Job Summary
We have a great opportunity for an experienced Senior Occupational Therapist to join our multi‑disciplinary children’s specialist support social work team.
We are passionate about promoting independence and wellbeing through new ways of working and forward thinking interventions.
To learn more about what it is like to work with us, take a look at our team’s video.
If you would like an informal chat or a tour of the office prior to submitting your application, please contact Lou.Richer@Bracknell-forest.gov.uk to arrange a suitable time.
Main Duties
* To work as a Senior Occupational Therapist as part of a multidisciplinary Children’s Specialist Support team, providing experience and expertise to occupational therapy colleagues, occupational therapy students, non‑qualified staff and multi‑agency teams.
* To support the Team Manager of CSST in delivering and maintaining high standards of performance ensuring continuous development and supporting children to fulfil their potential in light of their additional needs.
* Maximise the effectiveness of allocated resources to improve the lives of children and families with disabilities.
* Provide supervision and support to members of the team including coaching and mentoring others to develop performance and positive outcomes to those who they support.
* Provide senior expertise to complex assessments and case management.
* To support quality supervision to team members encouraging regular reflection, CPD and case reviews.
* To support the CSST Team Manager in looking for ways to improve services, cost effective interventions and management of the performance of the team and service.
About Us
The Children’s Specialist Support Team (CSST) is a highly skilled and supportive team dedicated to working with children who have disabilities and/or complex health needs. Our focus is on keeping children at the heart of everything we do. We deliver a range of services, including support for children with additional vulnerabilities, statutory responsibilities for disabled Children in Need, care packages and short breaks.
Our team is diverse covering a broad range of areas including social work, occupational therapy and short breaks, such as Larchwood, our respite unit. We embrace a 'child-first' and social model approach, valuing partnership and collaboration as key to our success.
As a small and welcoming local authority, we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture and strong sense of community. We prioritise staff wellbeing and foster a supportive environment where everyone feels connected and valued.
Read more about our culture and what our staff say: Children's social care culture | Bracknell Forest Council.
Responsibilities
You will bring substantial post‑qualification experience as an Occupational Therapist, with a deep understanding of assessment, planning and intervention to ensure that children and their families receive needs‑led, tailored support.
As a natural leader, you will excel at building strong relationships, demonstrating analytical thinking and working collaboratively with the management team. You will take direct responsibility for Occupational Therapists and Student Occupational Therapists, providing guidance and support to help them thrive.
In addition, you will play a key role in supporting the Team Manager, overseeing performance, chairing meetings and contributing to recruitment and retention strategies for both the occupational therapy function and the wider team.
Qualifications
* Recognised Occupational Therapist qualification at degree level or above.
* Registered with professional body e.g. HCPC.
Desirable
* Safeguarding level 2 & 3.
* Practice Education course; supervisory management course; Best Interest Assessor.
Experience
* Experience of assessing and care managing complex cases, planning and reviewing interventions.
* Significant relevant post qualifying experience.
* Experience of supervising/supporting and developing others, including students, support staff or OTs.
* Experience in manual handling.
* Ability to work closely with partner organisations and build relationships.
* Safeguarding Level 1.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer Details
Bracknell Forest Council
Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1JD
Website: https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/
Job Details
Reference number: F0028-25-0013
Date posted: 17 November 2025
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £49,918 to £53,048 a year inclusive of LWA & ECU Allowances
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Location: Bracknell Forest, Berkshire, RG12 1JD
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