Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Highly Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 04 March 2026
Due to an increase in funding, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and highly committed individual to work within this unique and vibrant OT team. If you are a band 7 looking for a new role or a band 6 aiming to take the next career step, we are looking for you!
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and creative OT to join our paediatric occupational therapy service. The post holder will support in the co‑ordinating and leading of a highly specialist Occupational Therapy service to children and young people attending mainstream and secondary special schools within the borough of Harrow. This role will involve working in mainstream schools and a special school with children aged 11‑19 with a physical disability to ensure they have the skills, knowledge and training to support their educational setting.
You will have opportunities to lead and influence service development and support the professional development of other staff and OT students. You will work closely with and be supported by the leadership team.
Main duties of the job
* The post holder will hold a specialist caseload of children (aged 11‑19) with physical disabilities, profound and multiple learning difficulties within a special school setting, and provide support for children within the mainstream school setting. Advanced skills in working with children with physical disabilities and prescribing specialist equipment in the educational setting (specialist seating, moving and handling equipment) are required. The role allows for high‑level MDT working with PT/SLT within the specialist settings.
* Manage your own caseload, travelling between schools, working alongside teaching staff to ensure specialist therapy programmes are in place. Collaborate with children/young people (CYP), parents/carers and colleagues in Health, Education and Social Services to plan, policy and deliver services to this client group.
* Provide clinical education and training to OT students and clinical supervision to OT assistants, developing specialist skills in this field.
Job responsibilities
* Communicate complex patient‑related information effectively to ensure collaborative working with multidisciplinary team members across health, education, social services and the voluntary sector.
* Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team and schools.
* Support access to and differentiation of the Foundation stage and National Curriculum for children with physical difficulties/developmental disabilities.
* Advise on manual handling risk assessment, access school environments and provision of specialist equipment (seating, hoisting equipment) and aids to daily living.
* Share information while observing confidentiality and data protection guidelines and local guidance on sharing information with colleagues in education, social services and the voluntary sector.
* Communicate highly complex condition‑related information (verbal and written) from assessment to CYP, parents/carers and multi‑disciplinary team members, including child‑specific information and training packages for parents, teachers and other professionals.
* Respect cultural and linguistic differences of children/families involved.
* Work closely with CYP, carers and families, involving them in decision‑making regarding intervention approaches and ensuring effective communication, particularly where barriers exist (e.g. hearing loss, communication difficulties, language, learning difficulties).
* Lead clinician for provision of comprehensive specialist assessment and differential diagnosis of individual children and neonates with diverse and complex presentations, using a range of specialist assessments and techniques.
* Plan, deliver and evaluate highly specialist treatment programmes in school and special school provision.
Education and Qualifications
* Recognised Occupational Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent.
* Current HCPC licence to practice.
* Evidence of CPD in portfolio, including attendance of specialist short courses relevant to CYP with special needs/disability.
* Training in moving and handling people with disabilities.
* Advanced training up to Masters level equivalent in paediatric OT (e.g. child development, sensory integration modules).
* Member of the College of Occupational Therapy.
* Member of the CYPF RCOT specialist section.
Experience
* Extensive experience working with school‑aged children with complex needs (physical, learning disabilities, perceptual‑motor disorders, neuro‑developmental disorders).
* Extensive experience in assessment, treatment and management of CYP with complex needs; working as part of an MDT within an early‑years setting; managing own caseload; working with parents/carers; writing clinical notes and reports.
* Experience teaching other professionals/parents; clinical audit and research; line management/supervision of staff; contributing to appraisal of others; leading teams/projects.
* Knowledge of specialist aids, equipment and seating systems (wheelchairs, assistive technology).
* Knowledge of Foundation stage and National Curriculum.
* Knowledge of the Balanced system and its application within OT.
Skills and Knowledge
* Well‑established knowledge of assessment tools and appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to CYP with complex needs and physical difficulties.
* Well‑established knowledge of specialist aids, equipment and seating systems for CYP (wheelchairs, seating, assistive technology).
* Working knowledge of the roles of other professionals in Health, Education and Social Care involved with CYP.
* Working knowledge of the role of an OT in the education system.
* Understanding and application of standards of record‑keeping and reporting.
* Knowledge of national policies and procedures in safeguarding children, SEN and disability act, SEN reforms, Children and Families act, National Service framework for children, Children’s Bill, Foundation stage and National Curriculum.
* Clinical governance and audit skills.
* Excellent organisational skills.
* Effective communication with children and young people of all ages and abilities.
* Excellent interpersonal, observational, listening and empathy skills.
* Excellent presentation skills (written and verbal, English).
* Negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
* Ability to work in an unpredictable environment and prioritise workload.
* Good analytical and reflective skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full‑time
Reference number
333‑G‑HCS‑1148‑D
Salary
£53,751 to £60,651 a year (pro rata if part‑time) including HCAS.
Job locations
Alexandra Avenue, Harrow.
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