Occupational Therapist
The role is for an Occupational Therapist at Outcomes First Group, based at Higford School – Shropshire TF11. Higford School is part of the Options Autism brand, an independent specialist day school supporting children and young people aged 5–19.
Salary and Benefits
Up to £53,200 pro rata (dependent on experience) plus £3,000 Welcome Bonus – payable as two payments of £1,500 (one after one month, the second after the final probation period). Terms and conditions apply.
Benefits include a £2,000 training allowance, life assurance, pension scheme (with options to increase contributions), "Your Wellbeing Matters" mental health and physical health support, inclusive maternity and paternity leave, paid fertility treatment support, wide range of health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, 100+ discount options, Cycle to Work scheme, Electric Car Purchase scheme, and critical illness cover.
Hours and Contract
37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with hours overlapping core school hours. Part‑time hours may be considered. The contract is permanent (term time only or flexible full‑time).
Role Overview
The Occupational Therapist will work within the OFG Occupational Therapy Ways of Working, providing assessment and intervention for a cohort of students with diverse profiles. The role includes holding an OT caseload, supporting a designated clinical supervisor and site lead, contributing to staff training and consultation, and working collaboratively with the education team.
Key Responsibilities
* Assess and plan interventions to support independence and sensory processing.
* Collaborate with the education team to embed OT practice within the timetable.
* Maintain a person‑centred, empowering approach, ensuring a strong safeguarding culture.
* Contribute to staff training and consultation as required.
* Engage with families, relatives and carers, communicating effectively.
Qualifications and Experience
* Recognised Occupational Therapy degree.
* HCPC registered and member of RCOT.
* Relevant experience in a previously held role (LD, SEMH, neurodivergence).
* Enhanced knowledge and clinical understanding of OT theory and its practical application.
* Experience of multi-disciplinary working in a range of settings, with responsibility for service & team performance.
* Experience of communicating with/working with families/relatives and carers.
* Good communication including relationship, analytical and judgemental skills.
* Clear understanding of the relationship between behaviour and communication.
* Clear understanding of physical needs, dexterity, coordination and sensory skills.
* Clear understanding of other developmental needs that may impact on an individual and the skills needed for independence.
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of a range of approaches relating to neurodivergence, learning disability and trauma‑informed practice.
* Knowledge of legislation and its implications for clinical practice and professional management.
* Good clinical reasoning skills and ability to express rationale confidently.
* Able to engage in quality improvement and enhanced service delivery.
* Understanding of information governance, confidentiality and record‑keeping standards.
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of the multi‑disciplinary team, including supervision of staff and students.
* Sound knowledge of assessment tools, intervention programmes and formulation of treatment plans across OT modalities.
* Evidence of continuous professional development and self‑development.
* Ability and willingness to travel on company business.
* Flexible approach to working environments, creative problem solver.
* Able to work under pressure and to deadlines.
* 3+ years practicing as an OT.
* Evidence of formal postgraduate study in Sensory Integration and/or developmental trauma and/or sensory attachment.
Benefits
* £2,000 training allowance.
* Life assurance.
* Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
* "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks.
* Family Growth Support – inclusive maternity and paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.
* Wide range of health, wellbeing and insurance benefits.
* 100+ discount options valid in the UK and abroad.
* Cycle to Work schemes.
* Electric Car Purchase scheme.
* Critical illness cover.
Additional Information
All successful applicants will undergo social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS check. Outcomes First Group reserves the right to close vacancies early; please apply promptly.
For further information regarding this vacancy please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification or contact Sam Brookes (Clinical Lead) at Samantha.Brookes@optionsautism.co.uk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr