At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a clinical team and create tailored therapy plans for students with diverse needs.
- Company: Dibden Park School, a supportive environment focused on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Life assurance, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career in a rewarding field.
- Qualifications: HCPC registered Occupational Therapist with at least 2 years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Dibden Park School, Hampshire SO45 5TD
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm)
Contract: Permanent (Term time only; flexibility around full‑time contract can be discussed based on personal circumstances)
Essential
- Full valid UK driving licence and access to own transport
Responsibilities
- Clinically lead the in‑house Clinical Team at Dibden Park School and hold a therapy caseload
- Deliver bespoke assessment and intervention plans for students with complex profiles arising from autism, neuro‑divergence, developmental trauma and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Regional Clinical Lead
- Maintain focus on meeting the needs of EHCP plans through target‑led, OFG all‑group and individual clinical ways of working
- Coordinate line management of the onsite clinical team and lead the service development of the school‑based clinical service, alongside the SLT and Regional Clinical Lead
- Provide supervision and support to the therapy team
- Produce clear and concise report writing for clinical and research activities
Qualifications
- HCPC registered Occupational Therapist
- Minimum 2 years post‑qualification experience, preferably in a child/education setting and preferably with management experience
- Clear and concise report writing relating to clinical and research activities
- Experience providing supervision and supporting a therapy team
- Full UK valid driving licence and access to own vehicle
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- Your Wellbeing Matters – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
- 4DWW (subject to successful completion of probation – not a contractual benefit)
- Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, plus paid fertility treatment support
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
Commitments
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS check. The recruitment process is carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Therapy Lead (Occupational Therapist) in Southampton employer: FirstGroup plc
At Dibden Park School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and wellbeing of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development while ensuring a healthy work-life balance with term-time hours. With comprehensive benefits including mental health support, family growth initiatives, and a commitment to safeguarding, we create a rewarding environment for our Occupational Therapists to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapy Lead (Occupational Therapist) in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and therapy sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the school and its values, especially around supporting students with complex needs. We want to see you shine by showing how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your report writing and any successful intervention plans you've implemented. We love seeing tangible evidence of your expertise in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re excited to see your passion for helping students come through in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Therapy Lead (Occupational Therapist) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Therapy Lead role. Highlight your experience with complex profiles and your ability to work collaboratively with teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your report writing skills! Clear and concise communication is crucial in this role, so provide examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality reports.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications, so share your passion for supporting students with SEMH needs and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it during the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy, especially in relation to children with complex needs. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by students with autism and SEMH needs, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Therapy Lead, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous management experience and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think of examples where you've coordinated projects or supported colleagues, as this will highlight your leadership capabilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios you might face in the role. Prepare examples of how you would handle challenging situations, such as developing intervention plans or collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the school's approach to therapy or how they measure the success of their interventions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
