Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Specialist Occupational Therapist *Internal Vacancy*
The closing date is 04 May 2026
Permanent| Part Time I Internal Applications Only
We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our Early Years Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Team at Sheffield Children’s.
As part of a supportive, experienced, and forward-thinking team, you will provide high-quality occupational therapy care to pre-school infants and children. You will conduct routine assessments for children with a range of conditions, providing individualised treatment programmes and support, managing a delegated caseload with guidance from senior therapists, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver excellent care.
If you have a passion for working with children and want to make a difference, apply today to join our team!
Main duties of the job
Reporting into the Early Years Team Leader, your responsibilities will include:
* Provide a high standard of occupational therapy care as a member of the occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and multi-professional teams within the Early Years service.
* Conduct routine occupational therapy assessments for infants and children with different conditions.
* Diagnose problems related to occupational therapy and develop expertise in delivering individualised treatment programmes, tailored to specific needs.
* Manage a delegated caseload of infants and children working under supervision.
* Undertake clinical tasks as a developing autonomous practitioner while taking advice, training, and support from senior occupational therapists and other team members.
About us
At Sheffield Children’s, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children’s Health.
We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.
We’re proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children’s as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.
Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.
As we approach our 150th anniversary this year, we’re excited to keep building our leadership in children’s health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.
We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.
Job responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.
Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone’s success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.
Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn‑tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
* HCPC registration
* Diploma / Degree in Occupational Therapy
* Portfolio evidence of reflective practice
* An undergraduate case study, essay or dissertation on a paediatric topic
* Good overall clinical record / profile
* Membership of the RCOT
Experience
* Experience of team working
* Undergraduate clinical placements in paediatrics
* Experience of working with children, either professionally or socially
* Evidence of extra responsibilities taken at undergraduate level
* Involvement in audit, research or service evaluation
* Experience of working in the community
* Experience of working in paediatrics
Knowledge
* Understanding of the legal responsibilities of the profession
* Knowledge of clinical governance and its implications for services
* Awareness of own limitations
* Understanding of family / team dynamics and how to develop working relationships with all involved in the child's care
* Understanding of data protection, confidentiality and health and safety requirements in meeting the needs of the child and family
* Understanding of the impact of disability on children and their families
* Knowledge of consent issues specific to paediatrics
* Simple research methodology
* Knowledge of current NHS issues
* Background knowledge of paediatric neuro disability
Skills
* Demonstrate assessment, analytical and reflective skills
* Basic Information Technology skills
* Planning and organisation skills
* To demonstrate the ability to carry out assessment and interventions, including manual therapy and therapeutic handling
* Ability to present information, written and verbal in a clear and logical manner
* Ability to keep accurate and legible clinical records
* Ability to cope working in a stressful environment and within emotional or challenging situations, problem solving approach
* Ability to communicate effectively and work well within a multi-professional team.
* Evidence of having undertaken some research or audit project
Attributes
* A flexible approach to work
* Demonstrate a passion to work with children with disabilities
* Demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
* Demonstrate resilience and empathy
* Access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes
* Understanding of the importance of patient and public involvement in service planning and delivery.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
£39,959 to £48,117 a year, pro rata
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