At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with special needs through tailored therapy programmes and collaboration.
- Company: Join Speech and Language UK's Meath School, a leader in integrated education and therapy.
- Benefits: Enjoy 10 weeks of leave, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Shape specialist practice in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must be HCPC-registered with experience in paediatrics and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ per year.
As an Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for assessing and supporting pupils with special educational needs, delivering tailored therapy programmes, and working collaboratively with families, school staff, and the multi‑disciplinary team to promote independence, participation, and wellbeing within the school environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and prioritise an independent paediatric occupational therapy caseload within a specialist school setting.
- Assess pupils’ occupational therapy needs and deliver tailored intervention programmes linked to EHCP outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and the multi‑disciplinary team to support pupils’ development and independence.
- Implement and monitor evidence‑based therapeutic strategies, including sensory and functional support interventions.
- Maintain accurate clinical records, prepare progress reports, and contribute to annual reviews and care planning.
- Contribute to service development, staff training, and ongoing professional development within the occupational therapy team.
Qualifications
- HCPC‑registered with recognised Occupational Therapy qualification.
- Experience working in paediatrics and within a multi‑disciplinary team.
- Excellent clinical, organisational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage a caseload independently.
- Strong assessment, report writing and intervention planning skills.
Benefits & Working Conditions
- Generous leave of 10 weeks during the school closure period.
- Work schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 42 weeks per year (including Saturdays during the school closure period).
- Collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary team.
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities.
- Opportunity to shape and influence specialist practice.
Company Information
Speech and Language UK’s Meath School is a specialist school for pupils aged 4–11 with severe and complex speech, language, and communication needs. The school is non‑maintained, day and residential, committed to integrated education, therapy, and care.
Legal & Safeguarding
We are a Disability‑Confident employer. The successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred‑list check. All shortlisted candidates will undergo an online search covering public domain content.
Specialist Occupational Therapist employer: Speech and Language UK
At Speech and Language UK's Meath School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive environment for our Occupational Therapists. With generous leave during school closures, a commitment to ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs, we foster a culture of growth and innovation in a specialist setting dedicated to integrated education and therapy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Occupational Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the occupational therapy field, especially those who work with children. They might know of openings or can give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past work, including case studies and successful interventions. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on how you’ve collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams and supported pupils' independence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate professionals like you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience in paediatrics and your commitment to integrated education.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Occupational Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with paediatrics and multi-disciplinary teams. We want to see how your skills align with the role of an Occupational Therapist at our school.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your clinical, organisational, and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can manage a caseload independently, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences relevant to the role.
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 don’t miss out on any important information about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Speech and Language UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy, especially in a paediatric context. Familiarise yourself with the latest evidence-based practices and how they apply to special educational needs. This will show that you're not just qualified but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with teachers, parents, and a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight specific situations where your teamwork made a difference in a pupil's development or wellbeing.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss real-life scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would assess a pupil's needs or implement a therapy programme. Practising these responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the school's approach to integrated education and how they support their staff's professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.