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- Tasks: Deliver high-quality occupational therapy and develop a specialist autism pathway.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to improving lives of autistic adults in Manchester.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and essential car user allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a developing service while shaping autism-specific practices.
- Qualifications: BSc in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and collaboration with a passionate team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
About The Role
Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full‑Time
Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance
Closing Date: 11 March 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Role Overview
Are you a passionate and skilled Occupational Therapist looking for an exciting opportunity to help shape a developing service? We are expanding our Autism Team and seeking an experienced practitioner who is committed to improving the lives of autistic adults across Manchester. This role offers the chance not only to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred occupational therapy, but also to play a pivotal part in developing a specialist autism pathway, working alongside the Autism Lead and wider colleagues across Adult Social Care. As a developing role, you will have the unique opportunity to shape and enhance the autism‑specific OT offer within the service. You will collaborate closely with the Autism Team to embed autism‑inclusive practice across the directorate and contribute to wider organisational development. As the service expands, there will be opportunities to take on supervisory and staff‑management responsibilities, supporting the ongoing development of junior staff, students and apprentices.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out holistic, strengths‑based OT assessments for autistic adults, including sensory and functional assessments.
- Provide tailored, evidence‑based intervention plans that promote independence, positive risk‑taking and well‑being.
- Offer specialist input into sensory and environmental strategies to support regulation, participation and engagement.
- Design and deliver group workshops focused on life skills, daily routines, sensory regulation, social participation and building independence.
- Work in partnership with person‑centred planners to ensure individuals shape their own goals, plans and progress.
- Recommend and facilitate equipment, assistive technology and environmental adaptations to maximise independence.
- Work alongside other professionals (Social Workers, Learning Disability/Autism health professionals, etc.) and contribute to safeguarding processes.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the Autism Team’s offer, identifying gaps and service improvement opportunities.
- Support the professional development of team members through supervision, mentoring and training.
Qualifications, Experience & Core Requirements
- Qualification – BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy; registration with the HCPC.
- Right to work in the UK – Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
- References – 2 references, where possible a 3‑year history.
- Medical Clearance – Pre‑placement health assessment (PPHA).
- Driving – Full valid driving licence and own car required; Essential Car User Allowance provided.
- DBS Clearance – Enhanced DBS check required (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, amended 2013). Candidates must be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
Essential Experience
- Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration.
- Significant experience working with autistic adults.
- Expertise in sensory assessment and behaviour‑supporting environmental strategies.
- Experience using autism‑specific assessment tools.
- Experience of risk assessment and training others.
- Ability to independently manage a complex caseload.
Desirable Experience
- Experience facilitating groups or workshops.
What We Offer
- A Principal Occupational Therapist in post, leading the way.
- A supportive, collaborative working environment with strong supervision structures.
- Access to training, CPD and tailored development opportunities.
- The chance to help shape a developing autism service and influence strategic practice.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.
- Monday‑Friday working, no work on weekends.
Occupational Therapist Grade 8 - Autism in Manchester employer: Old Moat
Contact Detail:
Old Moat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist Grade 8 - Autism in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the occupational therapy field, especially those working with autistic adults. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that face-to-face interview! Research the organisation and think about how your skills align with their goals. Practise answering common questions and be ready to showcase your experience with sensory assessments and group workshops.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for improving lives! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Highlight your commitment to person-centred practice and collaboration with other professionals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist Grade 8 - Autism in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for occupational therapy and working with autistic adults shine through in your application. We want to see how committed you are to making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples of your work with autistic adults, so don’t hold back!
Be Honest and Original: Remember, all statements in your application should be truthful and original. We value authenticity, so share your unique experiences and insights rather than relying on generic phrases.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive and review your details, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Moat
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism and occupational therapy practices. Familiarise yourself with the latest evidence-based interventions and sensory strategies, as these will likely come up in your interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your commitment to improving the lives of autistic adults. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to person-centred care and how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific situations you might face in this role. Think about how you would conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, and work collaboratively with other professionals. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team's current challenges, opportunities for professional development, or how they envision the autism service evolving. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.