Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist (Schools & Clinic)

Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist (Schools & Clinic)

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Optimal Therapy Services

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support neurodivergent children through therapy in schools and clinics.
  • Company: Premier paediatric occupational therapy practice in North London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, CPD support, and a friendly culture.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to clinical excellence and professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and 9 years of paediatric experience required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

We are a premier, independent paediatric occupational therapy practice operating across North London. We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist to join our growing team. This role bridges clinical practice and educational support, offering a dynamic split between delivering targeted interventions in clinic and supporting neurodivergent children directly within local school environments. We pride ourselves on always going the extra mile to support our clients. The company is clinically led and of a size that we can nurture and support prospective candidates to be successful in the role.

You will manage a varied caseload of children and young people aged 0–18 presenting with a range of functional difficulties, Sensory Processing Difficulties, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and ADHD.

Key Responsibilities
  • Assessments: Conduct comprehensive standardised and functional assessments for children (0–18) exhibiting complex sensory, motor, and functional challenges.
  • Intervention Plans: Design and implement evidence-based, play-focused therapy plans combining clinical sensory integration techniques with practical, classroom-based strategies.
  • School Liaison: Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and parents to embed sensory diets, environmental adaptations and functional goals into Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
  • Clinical Excellence: Deliver high-quality therapy within our specialised clinic space, focusing on self-regulation, fine/gross motor skills and independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).
  • Reporting: Document detailed clinical notes in line with RCOT and HPCP guidelines. Produce functional goals in collaboration with child, family and school. Produce professional, robust reports for schools and families. Written and verbal reports should be in a structured manner to paint a picture of the individual’s needs, balancing plain English with solid clinical reasoning.
Essential Candidate Requirements
  • Education: A recognised professional Degree or Master’s qualification in Occupational Therapy.
  • Experience: Minimum of 9 years of post-qualification paediatric experience, with a proven track record in both school and clinic settings.
  • Sensory Integration: Completed the equivalent of Sensory Integration (SI) Level 2 training (or equivalent modules in Ayres Sensory Integration).
  • Cognitive and Attentional: Have knowledge and experience in treatment modalities to support cognitive and attentional deficits.
  • Parental Coaching: Have experience and a compassionate approach in supporting parents through parent coaching.
  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy: Completed basic level training in ACT or similar to support young people with emotional difficulties.
  • Professional Registration: Active, unrestricted registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • Compliance: An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or international equivalent criminal record check) is mandatory.
  • Right to Work: Must possess the legal right to work in the UK.
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary of £45,000 to £55,000 (depending on experience).
  • Flexible working.
  • CPD activities and support.
  • A highly supportive working environment.
  • Full proofreading support.
  • Regular, direct supervision.
  • A friendly and supportive culture.
Key Competencies and Personal Attributes
  • Clinical & Professional Excellence: Advanced Clinical Reasoning: Ability to synthesise complex assessment data to formulate targeted, evidence-based intervention plans for neurodivergent children.
  • Uncompromising Professionalism: Consistent adherence to the HCPC code of ethics, maintaining strict confidentiality and professional boundaries in both school and clinic settings.
  • Reflective Practice: Committed to ongoing professional development, clinical supervision and evaluating the effectiveness of delivered therapies.
Operational & Self-Management Skills
  • Resilience Under Pressure: Proven capacity to manage high-volume caseloads and navigate complex school environments calmly and effectively.
  • Exemplary Timekeeping: Outstanding organisational skills with a track record of meeting strict reporting deadlines, school schedules and clinic appointments.
  • Autonomy & Initiative: Confident working independently in community and school settings, making sound clinical decisions on-site.
Interpersonal & Values-Driven Traits
  • Compassionate & Child-Centred Approach: Empathic, patient communication style that builds immediate rapport and safety for children, young people and their families.
  • Collaborative Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively advise, educate and collaborate with parents, teachers and multidisciplinary teams.

Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Benefits: Casual dress, Free parking, Sick pay

Work Location: In person

Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist (Schools & Clinic) employer: Optimal Therapy Services

As a premier independent paediatric occupational therapy practice in North London, we offer a supportive and nurturing environment for our team members. Our commitment to clinical excellence is matched by our dedication to employee growth, providing opportunities for continuous professional development and flexible working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of neurodivergent children while enjoying a friendly and collaborative work culture.

Optimal Therapy Services

Contact Details:

Optimal Therapy Services Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist (Schools & Clinic)

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 Optimal Therapy Services. 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 Optimal Therapy Services.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist (Schools & Clinic)

Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Sensory Integration
Assessment Skills
Intervention Planning
Collaboration with Educational Professionals
Clinical Excellence
Documentation and Reporting

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 Optimal Therapy Services:Take some time to research Optimal Therapy Services 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 Optimal Therapy Services

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 Optimal Therapy Services's values and approach.