At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with autism and neurodivergence through tailored occupational therapy.
- Company: Independent specialist day school in Hillingdon with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, CPD training allowance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a multidisciplinary team in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy and relevant experience required.
Specialist Occupational Therapist required for an independent specialist day school in Hillingdon, supporting children and young people aged 11–19 with autism, neurodivergence, SEMH needs and developmental trauma. This is a permanent role working as part of an in-house multidisciplinary clinical team. The successful Occupational Therapist will deliver bespoke OT assessment and intervention, hold a caseload, contribute to staff training and consultation, and work closely with education and clinical colleagues to support pupil independence and outcomes.
Key details:
- Location: Hillingdon, UB8
- Contract: Permanent, term-time only or flexible full-time contract
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm
- Salary: Up to £55,000 FTE DOE
- Additional benefit: £2,000 CPD training allowance after probation
Requirements:
Applicants must hold a BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy, valid HCPC registration and RCOT membership. The school is looking for an OT with relevant experience in autism, SEND, SEMH, learning difficulties, neurodivergence or education-based practice. Experience working with autistic children and young people, MDT working, family/carer communication, clinical reasoning, assessment tools, treatment planning and report writing would be highly relevant. This role is well suited to a Band 6 or Band 7 level Occupational Therapist, or a strong specialist OT with experience in paediatrics, SEND, autism, SEMH, sensory-informed practice or trauma-informed approaches. Formal postgraduate training in Sensory Integration, developmental trauma or sensory attachment would be desirable. All successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding checks, including enhanced DBS and social media checks.
Specialist Occupational Therapist employer: Harris Lee
Join our independent specialist day school in Hillingdon, where we prioritise a supportive and collaborative work culture for our multidisciplinary clinical team. As a Specialist Occupational Therapist, you will benefit from a generous CPD training allowance, flexible working options, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with diverse needs. We are committed to fostering employee growth and development, ensuring that you thrive in your role while contributing to the success of our pupils.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Occupational Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the occupational therapy field, especially those who work with children and young people. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what the school is really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of autism and SEMH needs. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support children and young people. We want to see how you can make a real difference in their lives!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working in a multidisciplinary team. Talk about your experiences collaborating with other professionals and how it has enhanced your practice. This role is all about teamwork, so let them know you're a team player!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Occupational Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Specialist Occupational Therapist role. Highlight your experience with autism, SEMH needs, and any relevant training you've done. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with children and young people with neurodivergence. Share specific examples of your past work that relate to the role, and let us know why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:Since this role involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team, make sure to highlight your collaboration skills. Talk about your experiences in MDT settings and how you’ve contributed to achieving positive outcomes for pupils.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Lee
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism, neurodivergence, and SEMH needs. Familiarise yourself with the specific assessment tools and treatment planning methods relevant to the role. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in supporting the children and young people you'll be working with.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with autistic children and young people. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to multidisciplinary teams and communicated effectively with families. Highlight any relevant training or qualifications, especially in sensory integration or trauma-informed approaches.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to occupational therapy and how they support their staff. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team and the pupils' outcomes.
✨Be Yourself
Finally, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The school is looking for someone who fits well within their multidisciplinary team, so being authentic and showing your passion for helping children and young people will go a long way. Remember, they want to see the real you!
