Exceptional People Deserve Exceptional Staff
About Shaftesbury Statement
Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational and rehab services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing and supported living.
Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has one school, Shaftesbury Victoria School, and 2 further education colleges, Shaftesbury Millie College and Shaftesbury Nash College. The school is for students aged 3-19, and the colleges are for students aged 16-25. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some have profound and complex learning needs.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Occupational Therapy team at Victoria School. The successful applicant will be motivated and enthusiastic and ready to join our skilled multidisciplinary therapy team based at Victoria School in Poole, Dorset.
Working with us can provide you with exciting career development and training opportunities. You will receive a comprehensive induction programme, access training, regular supervision and receive excellent support from experienced OT’s and OTAs. You will also have a range of CPD opportunities to be involved in.
The post holder will be responsible for leading the Occupational Therapy team working closely with the Head of Therapies at the school.
You will also hold a caseload of students with which you will carry out assessments and interventions, to children with a variety of developmental disorders. You will work closely with families and with other professionals to provide an excellent quality of care and to act as a source of information, support and advice. You will be responsible for the supervision of the Occupational Therapists within the team.
Ideally, you will have experience of working with children either in a special school or within a paediatric Occupational Therapy setting. You will have supervisory or management experience in terms of leading a team. A minimum of 3-5 years' experience post-graduation is required.
If you are passionate about working with young people, able to use an integrated therapy and education approach; working with children, families, therapy and teaching staff to improve outcomes for children, we would love to hear from you. We look forward to welcoming applicants that value knowledge, skills and ideas and has excellent communication skills,
In return you will join a supportive, friendly and experienced team and an organisation with strong core values and a commitment to professional development, including in-service training and opportunities to develop your leadership skills.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Occupational Therapy
- HCPC registered
- Minimum of 3-5 years post graduate experience in Occupational Therapy
- Experience managing or leading a team.
- Experience working with children & young adults
- Manual Handling and safe moving practices
- Working in a multidisciplinary or multiagency team
Desirable Qualifications
- Sensory Integration qualifications
Why Join Us?
What you will enjoy:
- Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of students, and their ability to access education and the wider community.
- Work alongside a dedicated, passionate team in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Safeguarding
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.
Equality and Diversity
Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515
(Please note this post is pro rata term time only and dependent on experience and therefore the actual salary will reflect this).
Contract Type: Permanent, Fixed Term 1 year, Term time only
Hours per Week: 37.5
Application Process
Job Description and Application Form on request – please contact: Helen Malt VECHR@victoria.poole.sch.uk
Closing date: 30th October 2026
Interview Dates: TBC
Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates.
Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.
Head of Occupational Therapy in Poole employer: Shaftesbury
At Shaftesbury New Court Place, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a caring and inclusive work environment. Our commitment to professional development is reflected in our excellent training packages and generous annual leave, ensuring that our Registered General Nurses not only thrive in their roles but also enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Located in Borehamwood, our spacious and modern facilities provide a supportive atmosphere where staff can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
