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- Tasks: Design and deliver creative, student-centred interventions for diverse needs.
- Company: Join Orchard Hill College, an Outstanding Specialist College transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy progression pathways, pension schemes, and employee wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and experience with individuals with learning disabilities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community dedicated to inclusion and empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As an Occupational Therapist at Orchard Hill College, you will work closely with students, teaching teams, families, and external professionals to design and deliver interventions that are creative, functional, and always student centred.
Responsibilities
- Promote a person‑centred approach that supports student choice, independence, dignity, and inclusion in line with Valuing People, the Human Rights Act, and the Preparing for Adulthood agenda.
- Deliver and evaluate specialist Occupational Therapy interventions, including sensory, seating, upper limb, and functional assessments, while independently managing a diverse caseload and contributing to EHCPs and multi‑disciplinary reviews.
- Collaborate with internal and external professionals (e.g. education staff, families, social care, health services) to ensure smooth transitions, coordinated care, and delivery of inclusive, capable environments.
- Provide training, support and guidance to staff, families, and workplaces on best practices in manual handling, sensory and physical adaptations, and functional skill development.
- Maintain professional standards and development, including supervision, CPD, safeguarding responsibilities, data protection compliance, and active participation in audits, clinical governance, and college initiatives.
Qualifications
- Degree or Graduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- UK HPC Registration
- Experience with people over 16 who have severe/profound and multiple learning disabilities and/or Autism
Orchard Hill College is an Outstanding Specialist College (Ofsted, April 2025) offering life‑changing learning opportunities to young people and adults with a range of special education needs and/or disabilities. We operate vibrant community‑based College Centres across London and Surrey, where committed specialist teams deliver a variety of programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Students who study with us have a wide range of needs including profound and multiple learning disabilities, communication and behavioural difficulties and specific medical needs. All students are individual, and their learning programme is designed to support and empower them to achieve their aspirations and goals, whilst developing skills to become more independent members of their community.
Orchard Hill College is an exciting, forward‑thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills.
Benefits
- Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Pension Scheme – you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
- Employee Wellbeing – We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme
- Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
- Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)
About the Trust
The College is an Academy sponsor and established Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in 2013 which is home to 13 special schools. Together Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust provide for over 1500 pupils and students with SEN across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential. As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities. It is an exciting time to be part of OHC and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment. We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.
If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the college directly. Visits to the College in advance of applications are encouraged. Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.
Specialized Occupational Therapist Grade Band 6 employer: Orchard Hill College
Contact Detail:
Orchard Hill College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialized Occupational Therapist Grade Band 6
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Before your interview, check out Orchard Hill College's website and social media. Understanding their mission and how they support students will help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how your skills in delivering person-centred interventions can shine through. Use examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to work with diverse needs and collaborate with teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusion! During the interview, express your commitment to promoting independence and dignity for students. Share any relevant training or experiences that demonstrate your dedication to creating inclusive environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialized Occupational Therapist Grade Band 6
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with students shine through. We want to see how much you care about promoting independence and dignity for those with special educational needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in occupational therapy, especially with individuals who have severe/profound learning disabilities or autism. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in delivering person-centred interventions.
Collaborate and Communicate: Since collaboration is key in this role, mention any past experiences where you’ve worked with multidisciplinary teams. Show us how you effectively communicate with families and other professionals to ensure smooth transitions and coordinated care.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your statements well. Remember, we’ll be scoring your application based on how well you meet the criteria, so clarity is crucial!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of person-centred approaches and the specific needs of students with severe/profound learning disabilities. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation like the Human Rights Act and the Preparing for Adulthood agenda, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience with diverse caseloads and how you've delivered specialist Occupational Therapy interventions. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and how you've contributed to EHCPs and reviews.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for working with students shine through! Share stories that illustrate your commitment to promoting independence, dignity, and inclusion. This is a key aspect of the role, so showing genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the college's approach to therapy and support for students. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the college aligns with your values and professional goals.