At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with complex needs through therapeutic interventions and collaborative teamwork.
- Company: Witherslack Group, a leading provider of education and care for children with special needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, clinical development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Occupational Therapist with experience in therapeutic interventions for children.
The predicted salary is between 37602 - 45426 £ per year.
£37,602 - £45,426 (including paid school holidays) excellent benefits.
Those Huge Small Victories: Our clinicians are fulfilled by the idea of affecting even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.
This role is based at Hall Cliffe School, an independent specialist day school providing high quality education for boys and girls. Based in Wakefield, the school meets the needs of a diverse group of pupils with a range of complex learning needs, social and emotional difficulties, and challenging behaviours.
Our clinicians are a crucial part of the most joined-up model in SEND. Across all of our specialist schools and children’s homes, we provide unrivalled levels of clinical support, both in terms of our expertise and breadth of provision. Our young people present with a complexity of need including developmental trauma, neuro-developmental conditions, and special educational needs.
As part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team, you will be supporting educational and residential colleagues to provide therapeutic living and learning environments and, based on clinical assessment and formulation, offer individualised interventions and engagement to our young people. Our Occupational Therapists work collaboratively within our schools and children’s homes, ensuring that therapeutic support permeates every aspect of the education, care, and support we offer all of our children and young people.
You will provide consultation, workshops, training, and guidance to the educational and residential teams around our children.
What we do for you: We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the sector. With us, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people plus you’ll get:
- Training: A full induction and on-the-job training.
- Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays including bank holidays.
- Clinical Development: If career growth and professional advancement is your thing, we provide a leading programme of clinical learning and development.
- Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance.
- Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance.
- Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician’s or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts.
- Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities.
- A recommend a friend scheme: that offers a £1,000 bonus every time.
Bring your whole self to work: Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and with different needs, and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage, and inspire our young people to be themselves.
The kind of person we’re looking for will:
- Be a qualified Occupational Therapist registered with the HCPC.
- Have experience and be skilled in delivering therapeutic interventions for children and young people with complex needs.
- Need experience of supporting teams around a child or young person to ensure they are being provided with clinically informed living and learning environments and experiences.
- Be a confident, engaging, and effective model, guide, leader, and trainer.
- Be highly organised and ready to take the initiative.
- Be committed to ensuring the best outcomes for young people.
This is a great opportunity to change young lives and have a positive impact on their future. Embedded within our living and learning environments, you will be offered the support, resource, and platform for you to do great things. You’ll benefit from supervision, a clinical development programme, and access to a 220-strong team of multi-disciplinary clinical colleagues who will be with you every step of the way.
Interested in joining us? At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference - especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way. By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people, and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.
The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Locations
Occupational Therapist in Wakefield, Yorkshire employer: Witherslack Group
At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where our Occupational Therapists can thrive. Located at Hall Cliffe School in Wakefield, you will enjoy excellent benefits, including full school holidays, comprehensive training, and a strong focus on clinical development, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with complex needs. Our commitment to diversity and employee wellbeing ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic self to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist in Wakefield, Yorkshire
✨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 Witherslack Group. 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 Witherslack Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist in Wakefield, Yorkshire
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 Witherslack Group:Take some time to research Witherslack Group 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 Witherslack Group
✨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 Witherslack Group's values and approach.
