At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead therapeutic support for pupils with SEMH needs through tailored OT sessions and interventions.
- Company: A leading independent specialist school focused on trauma-informed practices.
- Benefits: Ongoing professional development, supportive environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a multidisciplinary team dedicated to holistic support and positive outcomes.
- Why this job: Transform young lives by applying your OT skills in a meaningful, relationship-driven setting.
- Qualifications: Degree-level Occupational Therapist with experience in SEMH/SEND settings.
The predicted salary is between 29642 - 29642 £ per year.
A leading independent specialist school supporting pupils with ACEs, SEMH needs and associated SEND is seeking a dedicated and skilled Occupational Therapist to join their therapy team. This is an opportunity to make significant, meaningful impact within a school that places relationships, trauma‑informed practice, and therapeutic support at the centre of everything it does.
The Role
You will be the on‑site therapeutic lead for Occupational Therapy, delivering 1:1 sessions, group interventions, classroom support, and environmental adaptations. Working collaboratively with teachers, families, and external professionals including CAMHS, you’ll ensure pupils receive high‑quality, ethical, and holistic OT provision.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Building strong, relational connections with pupils with ACEs, trauma backgrounds, SEMH needs and complex SEND
- Planning and delivering structured OT interventions alongside flexible “need‑it‑now” support
- Providing in‑class OT guidance, modelling trauma‑informed and sensory‑informed strategies
- Setting up and maintaining a calm, purposeful OT/therapy space
- Completing functional assessments, sensory assessments, OT reports and progress reviews
- Tracking SEMH and functional development using the school’s assessment framework
- Liaising with external professionals including CAMHS and social care
- Delivering OT‑focused training and refreshers for staff
- Supporting reintegration, transitions and key developmental milestones
- Building supportive, positive relationships with families, including regular communication
- Upholding safeguarding, confidentiality, and all relevant policies
About You
- Degree‑level, fully qualified Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration (essential)
- Experience working with children or young people in SEMH/SEND or challenging settings
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Excellent understanding of child development, sensory needs, trauma, attachment, and mental health
- Confident working independently while collaborating fully as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Emotionally resilient, reflective, and passionate about helping young people thrive
Desirable
- Additional training in sensory integration, trauma, SEND, or child mental health.
Why This School?
- Strong, embedded relationships‑first therapeutic model
- Multidisciplinary, supportive, values‑led environment
- Real scope to influence whole‑school OT practice
- Ongoing CPD, reflective practice and professional development
- A role where your OT expertise truly transforms outcomes
Reasonable Adjustments
If you consider yourself to have a disability or require any reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process or within the workplace, please highlight this at the earliest opportunity by contacting our team. With this information, we will provide appropriate support to you throughout the process and into your work placement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist – Specialist SEMH School in London
✨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 Liquidpersonnel. 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 Liquidpersonnel.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist – Specialist SEMH School in London
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 Liquidpersonnel:Take some time to research Liquidpersonnel 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 Liquidpersonnel
✨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 Liquidpersonnel's values and approach.
