabilities and complex health needs.
- Sound knowledge of how disability can affect children and families, and awareness of safeguarding principles.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Car driver licence with business use insurance.
- Right to work in the UK – no visa sponsorship available.
Benefits
BCP Council offers an attractive benefits package including competitive pay, pension schemes, and various employee support programmes.
Equal Opportunities
BCP Council is a diverse and inclusive organisation. All applicants receive a fair, merit-based selection process with appropriate support and reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment.
Visa & Work Rights
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Interview Details
Interviews will be conducted during the week of 20th July 2026.
Contact
Please contact Ruth Morgan, Children’s Occupational Therapy Team Manager, at ruthmorgan@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Children's Occupational Therapist in Christchurch employer: Community Care Live
BCP Council is an excellent employer for Children's Occupational Therapists, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and progression within a well-defined pay band. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the council provides a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay and pension schemes, while fostering collaboration with health, education, and social care professionals to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch areas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Occupational Therapist in Christchurch
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Community Care Live who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Community Care Live can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Occupational Therapist in Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Community Care Live and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Community Care Live see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Care Live
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Community Care Live.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Community Care Live about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Community Care Live supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
