Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance
Working Style: Onsite – Hybrid – Employees split their time between working remotely (e.g., from home) and working on‑site.
Closing Date: 11.59pm, 24 June 2026
Interview Method: Face to Face
Legal Requirements
Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Two references – where possible we require a 3‑year history. Qualification: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy and registration with HCPC. Medical Clearance: Pre‑placement health assessment (PPHA).
Essential Car User: you must hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance.
DBS Clearance: this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided will be dealt with confidentially in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice.
Job Description
This role offers the chance not only to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred occupational therapy, but also to play a pivotal part in developing a specialist autism pathway, working alongside the Autism Lead and wider colleagues across Adult Social Care.
You will deliver strengths‑based functional assessments and provide guidance on sensory needs and rehabilitation. You will work holistically with autistic adults, supporting independence, wellbeing and meaningful participation through evidence‑based OT interventions and person‑centred practice.
As the service expands, there will be opportunities to take on supervisory and staff‑management responsibilities, supporting the ongoing development of junior staff, students and apprentices.
Key Responsibilities
* Carry out holistic, strengths‑based OT assessments for autistic adults, including sensory and functional assessments.
* Provide tailored, evidence‑based intervention plans that promote independence, positive risk‑taking and wellbeing.
* Offer input into sensory and environmental strategies to support regulation, participation and engagement.
Workshops & Independence‑Building
* Design and deliver group workshops focused on life skills, daily routines, sensory regulation, social participation, and building independence.
* Work in partnership with person‑centred planners to ensure individuals shape their own goals, plans and progress.
Equipment, Adaptations & Safety
* Recommend and facilitate equipment, assistive technology and environmental adaptations to maximise independence.
Collaborative Working
* Work alongside other professionals including Social Workers, Learning Disability/Autism health professionals etc.
* Contribute to safeguarding processes, addressing and managing risks appropriately.
Service Development & Leadership
* Contribute to the ongoing development of the Autism Team’s offer, identifying gaps and service improvement opportunities.
* Support the professional development of team members through supervision, mentoring and training.
Essential Requirements
* Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration.
* Experience working with autistic adults and using autism‑specific assessment tools.
* Experience in sensory assessment, behaviour‑supporting environmental strategies and functional, strengths‑based approaches.
* Experience of risk assessment.
* Ability to independently manage a complex caseload.
* DBS clearance as described above.
* Full, valid driving licence and own car for use at work.
Desirable
* Experience facilitating groups or workshops.
* Experience of providing training to others.
Benefits
* Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years. Additional leave can be purchased.
* Pension scheme – enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with various top‑up options.
* Enhanced parental and carers leave.
* Employee discount programme including phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme and health benefits.
* Learning and development opportunities – workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications.
* Volunteering leave – up to three days pro‑rate of paid volunteering leave.
* Support groups and networks for diversity, disability, neurodiversity and mental health.
* Ultra low‑emissions vehicle lease scheme.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people and young people. We are a disability‑confident employer offering specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
Contact
For further information about the role, please contact Nichola Picken, Autism Lead via Nichola.Picken@manchester.gov.uk.
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