Job Description

About Autism Oxford UK Limited

Autism Oxford UK is a leading organisation dedicated to improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals and their families of all ages through assessment, advocacy, training, consultancy, and direct support services. We are a blended team of various professional backgrounds including peer support and we are committed to raising awareness and acceptance of neurodivergences, inclusion, and co-production in all aspects of our work.

Reporting Structure

Reports to:

Consultant Occupational Therapist

Direct Reports:

N/A

Liaises with:

The OT Team and wider MDT Team as required.

Essentials:

Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) up to Level 3 - a Sensory Integration Practitioner, or equivalent qualification. Full HCPC registration Registered member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy. At least 2 years' experience working in pediatrics including experience working with children with autistic children and children with sensory processing differences. Must be familiar with using standardised assessments (e.g. BOT, SOSI-M, SPM-2) within the context of sensory assessments. Experience writing comprehensive, holistic, clear reports for a range of purposes e.g. Education, Health and Care needs assessment or annual reviews of EHCPs. Strong understanding of autism, neurodivergence, and the social model of disability . Able to assess and complete intervention with individuals with sensory processing differences.

Role Purpose

Due to the expansion of our services, we would like a creative, enthusiastic occupational therapist to join and become a pivotal member of the occupational therapy team. You will have enhanced clinical knowledge around neurodivergence and sensory processing, and a dedication to providing bespoke occupational therapy support.

You will provide direct occupational therapy sessions, as well as completing comprehensive occupational therapy assessments, including sensory and dyspraxia assessments, using standardised tools where indicated.

You will generate intervention plans following assessments and develop appropriate therapy programmes based on the individual's needs.

You will work within our Sensory Room space, as well as in schools and client's homes as indicated. You will also input into our training offer, delivering in-person or online sessions.

You will work alongside our Peer Support Practitioners to share their unique insight into what the world is like from an autistic person's perspective to improve outcomes for all (including neurotypicals). We believe that to ensure we have a truly enriched diverse workforce we need to work collaboratively, and we are keen to employ a neurodiverse workforce.

You will be skilled at writing reports for a range of purposes, including for Education, Health and Care needs assessments. You will be experienced in advocating for the needs of children and young people, across different contexts.

You will also have sound knowledge of the Equality Act and what is meant by a reasonable adjustment to support better access to health care.

You will exercise professional accountability and responsibility using skills, knowledge, and expertise in changing environments, across boundaries.

You will maintain a positive and open attitude towards service development.

Key Responsibilities

You will be required to liaise with other agencies and health professionals and provide guidance/advice when appropriate. You will have excellent ability to build rapport with autistic individuals and their parents/carers where appropriate. You will be required to communicate with others using persuasion, reassurance, tact and empathy. To maintain confidentiality at all times. The ability to make judgments on problems requiring further support and escalate within the company. To report any incidents, accidents, or untoward occurrences to management. You will be required to provide support to the leadership team around service development internally and externally. You will be required to support with the assessment of challenging behaviour and the implementation of strategies. You will be required to assist autistic individuals and their family/carers in enabling them to develop skills that will help them understand their needs, develop therapy plans and strategies that help and support the individual. You will be required to evaluate and consider the individuals physical and mental health needs; this may include undertaking practical skills under the guidance of a nurse. To be a champion or link practitioner for specialist interests (carers, Safeguarding etc.). You will be required to be aware of and follow the NICE guidelines when planning and implementing interventions with the MDT. Assessing the need for alternative therapeutic interventions and providing this intervention. Actively participate, provide regular supervision, and support personal development plans. To comply with Health and Safety at work Act 1974 and report any hazards to management. Work with people who are supported under the framework of the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 2007). Offering referral to advocacy and IMCA where appropriate.

Working Hours and Flexibility

This is a 3 day a week role. We aim to offer flexibility where possible to meet the needs of the business but also to allow a balance for our workforce.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Autism Oxford UK Limited is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage applications from neurodivergent people, and people from other disadvantaged background in line with our Closing the Gap Statement. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.

Behaviours and Values

Model and promote the values of Autism Oxford UK Limited through the following behaviors:

Collaborative Working: Builds strong, respectful relationships across the team at all levels and with external partners. Integrity and Accountability: Demonstrates transparency, ethical decision-making, and takes responsibility for outcomes. Adaptability and Agility: Responds positively to change and works alongside others through uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Empowerment: Supports and develops others, encouraging autonomy and recognising contributions. Communication: Communicates clearly, openly, and with empathy, adapting style to suit diverse audiences. Accessibility: Ensures accessibility in communication and decision-making, fostering an inclusive environment. Positive Ambassador: To be a positive ambassador to the Organisation, Neurodivergent people and embrace the power of working collaboratively together.

Freedom to Act

The Occupational Therapist will operate with a high degree of autonomy and professional discretion, within the framework of Autism Oxford UK's strategic objectives, policies, and regulatory obligations.

You are expected to:

Demonstrate sound judgement and initiative in decision-making, seeking guidance from the Board where appropriate. Interpret and apply organisational policies, procedures, and relevant legislation to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery. Adapt to evolving service needs, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation. Take responsibility for prioritising and managing your workload, while remaining accountable for outcomes and impact. Recognise the limits of your authority and escalate matters appropriately when decisions may have significant legal, financial, or reputational implications.
This role requires a flexible and responsive approach. The duties outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may be subject to reasonable modification in response to changing organisational needs or the professional development of the post holder.

Legal and Regulatory Responsibilities

As a member of Autism Oxford UK Limited, you are expected to uphold the highest standards of safety, safeguarding, confidentiality, and equality in line with current UK legislation and Care Quality Commission (CQC) expectation.

You have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions or omissions at work. You must comply with all organisational health and safety policies and procedures, including those related to remote and hybrid working, Display Screen Equipment (DSE), and mental wellbeing. You are required to report any unsafe practices, hazards, or concerns that may compromise the safety of colleagues, individuals we support, or visitors. All staff have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, in accordance with the Care Act 2014, Children Act 1989/2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance. You must be familiar with and adhere to the policies of the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) and Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB). Autism Oxford UK operates in line with the CQC's Single Assessment Framework, which emphasises person-centred safeguarding, human rights, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) or Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) where applicable. You are expected to maintain strict confidentiality in line with the UK General Data Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. All personal information relating to individuals accessing our services, staff, or partners must be handled securely and only shared on a need-to-know basis. Breaches of confidentiality will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action. Staff are expected to understand and apply the Caldicott Principles and Information Governance standards in all aspects of their work. Autism Oxford UK is committed to promoting equality and reducing inequalities in line with the Equality Act 2010. You are expected to create and contribute to an inclusive working environment that values diversity, respects differences, and actively challenges discrimination. All staff must uphold the organisation's values of accessibility, humility, and respect in their daily practice and leadership.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 35,000.00-40,056.00 per year

Expected hours: 22.5 per week

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: OT0625