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- Tasks: Lead a therapy team to support autistic children and young people in a vibrant school setting.
- Company: Join a respected educational organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and meaningful work in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape outcomes for young people while leading a collaborative therapy team.
- Qualifications: HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with significant experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 58500 £ per year.
Meopham, Kent
Permanent Full Time — 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
£48,000 – £58,500 per annum
The Opportunity
We are proud to be recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded specialist educational organisation dedicated to the support and development of autistic children and young people. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Occupational Therapist to join a well-established, multidisciplinary therapy team in the heart of Kent. Based at a vibrant specialist school setting, you will be joining a large, collaborative team of 8–9 therapists working with young people aged up to 19 years. The organisation is actively expanding its therapy provision and has a strong track record of staff development and retention. If you are looking for a senior role where your clinical and leadership skills will genuinely shape outcomes for young people, this is a compelling opportunity.
About the Role
As Principal Occupational Therapist, you will hold senior accountability for therapy outcomes within the school and work closely with the Head of Therapy and school senior leadership team to drive quality, innovation and continuous improvement. The role combines direct clinical delivery (up to 50% of directed time) with strategic leadership, governance and team management responsibilities. You will supervise and line manage therapists within the team, lead on EHCP-aligned intervention planning, and contribute meaningfully to the school's wider transdisciplinary educational provision.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead clinical governance, quality assurance and compliance with professional standards across the therapy team
- Oversee assessment, diagnosis and therapeutic planning in line with individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Deliver group and individual occupational therapy (up to 50% of directed time)
- Provide clinical supervision and professional development support for therapy staff
- Support and advise on safeguarding matters, leading investigations and producing detailed reports
- Contribute to school improvement planning, self-evaluation and KPI reporting
- Build and manage relationships with external stakeholders including families, education professionals and university/research partners
- Lead on local recruitment, retention and career pathway development within the therapy team
- Maintain own HCPC registration and ensure colleagues maintain registration with relevant professional bodies
What We Are Looking For
- HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with significant post-qualification experience (minimum 6 years)
- Senior leadership or management experience within a school-based or specialist therapy setting — autism-specific experience highly desirable
- Proven experience delivering clinical supervision
- Strong understanding of EHCP frameworks and transdisciplinary approaches to autism education
- Track record of stakeholder engagement and partnership development
- Commitment to evidence-based practice and innovation in autism therapy
- Excellent communication, project management and strategic planning skills
- Understanding of therapeutic curriculum development and quality assurance in independent special schools
Why This Role Stands Out
- Term-time contract with full pay during school holidays — approximately 12 weeks paid leave per year
- Join an established team of 8–9 therapists with a strong collaborative culture and excellent staff retention
- Part of a growing therapy service — a genuine opportunity to lead and influence at a senior level
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension, Simply Health cash plan, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts and more
- Up to 33 days annual leave (rising to 35 days after five years), with additional anniversary leave from year ten
- Access to specialist CPD, an online learning academy, and funding towards further qualifications
- Relocation support considered for the right candidate
- Meaningful, values-driven work with a nationally recognised organisation
Required Skills:
- Leadership Skills
- Access
- Support
- Development
- Funding
- Provision
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Recruitment
- Assurance
- Compliance
- Registration
- Accountability
- Recruiting
- Retail
- Continuous Improvement
- Cash
- Quality Assurance
- Team Management
- Strategic Planning
- Education
- Research Planning
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Communication
- Management
Principal Occupational Therapist employer: RGH-Global Limited
Contact Detail:
RGH-Global Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Occupational Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the occupational therapy field, especially those who work with autistic children. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership and clinical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've driven quality and innovation in your previous roles. We want to hear about your experiences and how they align with the role of Principal Occupational Therapist.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for autism therapy during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the lives of young people. This will help us see your commitment to evidence-based practice and your understanding of EHCP frameworks.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Occupational Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Occupational Therapist role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in autism-specific settings, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with autistic children and how your background aligns with our values. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Whether it’s improving therapy outcomes or leading successful projects, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGH-Global Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of EHCP frameworks and transdisciplinary approaches to autism education. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to the therapy team's success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Occupational Therapist, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, supervised staff, and driven quality improvements in previous roles. This will show that you're ready for the senior accountability this position entails.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your past experiences working with families, education professionals, and external partners. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've built and maintained these relationships, as stakeholder engagement is key in this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's vision for therapy services, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.