Overview
A vacancy at East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust (Cambridge). Are you interested in making a difference for Children and Young people (C&YP) through supporting their therapeutic aims? Join our Children’s Occupational Therapy Service in Cambridgeshire as a Band 4 Children’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner. This is a permanent part‑time post, working alongside Occupational Therapists at The Peacock Centre, Cambridge, and in settings such as local nurseries, schools and children’s homes to achieve OT goals.
Job Purpose
To work as part of the Occupational Therapy team, as an autonomous practitioner, understanding your role within the service.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* To undertake specific work independently, as identified by registered Occupational Therapy staff.
* To accept patients referred by the Occupational Therapist and carry own caseload.
* Work independently within the multidisciplinary team setting, reporting back patient progress and informing Therapists of any problems.
* To appropriately conduct assessments, treatment and discharge planning for patients under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist.
* To assess for standard equipment with guidance from the Occupational Therapist, adhering to relevant competencies.
* To promote independence, health and well‑being and safety in clinical or community settings.
* Assist Occupational Therapy staff in activities related to non‑direct patient contact: equipment maintenance, delivery and collection, clerical and administrative duties.
* To plan, organise and prioritise own day‑to‑day tasks, meeting deadlines and time constraints as per service demands.
* With support from the Occupational Therapist, plan, organise and implement tasks, activities and treatment programmes for delegated patients; collaborate effectively with other professionals and the child’s family/guardians.
* There will be frequent requirements for concentration where the work pattern is predictable with few competing demands for attention.
Communication
* Communicate in an open, transparent, and effective way to promote the well‑being of patients and their families/carers.
* Demonstrate appropriate communication with patients, families/carers, school staff and other professionals while maintaining confidentiality.
* Show tact, reassurance and empathy when having complex and sensitive conversations.
* Recognise language or understanding barriers and use appropriate resources to ensure effective communication.
* Make accurate verbal and written reports, summarising assessment and intervention outcomes.
* Support and motivate patients to improve functional skills and overall health and well‑being.
* Liaise effectively with other healthcare professionals and external agencies.
* Contribute appropriately within clinical and operational team meetings.
* Ensure safe use of equipment and maintain up‑to‑date written and electronic records as per local policies.
* Demonstrate familiarity with basic IT skills to produce reports and use spreadsheets/databases.
Budgetary Responsibility
No budgetary responsibilities.
People Management
* Assist in the induction of new or less experienced staff (or agency staff) by demonstrating own role.
* Provide support to less experienced staff.
* Assist and supervise clinical activities of less experienced staff as needed.
* Actively participate in the EEC appraisal review (PDR) process.
Research & Development Activity
* Be aware of and work within Trust policies and procedures (e.g., infection prevention policies, clinical governance framework).
* Contribute to the ongoing development of the service, reviewing and maintaining knowledge of local policies and procedures.
* Contribute to research projects, audits, or surveys within the clinical specialty under the supervision of a registered health care professional.
Clinical and Practice Governance
* Make accurate and timely records of delegated work and maintain monthly statistics.
* Document all interactions on patient records regarding their care.
* Produce reports and setup spreadsheets/databases using shared folders, online training through ESR, intranet and SystmOne.
* Observe and maintain strict confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act.
* Adhere to Trust information governance and information security policies for electronic data handling.
* Follow risk assessment, risk management, and infection control procedures.
* Undertake mandatory and role‑relevant training as required by East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust.
* Participate in clinical audits and emergency preparedness processes.
Personal & Professional Development
Improve care quality by updating knowledge, skills and experience through continuous professional development. A yearly PDR (performance & development review) is required, with progress reviewed throughout the year. New starters receive a review at 6 months; clinical supervision occurs every 4–6 weeks and a quarterly caseload review with a registered Occupational Therapist. Maintain a continued professional development portfolio and share knowledge with the multidisciplinary team. Keep up‑to‑date with legislation such as The Children’s Act, Education Act and safeguarding policies.
Physical Skills
* Maintain training on basic life support skills.
* Demonstrate safe moving and handling, including low/floor level work.
* Fit and adjust a variety of equipment safely.
* Drive to different locations within Cambridgeshire.
* Apply manual handling techniques, functional positioning, and sensory coordination for children.
* Carry out procedures such as setting up and adjusting specialist equipment.
* Exert moderate physical effort when required; work may involve unpleasant conditions.
Analysis, Problem Solving & Service Planning
* Use observation, engagement and assessment to identify significant changes in patient condition and feedback to the Occupational Therapist promptly.
* Recognise emergency situations and respond accordingly (e.g., safeguarding children).
* Deliver OT programmes to children with varied needs based on gathered information, ensuring safe environments.
* Observe and document patient performance during interventions.
* Evaluate progress, analyse outcomes against goals, and adapt programmes accordingly.
* Measure, order, provide, and train on specialist equipment; ensure documentation on SystmOne and safety standards.
Qualifications and Eligibility
* Experience working as a Children’s Therapy Assistant.
* Good verbal and written communication, organisation and time‑management skills.
* Right to work in the UK; not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
* Basic life support training and confident manual handling skills.
* Ability to drive within Cambridgeshire and handle equipment safely.
Equal Opportunities
All are welcome to apply. We are proud to support a culture that prioritises staff engagement and development.
Closing Date
This advert closes on Tuesday 5 May 2026.
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