Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Occupational Therapist, focusing on therapeutic services for young people.
- Company: Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of special needs education in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £2,000 training allowance, life assurance, and a flexible benefits platform.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in a supportive environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant OT qualifications, HCPC registration, and experience with diverse needs.
- Other info: Work 4 days a week but get paid for 5 after probation!
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 53200 £ per year.
Job description
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit*
Job Title: Occupational Therapist
Location: Heath Farm, Ashford, Kent
Salary: Up to £53,200 (pro rata, DOE)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time only, (There may be scope for this role to be a full-time contract (52 weeks) if this is your preference, please get in touch to discuss.)
We understand the value of helping our employees to achieve their Continued Professional Development goals and offer a £2,000 training allowance to allow you to complete role specific training tailored to your individual requirements.
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced Occupational Therapist to join our established team. Working systemically within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) the role will require close collaborative working with clinicians and the School Leadership Team (SLT) in the context of an educational setting. Work will focus around EHCP targets and be informed by MDT consultations, emerging patterns, needs and themes as well as observation & assessment. Our aim is to embed excellent clinical practice throughout the educational journey of the young people we support.
The post holder will progress the OT specific therapeutic services where the needs of individuals vary in levels of functioning, many with a diagnosis of autism as well as associated needs such as complex and developmental trauma. Needs are complex and require a systemic and formulation-based approach.
You will be a part of a multi-disciplinary, well-being and therapeutic services team which is required to meet the needs of the vulnerable people within our services. The team includes Speech and Language Therapists, Psychotherapists, Occupational Therapists and other appropriate professionals. Someone with a holistic and integrated approach to care, education and clinical services would be perfect for this role. We are looking for a practitioner who has a clear vision of what outstanding therapeutic services look like. You would need to demonstrate drive, motivation, resilience and the ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
The school is sited on a stunning plot of an old farm in rural Kent. Heath Farm School is an outstanding school. It is well resourced and provides an incredible range of opportunities for students. From clinically informed classroom and playground spaces, to exciting subject specific departments as well as an outdoor classroom, horticulture spaces, individualized exam pods, a fully kitted out sensory integration suite, an immersion room, multiple therapy spaces and access to equine therapy. The school has an amazingly supportive and nurturing staff team where therapeutic approaches and well-being are embedded in the whole school approach.
**Location: **Heath Farm School – Ashford, Kent
About the Group
Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of special needs education. We have services covering all of England and North Wales. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Our divisional brands include Acorn Education and Options Autism.
For more information on the group please visit:
Essential Criteria:
-
Relevant Occupational Therapy qualification
-
Registered with the HCPC
-
Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams
-
Experience of working with adults and/or children who have an intellectual disability and/or autism with additional needs (e.g. complex trauma, mental health needs, behaviours of concern)
-
Ability to work collaboratively with a range of key partners
-
Able to work sensitively with people and resolve conflict effectively
-
Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the setting
-
Substantial and relevant post-qualification experience with adults.
-
Experience of lecturing/teaching/training
-
Full valid UK driving licence and access to a car
-
Skills in the management of data are also important as the role includes collecting and analysing data to inform various pieces of service delivery, development and project work.
What’s in it for you?
You will be working with an ambitious and driven service that’s really going places, supported by an exceptional team of likeminded individuals who are keen to learn from you. You will have the resources and time to implement your strategic vision for therapies as this role will be key to the development of the service. This is an opportunity to enrich the lives of the people we support and make a positive difference, in a role where you have autonomy.
We offer a friendly and inclusive working environment where our people are heard, respected and hugely valued. We want our employees to come to work with energy, determination and most importantly we want them to be happy in their work. We are well aware that it is our highly skilled teams that make Outcomes First Group the success it is, and we want this to continue. This is why we provide a range of benefits designed to support you, not just in your work life but also on a personal level too. We want you to be the best you can be and offer genuine opportunities for career development and progression.
To discuss this role in more detail, please contact:
To view the job description, please click here
Why work for us?
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
-
Life Assurance
-
£2000 CPD allowance
-
Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
-
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
-
Work 4 days, be paid for 5 *T&C\’s apply – following successful completion of the probation period
-
Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
-
A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
-
100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
-
Cycle to Work Schemes
-
Electric Car Purchase Scheme
-
Critical illness cover
At Outcomes First Group we are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS
1 speechtherapy #psychology #occupationaltherapy #CareersinEducation #SpecialEducation #CareersinCare #CareersinSpecialEducation
Occupational Therapist employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific needs of the population you will be working with, especially those with autism and complex trauma. Understanding these challenges will help you demonstrate your ability to provide tailored therapeutic services during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in multi-disciplinary team settings. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with other professionals in the past and how this has positively impacted your work as an Occupational Therapist.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commitment to continued professional development. Mention any relevant training or courses you've completed that align with the role's requirements, especially those related to educational settings or therapeutic practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your vision for outstanding therapeutic services. Think about what innovative approaches you would bring to the role and how you can contribute to the overall well-being of the students at Heath Farm School.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in occupational therapy, especially with children and individuals with autism or complex needs. Emphasize your qualifications, HCPC registration, and any specific training that aligns with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working in an educational setting and your holistic approach to therapy. Mention your experience in multi-disciplinary teams and how you can contribute to the well-being of the students at Heath Farm School.
Highlight Professional Development: Include evidence of your continuing professional development in your application. Mention any relevant courses, workshops, or training that demonstrate your commitment to enhancing your skills as an occupational therapist.
Showcase Collaborative Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully worked with other professionals in a team setting. Highlight your ability to resolve conflicts sensitively and effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with a multi-disciplinary team, be prepared to discuss your experiences in collaborative settings. Highlight specific examples where you successfully worked with other professionals to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Holistic Approach
The job emphasizes a holistic and integrated approach to care and education. Be ready to explain how you incorporate this perspective into your practice, especially when addressing the needs of individuals with complex conditions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to adapt your therapeutic approach based on the unique needs of a client, particularly those with autism or complex trauma.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Professional Development
With a £2,000 training allowance offered, it's important to show your commitment to continuous learning. Discuss any relevant training or professional development you've pursued and how it has enhanced your practice as an Occupational Therapist.
