Occupational Therapist

Primary and Secondary – SEN (SEMH/ASD/LD)

Location: Hertfordshire and CBC (across trust schools)

Contract: Permanent – Full time

Salary: £35,000–£47,000 (Band 5-6 equivalent, depending on experience)

Hours: 32 hours Term time only

Reports to: Senior Leader/ SENCO

Start Date: As soon as possible

Job Purpose

As an Occupational Therapist, you will deliver high-quality, specialist OT provision across both primary and secondary SEN/SEMH/ASD/LD settings. The role focuses on enabling pupils to access learning, regulate effectively, develop independence, and participate meaningfully in school life.

The post-holder will be an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team, providing direct therapy, assessments, staff training, equipment recommendations, and strategic therapeutic input across the trust.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical practice and intervention

• Provide high quality occupational therapy interventions for pupils across primary and secondary phases.
• Deliver direct therapy as outlined in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Deliver targeted small group and whole class interventions to support sensory regulation, functional skills, participation and independence.
• Develop and review personalised therapy plans in collaboration with staff and families.
• Embed OT strategies within the curriculum by modelling practice and coaching teachers/support staff.
• Maintain professional standards in line with HCPC and RCOT guidelines.

Assessment and equipment

• Carry out comprehensive functional, sensory and environmental assessments using evidence based tools.
• Identify the need for specialist equipment and make recommendations for purchase.
• Set up, monitor and adjust equipment to ensure safe and effective use.
• Train staff and parents on appropriate and safe use of equipment.
• Maintain oversight of equipment safety, suitability and reporting.

Staff training, support and capacity building

• Plan and deliver high quality training for staff, including INSET, workshops, and informal coaching.
• Support teachers and support staff to integrate OT strategies into daily routines and classroom practice.
• Provide advice to staff on pupils’ sensory, physical, emotional and functional needs.
• Work closely with SENCOs, intervention and pastoral teams and leaders to build sustainable therapeutic practice across settings.

Professional standards

• Uphold the trust’s values, policies and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date clinical records and reports in line with HCPC standards.
• Prepare clear written reports for review meetings, professionals and families.
• Manage your own caseload, time and priorities effectively.
• Engage in professional development, supervision and reflective practice.
• Stay informed of current research, legislation and evidence-based approaches in educational OT.

Multi-disciplinary working

• Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings, assessments and reviews.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, leaders, therapists and external agencies.
• Contribute specialist knowledge to behaviour support planning, environmental adaptations and curriculum access.
• Support transitions between key stages, provisions or schools.
• Offer specialist guidance to parents and carers when appropriate.

Communication and documentation

• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and data in line with GDPR requirements.
• Communicate clearly with pupils, families and professionals.
• Provide specialist advice during EHCP reviews, annual reviews and planning meetings.
• Produce reports that inform school practice, family understanding and statutory processes.

Health, safety and safeguarding

• Comply with all trust policies including Safeguarding, Child Protection, Behaviour, Whistleblowing and Health and Safety.
• Maintain safe working practices in all therapy activities.
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately in line with policy.

Professional development

• Maintain current registration with Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) or other relevant professional body
• Participate in regular supervision (clinical and managerial).
• Pursue CPD relevant to SEMH, ASD, sensory integration, LD, and educational practice.
• Contribute to trust wide development, pilot projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Degree or master’s in occupational therapy (essential)
• HCPC registration or other relevant professional body (essential)

Experience

• Experience working with children/young people with SEN (essential)
• Experience in school or educational settings (desirable)
• Experience in multi-disciplinary teams (essential)
• Experience training or coaching staff (desirable)

Knowledge and skills

• Strong understanding of sensory needs, regulation and functional skill development
• Ability to conduct a variety of assessments
• Knowledge of specialist OT equipment
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• Understanding of the EHCP process
• Ability to manage caseloads across multiple sites- currently Stevenage, Baldock and Dunstable

Personal qualities

• Positive, solution-focused and adaptable
• Reflective, professional and committed to CPD
• Strong relationship builder with staff, pupils and families
• Committed to inclusive, trauma informed and pupil centred practice
• High integrity and strong safeguarding awareness