At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to enhance support for children with physical and sensory needs.
- Company: Southend on Sea City Council, dedicated to improving community services.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping inclusive practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified Occupational Therapist with experience in SEND and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance.
Your new role
Are you an experienced and innovative Occupational Therapist looking for a role where you can influence whole systems, shape inclusive practice and lead exciting SEND developments without managing a traditional caseload? We are looking for a highly specialist, impact-driven Occupational Therapist to join our SEND Therapies team at an exciting time of development and reform. This is a unique opportunity to shape inclusive practice across Southend schools and settings through strategic projects, workforce development and system-wide approaches that make a real difference for children and young people. This contract is offered on a full-time and 2 years fixed-term contract basis.
You will work closely with schools to develop effective school-based provision, including sensory audits, sensory space development, and fine and gross motor support. You will also lead and supervise a team of Occupational Therapy Assistants, monitor service impact, and contribute to the ongoing development of the service. You will provide occupational therapy expertise and consultation to local authority capital projects to ensure environments are accessible, inclusive and supportive of sensory and physical needs. You will build strong collaborative relationships with NHS Occupational Therapy services and wider partners to ensure alignment, avoid duplication and strengthen the graduated response across education and health.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in transforming outcomes for children and young people across Southend. While some hybrid working is available, you will spend most of your working week in schools and educational settings across Southend, with working patterns guided by service needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide specialist advice and support to mainstream schools and settings to enhance provision for children and young people with physical and sensory needs.
- Lead and supervise a team of Occupational Therapy Assistants delivering targeted support.
- Monitor, develop, and evaluate service delivery, including data collection and reporting.
- Contribute to service improvement and policy development.
What you’ll need to succeed
This is not a traditional caseload-holding post. Instead, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects, influence strategic developments and build capacity across the wider system. You will also supervise a Specialist Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants, helping to shape and develop an ambitious and forward-thinking OT offer.
You will be a qualified Occupational Therapist with HCPC and RCOT registration and significant experience supporting children and young people with physical and sensory needs. You will also have:
- Extensive SEND and education sector experience.
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and inclusive practice.
- Proven leadership and staff management experience.
- Excellent communication and partnership-working skills.
- A passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103984 - 106321 - Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where your efforts directly impact the local community. With 25 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and outstanding training opportunities, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while growing their careers in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103984 - 106321 - Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist in Southend-on-Sea
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at South End City Council. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like South End City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103984 - 106321 - Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for South End City Council:Take some time to research South End City Council and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for South End City Council's values and approach.
