Specialist Occupational Therapist – Children’s ServicesAre 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 SchoolLocationDoucecroft School, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6Salary£31,049 – 37,796 per annum (full time equivalent)Hours38.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year (term time only) plus 3 training days during school holidaysPlease note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.What the role involvesSupporting 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 assistantsWhat we’re looking forA recognised Occupational Therapy degree/qualificationHealth Care Professionals Council Licence to practiceMembership with the Royal College of Occupational TherapistsExperience 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 DisorderExperience in writing annual review reports to contribute towards Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)A confident, caring and pro-active attitudeQualifications 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 & SupportAt 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 qualificationsJob-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 examsStaff wellbeing programmes and mental health supportFree counselling serviceFree on-site parkingExclusive discounts with major retailers, restaurants & more via the Blue Light CardA supportive and accessible leadership team, always available for guidance and assistance24/7 access to a GPProbate helplineStaff dental supportLife coverIndependent financial adviceCommitment to DiversityWe are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.How to applyIf 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.
