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- Tasks: Lead a passionate therapy team to support autistic children and young people.
- Company: Join a highly regarded educational organisation dedicated to meaningful impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time contracts, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people while shaping innovative therapy practices.
- Qualifications: HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with significant experience and leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive, stable environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 58500 £ per year.
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 an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Occupational Therapist to step into a senior clinical leadership role within a passionate, multidisciplinary team.
This is a rare chance to join a school-based therapy service at a pivotal time — the organisation is actively growing its therapy team and is committed to providing sector-leading, transdisciplinary care. If you are motivated by meaningful work and want to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people aged up to 22 years, this role is worth exploring.
As Principal Occupational Therapist, you will hold senior accountability for therapy outcomes within the school and work alongside the Head of Therapy and school senior leadership team to drive quality, innovation, and continuous improvement. The role balances direct clinical delivery (up to 50% of directed time) with strategic leadership, governance, and team management responsibilities.
You will supervise and line manage a small team of therapists, lead on EHCP-aligned intervention planning, and play a key role in shaping the school's therapeutic and 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
- 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
- Term-time contract with full pay during school holidays — approximately 12 weeks paid leave per year
- A stable, high-retention team environment — colleagues with tenure of 25+ years
- Growing therapy team: a genuine opportunity to shape and build something significant
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension, Simply Health cash plan, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts and more
- Access to specialist CPD, an online learning academy, and qualification funding
- Relocation support considered for the right candidate
- Meaningful, values-driven work with a nationally recognised organisation
Principal Occupational Therapist - Watford in Luton employer: RGH-Global | People Services
Contact Detail:
RGH-Global | People Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Occupational Therapist - Watford in Luton
✨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 or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the organisation's values and recent developments. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about their mission to support autistic children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and clinical governance. We want to hear how you’ve led teams and improved therapy outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Occupational Therapist - Watford in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Occupational Therapist role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in autism-specific settings, and show us how you can contribute to our multidisciplinary team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves senior accountability and team management, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, and how you’ve driven quality and innovation in therapy.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your personality shine through, so let us know why you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGH-Global | People Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of EHCP frameworks and transdisciplinary approaches. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role, especially in relation to autism-specific therapy.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your senior leadership experience. Think about times when you've led a team or managed projects, and be ready to explain how you drove quality and innovation in your previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships with external stakeholders. Have some anecdotes ready about how you've successfully engaged with families, education professionals, or research partners in the past.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the organisation's vision for the therapy team and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.