Occupational Therapist in Surrey

More House School is a leading independent specialist school in Surrey, dedicated to helping bright young people with specific learning difficulties achieve their full potential. We combine exceptional teaching, therapeutic support and outstanding pastoral care to help every pupil grow in confidence, succeed academically and thrive beyond the classroom. Our staff are central to our success. We offer a supportive, collaborative and rewarding environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop professionally while making a genuine difference to the lives of young people and their families. Join us and be part of a community that transforms lives through education.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic team. We offer excellent training and support working in a unique, friendly and professional environment.

About this post:

A suitable candidate would be an enthusiastic and adaptable therapist, who enjoys working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The role will involve managing and delivering therapy to a varied caseload of boys aged 8-18 including assessing pupils’ needs for Occupational Therapy, both formally and informally. For newly qualified therapists, comprehensive support and mentoring will enable you to begin your career in Occupational Therapy, developing confidence and therapeutic skills. For therapists with more experience, weekly supervision, support and working within a team of knowledgeable therapists will help you to settle into the role. A Band 6 Therapist with experience of working as an Occupational Therapist in schools would be welcome to apply.

Students at More House School are academically able, but struggle in education due to Speech, Language and Communication difficulties, Specific Learning Difficulties and related SEND needs. Therapy is delivered in small groups of between three and six boys and is integrated into the whole school timetable, so that no student is withdrawn from lessons. Speech and Language Therapists at More House School work collaboratively with teaching staff to support the generalisation of language skills into the classroom and to support pupils to access the curriculum.

All school employees benefit from free on-site parking, and excellent free lunchtime meals in the school’s refectory. School terms are shorter than in the state-maintained sector, with generous school holidays. A comprehensive induction programme is provided, and ongoing professional development is supported through INSET days and training opportunities.

About the department:

The role will be based in the Learning Development Centre (LDC) which houses a supportive team of Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Literacy/Numeracy tutors and Therapy Assistants. Therapy staff meet regularly for CPD and supervision, and support is provided both formally and informally. The department has a growing national reputation and strong links with universities. We have recently introduced a sensory integration facility and actively encourage multidisciplinary working and communication between teachers and LDC Staff. LDC Staff are fully integrated into the More House School community, and frequently have opportunities to attend school trips, enabling them to gain a holistic picture of the students and to get to know them better.

Qualifications

• Completion of other relevant training courses.

Skills and Experience

• Experience with a range of standardised assessments (Band 5)
• Experience in delivering a range of formal and informal Occupational Therapy assessments, report writing and parent liaison (Band 5).
• Recent professional development relevant to Occupational Therapy in educational settings.
• Experience of using a school-focused management information system.

Personal Attributes

• Resilient and adaptable.
• Open to learning and development.
• Commitment and perseverance.
• Contributes to wider school life.

Qualifications

• Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC registration or willingness to complete Return to Practice.
• Membership of The Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Skills and Experience

• An ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge ofthe HCPC standards of proficiency for Occupational Therapists and the HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics.

• An ability to assess pupils’ needs for Occupational Therapy both formally and informally.

• Experience with a range of standardised assessments (Band 6)
• Experience in delivering a range of formal and informal Occupational Therapy assessments, report writing and parent liaison (Band 6).

• An ability to develop and implement specialist Occupational Therapy for pupils and to evaluate the outcomes of the intervention.

• An ability to make effective use of strategies to motivate and engage pupils in therapy and to promote good student relationships.

• An ability to communicate effectively with pupils, parents and staff.

• Relevant work experience.

• A good understanding of the principles of supportive behaviour management.

• Evidence of commitment to own professional development.

• Confidence using IT to communicate. Proficient skills with Microsoft.

• An ability to keep accurate and contemporaneous records.

• Excellent standard of written English and attention to detail.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and positive approach.
• Strong communication skills.
• Uses initiative and works independently.
• Flexible and responsive to change.
• Works effectively with others.
• Commitment to pupil development.
• Maintains professionalism in challenging situations.
• Organised and able to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to the school’s values.