Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Closing date: 25 November 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified Occupational Therapist to join our paediatric therapy team at the Lighthouse Child Development Centre in Southend-on-Sea. We offer the chance to develop into a specialist paediatric therapist within a supportive, experienced multi‑agency team. The service operates a tiered approach recommended by RCOT for all referred children.
We are looking for Band 6 Occupational Therapists (full‑time and part‑time hours will be considered). Candidates pursuing a Band 5 to 6 development post will also be considered.
You will be part of an established children's OT team and will learn the skills needed to work with a diverse range of conditions. The post is based at the Lighthouse Child Development Centre and will require you to drive to schools and homes, working closely with educational staff. In‑house training and direct senior support are provided to enable you to carry out this role.
Main duties of the job
* Supportive team of experienced clinicians and assistants with a varied skill mix.
* Develop expertise in managing children with coordination difficulties, neuro‑developmental problems, and sensory processing challenges.
* Develop presentation skills and multi‑agency working with education colleagues.
* Provide training to parents, education staff, colleagues, and other professionals.
* Start working using the newly introduced tiered approach recommended by RCOT.
* Develop personal and clinical skills through learning experiences linked with appraisal objectives and identified development needs, including joint consultations and shadowing.
* Receive regular professional support, including appraisals, supervision, and continued professional development (CPD).
* Participate in a departmental in‑service development programme and bi‑monthly clinical effectiveness days.
Benefits
* Supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
* Inclusive community and engagement events.
* Access to mental‑health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice, and counselling.
* Recognition awards for staff dedication.
* 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
* Excellent pension up to 14.5 % of pensionable pay.
* Staff discounts including Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and other benefits.
* £8,000 relocation package if you move to Essex.
* Interest‑free season ticket loans covering travel to and from work by tram, rail, or bus.
* Flexible working available from day one.
* Job share opportunities and bank shift options.
Job responsibilities
* Perform advanced occupational therapy assessments of patients with diverse presentations and complex physical and developmental conditions; develop and deliver individualised treatment plans and maintain accurate records.
* Supervise, educate, and assess Band 5 Occupational Therapists, Therapy Assistants, and students.
* Provide specialist OT assessment, treatment, and advice for children with a variety of learning, physical, and communication difficulties.
* Work with multidisciplinary teams across child development centres, schools, and other services.
* Assist in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunal cases by providing specialist, evidence‑based recommendations.
* Develop workshops and training packages for parents, children, and the workforce.
* Supervise, train, and performance‑manage junior and student occupational therapists.
* Contribute to the development, maintenance, and evaluation of the Children’s Occupational Therapy Service.
Person Specification
Education
* Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy.
* Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists.
* Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
* Full UK driving licence.
* Active involvement in Special Interest Groups.
Previous Experience
* Understanding of the OT role in a specialist area and available treatment interventions.
* 12 + months experience as a Band 5 OT.
* Experience supervising junior staff, students, and/or support staff.
* Experience working as part of a rehabilitation and/or multidisciplinary team.
* Student clinical supervision experience.
* Completion of a Clinical Educators course.
* Knowledge of current national policies such as NICE relevant to the role.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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