At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with diverse needs to achieve their full potential in a creative and flexible environment.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a Disability Confident Employer committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while enjoying a dynamic and rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and expertise in Sensory Integration required.
The predicted salary is between 39939 - 42699 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: Oakfield Short Stay School LE9 7PA and other locations across the county
Salary: £39,939 - £42,699 per annum (pro rata for part time) (pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37 hrs per week, term time (39 weeks per year)
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23rd August 2026
Interview Date(s): TBC
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference? Do you want a job where no two days are the same?
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.
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 a 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. An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.
About You
To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:
- Post graduate or undergraduate Degree in Occupational Therapy and current HCPC registration.
- Postgraduate training, certification or demonstrated expertise in Sensory Integration.
- Commitment and ability to undertake Educator/Best Interests Assessor or other relevant specialist training.
- Evidence of effective assessment and risk management delivery.
- Experience of partnership working with children to identify and meet need with creative and pragmatic solutions.
- Knowledge of Occupational Therapy, methodologies and models of practice and ability to use them.
- Evidence of practice in line with the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (College of Occupational Therapists).
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
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.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Mel Carte - Head of Therapeutic Inreach and Outreach Email: melanie.Carte@leics.gov.uk
How to Apply
At Leicestershire County Council we’re looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what’s on your CV. That’s why we’ve designed a recruitment process that’s fair, accessible, and focused on potential. And with benefits that support people at every age and stage of life, we make sure you can thrive - both personally and professionally.
If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we’d love to hear from you. Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above. Without this information, we won’t be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post or you want to request an application pack in an alternative format, please contact our Employee Service Centre by telephoning 0300 3030222 (select option 2) or raising a ticket via our online portal: https://emss.org.uk/support.
By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Occupational Therapist - Sensory in Earl Shilton employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Leicestershire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Occupational Therapists can make a real difference in the lives of adults and children. With a strong emphasis on collaboration across health, housing, and social care teams, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while positively impacting the community.
Contact Details:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist - Sensory in Earl Shilton
✨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 Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group. 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 Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist - Sensory in Earl Shilton
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 Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group:Take some time to research Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group 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 Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨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 Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group's values and approach.
