Newly Qualified or Band 5 Occupational Therapist
Location: Surrey
Salary:
* £32,276 – £38,379 (Newly Qualified)
* Hours: 37 hours/week (compressed into term time). Part-time considered.
* Transport: Own transport desirable due to semi-rural location.
Role Purpose
To deliver high-quality, student-centred Occupational Therapy to children and young people aged 5–19 with severe social communication difficulties, autism, and complex learning disabilities. The postholder will promote meaningful communication, independence, and readiness for life beyond school or college.
Key Responsibilities
* Devise, develop and implement therapy for individuals and small groups.
* Deliver interventions for students with a broad range of complex communication needs.
* Work collaboratively with education staff as part of an embedded therapy model.
* Provide therapy input for both day and residential students as required.
Assessment & Caseload Management
* Manage a caseload of approximately 18 students, including termly target-setting.
* Undertake assessments on admission and for annual reviews.
* Maintain detailed, accurate and up-to-date therapy records and reports.
Collaboration & Supervision
* Work as part of a multidisciplinary team (Occupational Therapy, SLT, Dramatherapy, Music Therapy, Therapy Assistants).
* Supervise and support Therapy Assistants delivering programmes.
* Participate in regular supervision, mentoring, and 1:1 professional support.
Professional Requirements
* Maintain HCPC registration
* Demonstrate emotional, mental, and physical resilience.
Person Specification
Essential
* HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist
* Understanding of communication needs associated with autism and complex learning disabilities.
* Compassionate, supportive approach and commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
* Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Staff Benefits
* Regular specialist CPD and training opportunities.
* Life Insurance and Medicash Cashplan.
* Team Teach training (annual refreshers).
* 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays (paid).
* Free hot lunches cooked on site during term time.
* Comprehensive induction programme.
* Employee Assistance Service (24/7 confidential wellbeing and counselling).
* Strong organisational support including Adult Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health.
* Stunning 23-acre site on the edge of the Surrey Hills.