Occupational Therapist in Peacehaven

To design and deliver outdoor, nature-based therapeutic interventions that support neurodivergent children, young people and adults to develop emotional regulation, sensory integration, confidence and life skills within a calm farm and wellbeing environment.

Purpose of the Role

The role bridges occupational therapy, education and wellbeing, helping participants access the therapeutic benefits of nature, animals and community activity while ensuring safe, inclusive and evidence-informed practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Assessment, Referral and Planning
  • Manage and coordinate the referral process, including reviewing referrals from schools, families, social services and other agencies.
  • Conduct holistic occupational therapy assessments of children, young people and adults with neurodivergent profiles (including autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences and learning needs).
  • Develop individualized therapeutic and activity plans based on occupational therapy frameworks and participant goals.
  • Undertake risk assessments of the environment and planned activities, ensuring they reflect each participant’s individual needs, abilities and support requirements.
  • Implement risk management strategies that enable safe and meaningful participation in outdoor and farm-based activities.
• Programme Delivery
  • Deliver structured outdoor wellbeing sessions integrating occupational therapy approaches with activities such as animal care, gardening, nature walks, creative projects and sensory exploration.
  • Support participants to develop motor coordination, emotional regulation, sensory processing, communication and social participation skills.
  • Maintain safe working practices, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants, staff, volunteers and visitors at all times.
  • Adapt activities and environments to ensure accessibility, inclusion and engagement for individuals with diverse needs.
  • Promote independence, confidence and meaningful participation through therapeutic use of activity and environment.
• Collaboration, Liaison and Training
  • Work collaboratively with families, educators and wellbeing practitioners to ensure consistency of support.
  • Liaise with referrers and partner agencies, including schools, colleges, healthcare professionals and social services.
  • Contribute to embedding trauma-informed, sensory-aware and neuro-affirming approaches across Peaceful Pools programmes.
  • Provide staff training and reflective sessions to support understanding of neurodiversity and inclusive practice.
  • Support partnership working that strengthens community wellbeing and inclusion.
• Monitoring, Record Keeping and Professional Practice
  • Maintain accurate and secure records of assessments, sessions and outcomes.
  • Ensure all records comply with data protection legislation (GDPR) and organisational policies.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality and appropriate information-sharing, in line with safeguarding and professional guidance.
  • Monitor progress using recognised occupational therapy frameworks such as MOHO, COPM and Sensory Integration approaches.
  • Contribute to evaluation and impact reporting for funders and stakeholders.
  • Ensure practice complies with HCPC standards, safeguarding procedures and health and safety requirements.

Safeguarding and Professional Standards

Peaceful Pools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be required to:

• Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and ethical practice.
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check appropriate to the role.
• Participate in safeguarding training and supervision where required.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a unique nature-based therapeutic environment.
• Opportunity to shape innovative nature-based occupational therapy practice.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities linked to outdoor therapy and neurodiversity practice.
• Contribution to a growing community wellbeing and inclusion initiative.

Expected Outcomes

• Participants demonstrate improved emotional regulation and sensory balance.
• Increased confidence, communication and participation in activities.
• Reduced anxiety and social isolation.
• Strengthened family engagement and community connection.
• Development of an evidence base for nature-based occupational therapy practice.

Why This Role Matters

The Occupational Therapist will help shape how nature, heritage and wellbeing intersect at Peaceful Pools. Their expertise will ensure that farm-based and community activities are inclusive, therapeutic and safe for individuals with complex needs, supporting the development of future mental health, education and wellbeing services.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.