At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs through innovative Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions.
- Company: Join a network of specialist schools dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6 weeks annual leave, travel expenses, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are a network of independent specialist schools and residential homes dedicated to supporting children and young people with complex learning, emotional, sensory, social, and developmental needs. Our therapeutic and inclusive environments are designed to promote safety, regulation, engagement, and meaningful participation, enabling each child to achieve their individual potential.
As part of an exciting national therapeutic initiative, we are expanding our multidisciplinary clinical teams and are seeking passionate and skilled Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists to help shape and deliver this innovative model of integrated support. We are currently recruiting for a Regional Occupational Therapist to support children and young people across our educational and residential settings within the Kidderminster region.
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, and 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 6 weeks annual leave and includes travel across the designated region. The position combines direct clinical work, multidisciplinary collaboration, staff consultation, and opportunities for flexible/home working. Travel expenses are provided. You will work across three residential homes and one specialist school within the region.
Key Responsibilities- Assessment and Clinical Formulation
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. Areas assessed may include:
- Sensory processing and sensory integration needs
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Functional independence skills
- Emotional regulation and self-regulation
- Activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Play, engagement, and occupational participation
- Executive functioning skills
- Environmental accessibility and sensory barriers
Develop clinically informed formulations that consider:
- Developmental trauma
- Attachment and relational needs
- Neurodivergence
- Sensory processing differences
- 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 and confidence
- Access to sensory-supportive environments
- Provide recommendations for environmental adaptations, sensory strategies, and therapeutic supports to enable children and young people to access meaningful activities and routines safely and successfully.
- Work collaboratively 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 to contribute to:
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Behaviour and support plans
- Sensory profiles
- Risk assessments
- Therapeutic care planning
- 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 areas including:
- Sensory processing and sensory regulation
- Trauma-informed practice
- Neurodiversity-affirming approaches
- Emotional regulation and co-regulation
- Functional independence skills
- Environmental adaptation and accessibility
- Occupational participation
- Therapeutic and sensory-supportive environments
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and 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, recognising that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is paramount.
- Identify, record, and report safeguarding concerns appropriately in line with organisational and statutory procedures.
- Essential
- 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
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- Sensory processing differences
- Learning disabilities
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- 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
- 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
- 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
Regional Occupational Therapist - Children's Regulation & Participation employer: Compass Schools
As a leading provider of specialist education and residential care, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of our employees. Our commitment to ongoing training, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative multidisciplinary approach ensures that our Regional Occupational Therapists can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people in the Kidderminster region. With generous annual leave and travel expenses covered, we offer an environment where passion for therapeutic practice meets personal and professional fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Occupational Therapist - Children's Regulation & Participation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field, attend workshops, and join relevant groups. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to occupational therapy. We should also be ready to showcase our understanding of trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing our enthusiasm and professionalism. It keeps us on their radar!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at success! We’ve got all the resources and support you need to make your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Occupational Therapist - Children's Regulation & Participation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in supporting their complex needs and how you can contribute to our therapeutic environments.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in your application. Whether it’s working with children with developmental trauma or sensory processing differences, we want to know how your background aligns with the role of a Regional Occupational Therapist.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sensory processing, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people, as well as the therapeutic approaches that align with the role. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences working with children who have complex needs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented evidence-informed interventions and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively in this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation's approach to therapy, team dynamics, and how they support professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Align your personal values with the organisation's R.E.A.C.H values: Resilient, Educative, Accepting, Child-Centred, and Holistic. Share how these values resonate with your practice and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment for children and young people.
