Occupational Therapist

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: County Hall Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RA

Salary: £39,939-£42,699 per annum (pro rata for part-time)

Working Hours: 37 hrs per week, term time (39 wks per year)

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 5th May 2026

Interview Date(s): w/c 11.05

About the Role

Oakfield Short Stay School is Leicestershire’s provision for primary and secondary school aged children who are at risk, or who have been permanently excluded from school. You will be part of a vital team in an exciting period of development, working with us to meet the needs of children and young people in both the Primary and Secondary phase who struggle to manage in mainstream and need a different offer of education to secure their successful next steps.

Role Overview

Working as part of the multi-disciplinary therapy team, to support pupils/students who need help to overcome barriers both inside and outside the school, in order to achieve their full potential. Our students have a variety of learning needs and learn in small groups. We are looking for a person who is creative, flexible, holistic, and has trauma-informed approach, and possesses specialist knowledge to raise engagement, support independence and inspire our children to achieve remarkable outcomes. You will be at the heart of our mission, supporting us to engage our pupils and achieve high rates of attendance. The role would suit someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who can inspire others. Many of our young people present with challenging behaviour, and we are looking for someone who can demonstrate strong empathy and ability to intrinsically connect with pupils.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach and Inspire: To assist with the planning, delivery and evaluation of pupil interventions, including identifying how the pupils can best be supported.
• Support Reintegration: To run programmes for individuals or groups to help develop pupil’s knowledge, independence and confidence.
• Collaborate with Agencies: To liaise with staff to set targets with pupils/students and the appropriate staff, keeping parents informed and evaluating achievement towards these goals.

A DBS enhanced check for a regulated activity is required for this post.

What We Offer

• Unique Learning Environment: Experience a diverse and dynamic workplace where every day is different.
• Professional Development: Access opportunities for professional growth and bespoke training.
• Supportive Team: Join a highly skilled and supportive team of practitioners.
• Make a Difference: Play a crucial role in transforming the lives of young people.
• Flexibility: Options for part-time or full-time work to suit your lifestyle.

About You

• The post-holder must hold a Degree in Occupational Therapy approved by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) or equivalent Occupational Therapy qualification approved by HCPC, and the post-holder must be registered with the Health Care Professions Council and is responsible for maintaining registration.
• Commitment and ability to undertake Educator/Best Interests Assessor or other relevant specialist training, and evidence of further relevant training since qualification.
• Evidence of effective assessment and risk management delivery, Evidence of prioritising work and meeting deadlines, Post qualification experience in a social care setting.
• Experience of partnership working with children to identify and meet need with creative and pragmatic solutions, Evidence of working with service users and their carers to identify issues and specific actions, Experience of multi-agency/multidisciplinary working and/or of hospital discharge processes.
• Knowledge of Occupational Therapy, methodologies and models of practice and ability to use them, Knowledge of Relevant legislation including The Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Moving and Handling and where required Children’s Act and Disabled Facilities legislation relating to children, Skills and knowledge relevant to the Occupational Therapy role within social care e.g. Reablement, Moving and Handling, Equipment and Adaptations, Moving and handling risk assessment knowledge and experience.
• Knowledge of the needs and issues of different individuals including ethnic minorities, disability and age issues, Knowledge of Social Care policy such as personalisation, asset based social work, preventative strategies and solutions, preparing for adulthood, Knowledge of welfare benefits and welfare rights, Knowledge and understanding of housing issues and their link to social care, Knowledge and understanding of commissioning services to meet needs.
• Evidence of practice in line with the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (College of Occupational Therapists).

Interested in Flexible Working?

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

We are a Disability Confident Employer.