Job Description

HOURS:

full-time, permanent Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm (Term time only)

About the role:

We are searching for someone who is passionate about Occupational Therapy, and keeps up to date with developments in the field, has extensive experience and knowledge of supporting pupils with communication difficulties, autism, global developmental delay, trauma, ADHD and other related conditions.

You will be working as part of our Therapy Team which comprises Play Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Positive Behaviour Support, Therapy Assistant. You will also be working in close collaboration with our Education team as part of our joint approach to Education and Therapy.

JOB PURPOSE

To ensure the delivery of a high quality Occupational Therapy outcomes to support classroom learning and pastoral support suitable for school pupils attending Fountain Head House School.

To design and deliver training to staff and to oversee the implementation of relevant approaches to Occupational Therapy with focus on neuro-diversity affirming approaches.

To keep abreast of up-to-date developments to Occupational Therapy and to implement therapeutic approaches such as the Interoceptive Curriculum.

To lead on sensory assessments, creating and updating sensory profiles with clearly identified sensory preferences and ways to support these.

To oversee, implement and monitor the use of sensory items to support regulation.

To work in collaboration with the Therapy Team and Education Team across the school.

To deliver Occupational Therapy provision at universal, targeted and specific levels in accordance with specification in pupils' EHCPs.

To undertake other such duties of a similar level of responsibility and within the spirit of the post as may be directed by the Headteacher.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

To assess and diagnose a wide range of occupational therapy needs

To plan appropriate therapy interventions, making fine judgements about type and timing of interventions negotiated with education staff and parents

To deliver group and individual therapy as required

To evaluate intervention outcomes

To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures

To establish constructive relationships with pupils and interacting with them according to individual needs

To promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils

To encourage pupils to interact with others and to engage in activities

To set challenging and aspirational expectations which promote self-esteem and independence

To provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement under the guidance of the teacher

To deliver training sessions to staff individually or in collaboration with other therapists or education staff

To develop the Occupational Therapy across the school in a coordinated and collaborative way, including all other therapy disciplines; to create a culture of developing emotional wellbeing and resilience following the Trauma informed approach; to train and support staff in delivering therapeutic approaches to groups of pupils and to specific pupils

To deliver high quality Occupational Therapy to pupils as specified in the Provision Map at Universal, Targeted and Specific levels with special attention to EHCP specificity and identified needs across the school

To liaise with teachers and assist with the development and implementation of learning steps directly related to EHCPs outcomes for Sensory and Physical needs

To write reports on Occupational Therapy interventions as specified in EHCPs and to contribute to EHCP reviews as appropriate

To prepare and present reports for EHCP reviews for identified pupils

To design and implement sensory spaces throughout the school which are relevant to the sensory processing needs of pupils; and can support their regulation and wellbeing

Person Specification

Requirement

Good general education

Good ICT skills

Ability to analyse data and make informed judgements

Excellent organisational skills

Able to work accurately and with attention to detail

Ability to work on own initiative & within a team

Excellent interpersonal skills, confident individual who can communicate in a professional manner

Able to influence

Able to work under pressure, flexible and adaptable

Occupational Therapy qualification and be a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Experience in supporting pupils with communication difficulties, autism, global developmental delay, trauma, ADHD and other related conditions

Up to date knowledge of a range of approaches relating to neurodivergence, learning disabilities and trauma informed practice

Experience designing and delivering staff training in aspects related to Occupational Therapy (e.g. interoception; sensory profiles, PICA, etc.)

Experience in working as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Experience of handling difficult situations and conversations successfully

Able to critically reflect with the ability to analyse strengths and weaknesses to improve professional practice, problem solve at an advance level and explore alternative solutions

Three years' experience in Occupational Therapy

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 44,171.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount On-site parking Store discount
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Experience:

Occupational Health: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 04/07/2025
Expected start date: 02/09/2025