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