Job Introduction
Specialist Occupational Therapist – Children’s Services
Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Doucecroft School, part of Autism Anglia, is looking for a Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our friendly and dedicated team.
You will work closely with other therapists and teachers to provide specialist direct and indirect therapy for learners and young adults with autism and related disabilities. Your work will include addressing sensory processing difficulties, anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties, motor and perpetual skills and functional life skills.
Find out more about our school here: Doucecroft School
Location
Doucecroft School, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6
Salary
£31,049 – 37,796 per annum (full time equivalent)
Hours
38.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year (term time only) plus 3 training days during school holidays
Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.
What the role involves
- Supporting and developing learners’ ability to participate in functional skills of daily living and accessing the world around them.
- Encouraging learners to develop self-help skills and promote their independence and well being.
- Helping to recognise and manage sensory processing difficulties and supporting learners to regulate their sensory systems to enable them to access education.
- Making recommendations and adaptations to the learner’s space to support teaching staff to create a positive learning environment.
- Managing own case load.
- Screening, assessing and reviewing students across the school.
- Supervising other Occupational Therapists, students and/or assistants
What we’re looking for
- A recognised Occupational Therapy degree/qualification
- Health Care Professionals Council Licence to practice
- Membership with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
- Experience of working as an Occupational Therapist (ideally with children or within education)
- Training in therapeutic approaches to improve fine and gross motor skills and motor planning.
- Knowledge of special educational needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Experience in writing annual review reports to contribute towards Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
- A confident, caring and pro-active attitude
Qualifications with Sensory Integration 1-3 (preferred but not essential). Most importantly, we’re looking for someone with patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for supporting young people.
Benefits & Support
At Doucecroft, we know our staff are at the heart of everything we do, so we make sure you’re supported too. We provide:
- Extensive Induction and Learning & Development programmes, with nationally recognised qualifications
- Job-related qualifications obtained during employment paid for by Autism Anglia (subject to conditions)
- Flexible working hours (where possible) for study and time off given for job-related exams
- Staff wellbeing programmes and mental health support
- Free counselling service
- Free on-site parking
- Exclusive discounts with major retailers, restaurants & more via the Blue Light Card
- A supportive and accessible leadership team, always available for guidance and assistance
- 24/7 access to a GP
- Probate helpline
- Staff dental support
- Life cover
- Independent financial advice
Commitment to Diversity
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
How to apply
If you’re looking for a role where you can use your skills to change lives, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today by clicking the link below, and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch.
Doucecroft is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, registration with the DBS Update Service, and other relevant checks, including verbal verification of references.
We welcome applications from all individuals who meet the requirements of the role and may wish to request flexible working or reasonable adjustments.
Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.