At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage occupational therapy services for children with autism in a specialist school.
- Company: Join a supportive multidisciplinary team in a specialist educational setting.
- Benefits: Earn £60,000 with ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Shape therapeutic services and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with complex needs.
- Qualifications: HCPC registration and significant experience in paediatric OT, especially with ASD.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
Cpl UK Healthcare are currently recruiting for a Band 8 Lead Occupational Therapist to join an SEN School in Tadworth, working within a specialist school for children and young people aged 4–19 with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and associated complex needs.
This is a senior leadership role providing both clinical and service leadership across the occupational therapy provision within a specialist educational setting. You will oversee the delivery of evidence-based interventions, support staff development, and contribute to whole-school therapeutic approaches.
Responsibilities- Lead and manage the occupational therapy service within the school
- Provide clinical supervision and leadership to therapy and support staff
- Oversee a complex paediatric caseload (ASD and challenging behaviours)
- Develop and implement school-wide therapeutic strategies and frameworks
- Support EHCP planning, reviews, and multi-agency coordination
- Deliver specialist assessments and intervention planning
- Provide training and guidance to education staff and families
- Contribute to service development, audits, and quality improvement initiatives
- Ensure high standards of clinical governance and documentation
- HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist
- Significant experience in paediatric OT, particularly ASD and SEN settings
- Previous leadership or senior practitioner experience (Band 7/8 equivalent)
- Strong knowledge of autism, sensory integration, and behavioural approaches
- Experience working within multidisciplinary educational teams
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
- Salary of £60,000
- Senior leadership position within a specialist school
- Opportunity to shape therapeutic services at organisational level
- Supportive multidisciplinary environment
- Ongoing CPD and leadership development opportunities
If you are interested in this position, please get in touch to discuss further opportunities.
Senior Occupational Therapist employer: Cpl UK - Healthcare
Cpl UK Healthcare is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and innovate within a specialist educational setting in Tadworth. With a competitive salary of £60,000, you will benefit from a supportive multidisciplinary environment that fosters professional growth through ongoing CPD and leadership development opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with autism spectrum disorders and complex needs while shaping therapeutic services at an organisational level.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Occupational Therapist
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Cpl UK - Healthcare. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Cpl UK - Healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Occupational Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Cpl UK - Healthcare:Take some time to research Cpl UK - Healthcare and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cpl UK - Healthcare
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Cpl UK - Healthcare's values and approach.
