Occupational Therapy Assistant

Overview and Responsibilities

We’re currently looking for an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our school. You will provide direct support to the Occupational Therapy team in delivering comprehensive occupational therapy services that promote students' occupational, functional, and sensory development within the school setting. This role focuses on implementing targeted therapy programs and interventions for identified students in specific primary classes (Key Stage 1). The Occupational Therapy Assistant will collaborate closely with class team(s) and multidisciplinary therapists to foster an inclusive, enabling environment that supports students' active participation in both social and academic activities.

Aurora White House School in Quidenham, Norwich provides day placements for students aged 5 to 11 years primarily with communication and interaction difficulties or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Some may be on the autistic spectrum or have anxieties and difficulties that create barriers to learning. With small classes, typically 7 children and a minimum of 3 staff per class you can focus on the needs of each student. There is a full clinical team onsite to support at all times and you will have the support of an experienced and stable SLT.

Key Duties:

• You will form part of the class teams playing an active role in the day to day activities whilst supporting with occupational therapy targets and work.
• Collaborate and assist the Occupational Therapist and class teams to develop and maintain sensory-friendly, enabling environment.
• Support the Occupational Therapists in conducting comprehensive student assessments.
• Deliver targeted interventions and therapeutic programs to classes and individual students under the guidance of the Occupational Therapy Team and broader clinical and SEN teams.
• Partner with classroom teams to address students' sensory, motor, and occupational needs, facilitating the development of daily living skills and promoting engagement in social and academic activities.
• Maintain effective communication with multidisciplinary colleagues and ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping.
• Research, recommend, source, and create equipment and materials that enhance the delivery of occupational therapy services.
• Assist senior clinical team members in developing training materials and delivering staff training in relevant therapeutic areas as needed.
• Complete administrative tasks as assigned by senior clinical team members and clinical lead.

Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of White House school when required.

Qualifications:

• GCSE Maths and English Language qualification minimum Grade 4 or equivalent is essential.
• Previous experience supporting or working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs.
• Demonstrated interest in developing young people's functional capabilities, including daily living skills and sensory needs support.
• Proven commitment to and experience working with children and young people with a range of Special Educational Needs.
• Strong communication skills with confidence in guiding and motivating staff members.
• Flexibility and the ability to work adaptively within a dynamic team environment.
• Fluent in written and spoken English, with capability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences including students, parents, and professionals.
• Excellent interpersonal abilities and aptitude for building positive working relationships.
• Strong time-management and organizational capabilities with ability to prioritize and manage individual workload effectively.
• Proficiency in maintaining legible and accurate documentation.
• Resilience and adaptability when working in unpredictable environments.
• Competent IT skills for administrative tasks, presentations, and record-keeping systems.
• Creative and positive approach to addressing individual student needs.
• Patient, caring, encouraging, and tactful demeanour.
• Fundamental understanding of Occupational Therapy's role and purpose within special educational needs environments.
• Excellent observational and active listening abilities.

Desirable:

• Previous study or formal training in related field.
• Experience in managing others and organising resource materials.
• Innovative problem-solving and practical implementation skills.
• Knowledge and experience supporting children with sensory processing differences.
• Experience implementing motor development programs to enhance fine and gross motor skills.
• Experience working with young people with autism spectrum conditions, social-emotional challenges, and learning difficulties.
• Experience delivering clinical interventions for individuals with functional and/or sensory impairments.
• Knowledge of evidence-based sensory support strategies and techniques.

Due to the rural location of the school, candidates are strongly advised to hold a full UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle.

Benefits and Additional Information:

• Life assurance.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Free lunch when working.
• Perkbox - offering high street discounts.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Car lease scheme and Bike to work scheme.
• Fully funded training and qualifications.
• Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.
• Family Swim.

How to Apply:

Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at Liz.hudson@theauroragroup.co.uk.

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.