Regional Occupational Therapist

Overview

Compass Community Schools are a network of independent special schools dedicated to supporting children and young people with diverse and complex learning needs. Our pupils include those with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Attention Difficulties, Sensory Processing Differences, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, many of whom have also experienced developmental trauma, disrupted attachment, and high levels of anxiety.

We are passionate about helping every child to build trusting relationships, develop communication and learning skills, and achieve their potential through a highly specialised, therapeutic, child-centred approach.

The Job Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Regional Occupational Therapist to join our expanding education team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a strategic and developmental role in shaping the Compass Occupational Therapy (OT) provision across a region of schools, with potential for national influence as the model grows. This role sits within a growing multidisciplinary team including Regional Therapists (Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists), SENCOs, and external specialists. The role focuses on enabling children and young people to develop functional, motor, sensory, and self-care skills they need to access the curriculum and reach their full potential.

Work arrangement

• Contract: Term-time only (20 hours per week)
• Flexibility: Hybrid role with a mix of remote and school-based working
• Visits: Approximately 5 in-person visits in a 6-week period (dependent on school size and needs); travel contributions provided per mile from an agreed base school

Locations

The schools you will visit are located in Lewes (East Sussex), Woking (Surrey) and Folkestone (Kent).

This is a rare opportunity to join Compass at a pivotal time of growth. As one of the founding Regional Therapists, you will influence how occupational therapy is conceptualised, delivered, and embedded across the organisation, shaping a model of communication-centred education with potential regional and national impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Development

• Shape and deliver a high-quality, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming OT service embedded within the transition, curriculum, and daily life of every Compass school.
• Collaborate with the Regional Therapy Team and SENCOs to design frameworks that strengthen provision across the region.
• Develop a strategic plan for communication provision that includes universal, targeted, and specialist support.

Training and Workforce Development

• Design and deliver engaging training packages for staff at all levels to strengthen communication-inclusive classroom practice.
• Support the development of Occupational Therapy Champions within schools, building their confidence and skill in embedding strategies.
• Provide reflective supervision and consultation to staff as part of a wider co-regulatory practice model.

Observation, Assessment & Recommendations

• Observe pupils and classrooms to identify barriers to learning.
• Provide recommendations that enhance the Quality First Teaching offer (classroom adaptations, differentiated supports, relational strategies) related to fine and gross motor skills, handwriting support, activities of daily living, self-regulation, and sensory processing.
• Support schools in early identification of sensory, physical and self-care needs, including guidance on referral pathways and partnerships with external agencies.

Therapeutic Pathway Design

• Contribute to holistic communication pathways that integrate relational, sensory, and emotional regulation principles.
• Support creation of individual and small-group programmes and model these approaches with staff.
• Oversee assessments and support provision design to meet the profile of each school community.

Safeguarding & Professional Leadership

• Demonstrate a robust understanding of safeguarding and respond appropriately to concerns.
• Promote emotionally and psychologically safe practice and support staff with supervision, reflective discussion, and professional guidance as appropriate.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Regional Therapy Team, SENCO, Headteachers, teachers, and parents/carers to ensure consistent communication between home and school.
• Attend regional and multi-agency meetings as required, contributing evidence for EHCP reviews, Local Authority funding requests, and multi-disciplinary planning.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Recognised degree in Occupational Therapy (BSc/MSc)
• HCPC registration
• Enhanced DBS check
• Full, clean UK driving licence

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years post-graduate experience
• Experience in specialist education or alternative provision settings
• Strong understanding of Autism, DLD, SEMH, and the impact of developmental trauma
• Familiarity with neurodevelopmental, attachment-informed, and relationship-based models
• Skilled in creating and delivering training (in-person and virtual)
• Demonstrate success in multi-disciplinary collaboration
• Experience embedding strategies within classroom environments

Desirable

• Experience contributing to service development or regional strategy

Core Skills And Attributes

• Adaptive and flexible across varied settings
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organisational and administrative competence
• Confidence working autonomously while maintaining close collaboration
• Commitment to reflective, relationship-centred practice and ongoing professional development
• Commitment to inclusion, equality, and neuro-affirming practice

Professional Standards

All Compass Staff Are Expected To

• Uphold the values of R.E.A.C.H. – Resilient, Educative, Accepting, Child-centred, and Holistic
• Maintain professionalism, reliability, and integrity in all work
• Demonstrate inclusive, respectful, and non-discriminatory practice

Model behaviour that reflects our commitment to diversity, equality, and the wellbeing of every young person.

We are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.

Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Note: Not Specified regarding other sections.