Regional Occupational Therapist in Rock

As a Regional Occupational Therapist you will provide high‑quality, evidence‑informed Occupational Therapy assessment, intervention, consultation and training for children and young people presenting with complex sensory, emotional, developmental, functional and social participation needs. You will work collaboratively with the Regional SENDCo, Regional Speech and Language Therapist, education and residential care teams, families and external professionals to support children’s regulation, participation, independence, emotional wellbeing and engagement within learning and daily living environments. The role requires a trauma‑informed, neurodiversity‑affirming, relational approach to practice, recognising the impact of developmental trauma, attachment disruption and adverse childhood experiences on sensory processing, regulation, participation, motor development and occupational performance. This is a full‑time role with six weeks annual leave, travel across the designated region, direct clinical work, multidisciplinary collaboration, staff consultation and opportunities for flexible/home working. Travel expenses are provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake specialist, holistic Occupational Therapy assessments of children and young people’s sensory, functional, motor, emotional regulation and occupational participation needs, using standardised and non‑standardised assessment tools, clinical observation, environmental assessment and multidisciplinary information gathering.
• Develop clinically informed formulations that consider developmental trauma, attachment and relational needs, neurodivergence, sensory processing differences and cognitive, emotional, physical and environmental factors impacting participation and independence.
• Plan, implement and evaluate individualised, evidence‑informed intervention programmes that promote participation, emotional regulation, independence, functional skill development and engagement across educational, residential and community settings.
• Use a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to individual strengths and needs, supporting sensory regulation, occupational participation, functional independence, motor skill development, emotional regulation and co‑regulation, self‑advocacy, confidence and access to sensory‑supportive environments.
• Provide recommendations for environmental adaptations, sensory strategies and therapeutic supports to enable meaningful activities and routines safely and successfully.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, including education staff, residential care teams, Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, Social Workers and external agencies, to ensure integrated and child‑centred support planning.
• Provide specialist Occupational Therapy advice and recommendations for EHCPs, behaviour and support plans, sensory profiles, risk assessments, therapeutic care planning, and environmental adaptations and provision planning.
• Contribute to the development of sensory‑aware, regulation‑supportive and trauma‑informed environments across all settings.
• Monitor, evaluate and document intervention outcomes using measurable goals and functional outcomes, adapting therapeutic approaches in response to children’s changing needs.
• Produce high‑quality clinical documentation, reports and recommendations in line with HCPC, Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), organisational and statutory requirements.
• Provide consultation, coaching and practical strategies to parents, carers and staff teams to support the generalisation of therapeutic strategies within everyday activities, routines and environments.
• Support adults to develop confidence in using sensory‑informed, relational, and regulation‑supportive approaches to care and interaction.
• Deliver training and consultation to education and residential teams in sensory processing and regulation, trauma‑informed practice, neurodiversity‑affirming approaches, emotional regulation and co‑regulation, functional independence skills, environmental adaptation and accessibility and occupational participation.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, contemporaneous clinical records in accordance with HCPC standards, RCOT guidance, GDPR and organisational policies.
• Manage and prioritise a complex regional caseload effectively, demonstrating autonomous clinical reasoning, professional judgement and reflective practice.
• Engage in supervision, continuing professional development (CPD), service development and quality improvement activity to ensure safe and effective practice.
• Work within professional scope of practice and maintain accountability for clinical decision‑making.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of safeguarding and child‑protection responsibilities and report safeguarding concerns appropriately in line with organisational and statutory procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or Master’s qualification in Occupational Therapy recognised by the HCPC.
• Current HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist.
• Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with children and young people presenting with developmental trauma and attachment differences.
• Experience with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
• Experience with sensory processing differences.
• Experience with learning disabilities.
• Experience with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• Experience with functional and emotional regulation difficulties.

Experience Within

• Specialist education settings.
• Residential care environments.
• Multidisciplinary and therapeutic teams.
• Trauma‑informed services.

Knowledge And Experience Of

• Sensory integration theory and practice.
• Occupational performance models.
• Neurodevelopmental differences.
• Functional and environmental adaptations.
• Regulation‑based and strengths‑focused approaches.

Skills And Attributes

• Strong clinical knowledge of child development, sensory processing, emotional regulation and occupational performance.
• Ability to apply evidence‑informed therapeutic approaches within functional environments.
• Excellent clinical reasoning and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively across multiple sites.
• Effective caseload and time management skills.
• Compassionate, relational and child‑centred approach to practice.
• Understanding of the impact of trauma, attachment and neurodivergence on participation, regulation and independence.
• Commitment to reflective practice and ongoing professional development.

Professional Standards for All Employees

All Employees Are Expected To:

• Uphold the organisation’s R.E.A.C.H values: Resilient, Educative, Accepting, Child‑Centred and Holistic.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability and ethical practice at all times.
• Maintain high standards of attendance, conduct, presentation and punctuality.
• Treat all children, families, colleagues and professionals with dignity, empathy and respect.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Act in accordance with safeguarding responsibilities, professional codes of conduct and organisational policies.
• Promote the wellbeing, rights and voice of children and young people at all times.