At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality OT services in schools, supporting students and staff with complex needs.
- Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to championing the rights of those we support.
- Benefits: Generous pension, family-friendly policies, discounts, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, term-time contract, and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and experience in mainstream school settings required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Are you a passionate and experienced Specialist Occupational Therapist ready to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in a collaborative, child-centred environment where your leadership can make a real difference? Together we make a difference, develop and learn, and support each other. Every day with us is different, but our mission remains the same: To champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support - they are at the heart of everything we do.
Location - Greater Manchester/ Merseyside
Hours: 22.5 hours per week, 41 Weeks/Year - Term Time Contract - Permanent
Salary: £22, Prorated
The purpose of the Specialist Occupational Therapist role is to ensure delivery of a high-quality OT service, primarily to mainstream schools, on an outreach basis. The postholder will be a skilled and experienced practitioner who can work autonomously to provide consultancy, training, advice and direct therapy interventions for pupils and staff. The therapist will offer support to families and carers where necessary. The post-holder will work within Together Trust processes to ensure that interventions are evidence based and that professional guidelines are met.
Key Responsibilities:
- To independently manage a clinical caseload of students across a number of schools, working in collaboration with teachers and class teams.
- To undertake assessments utilising clinical observation and judgement, combined with specialist theoretical knowledge, taking a holistic perspective of the student's needs.
- To undertake an annual appraisal, setting and agreeing targets linked to service development plan priorities with their line manager.
- To manage the appraisal and supervision of junior colleagues within the Occupational Therapy Team as appropriate.
- To be a positive role model, treat people fairly, equitably and with dignity and respect to create and maintain a positive school culture.
- To monitor and evaluate risk within the workplace and to provide support to team members to develop risk awareness.
- To participate in professional development maintaining compliance with HCPC regulations for mandatory training and external training opportunities.
- To invest in Special Interest Groups and discussions relevant to practice.
- To contribute to service development in a clinical area and in line with department and operational needs.
About You:
- Degree or equivalent in Occupational therapy member of the royal college of occupational therapist
- Current registration with health care professionals council as fit to work in the UK
- Experience of working in mainstream school settings
- Experience of working with young people with complex needs including autism spectrum conditions
- Knowledge of learning disabilities and associated conditions
- Knowledge of autism spectrum conditions
- Knowledge of relevant safeguarding requirements and how to help young people with communications difficulties stay safe
Benefits:
- Generous pension scheme and death in service benefit, up to 7% company pension contributions initially rising with length of service and up to 6 x basic salary death in service benefit.
- Occupational sick pay and family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
- Reward and Discount platform offering discounts at high street shops, travel, insurances etc.
- Cycle to work scheme
- Eligibility to apply for Blue Light card
- Proud to be a real living wage employer
- Refer a friend scheme, be rewarded for recommending a friend to work with us
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including apprenticeship qualifications
- Long service awards including cash gifts and extra holiday.
- Promotion of Wellbeing across the organisation including Mental Health First Aiders offering wellbeing support from trained colleague and free weekly yoga session in person or online
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and adults at your home
The Together Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding checks will be undertaken for the successful candidate in line with our safer recruitment policy, including an Enhanced DBS check (at no cost to yourself). This role will involve regulated activity. Applications are very welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio-economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience.
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 in schools or charities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to occupational therapy. Think about how you can showcase your experience with complex needs and your collaborative approach – it’s all about demonstrating your passion and skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the organisation! Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your responses during interviews. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the lives of the people they support.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back for new roles that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Occupational Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for occupational therapy shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people, especially those with complex needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Highlight your relevant experience in mainstream school settings and your knowledge of autism spectrum conditions. This will show us that you understand what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your skills and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Together Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy, especially in relation to working with young people with complex needs. Familiarise yourself with the latest evidence-based practices and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Show Your Passion for Collaboration
Since the role emphasises a collaborative, child-centred environment, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively with teachers, families, and other professionals. Highlight your ability to create a positive school culture and support team members.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Specialist Occupational Therapist, you'll be expected to lead and supervise junior colleagues. Think of specific instances where you've taken on a leadership role, whether through mentoring or managing a caseload, and be ready to discuss these experiences.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to safeguarding, professional development opportunities, and how they support their staff. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the impact you can make.
