Occupational Therapist – Children & Young People’s ME/CFS Service
Closing date: 21 June 2026
We are looking for a dedicated professional to support children and young people living with ME/CFS. Using evidence‑based approaches, you will help them develop the awareness and skills needed to respond flexibly to everyday situations and experiences.
Working as part of a creative and supportive multidisciplinary team, you will deliver interventions both individually and in group settings, develop resources, and liaise with families and key stakeholders.
With a focus on emotional and physical wellbeing, you will work therapeutically to enhance young people’s understanding of self-regulation and activity management. Your input will empower them to manage symptoms effectively and improve their functional capacity across all areas of life.
We are seeking someone committed to ongoing professional development and staying informed about advances in the field of ME/CFS.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service can present a valid DBS certificate instead of a new check.
Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold a valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.
Responsibilities
* Assess, treat, monitor and evaluate the progress of young people diagnosed with ME/CFS, considering their holistic and developmental needs and relevant environmental factors.
* Provide specialist knowledge and skills to support the needs of children and young people diagnosed with ME/CFS, working with the team to further develop and facilitate educational and support groups for young people and parents.
* Advance own clinical knowledge, skill and competence based on current evidence to support CYP with ME/CFS.
* Maintain the Occupational Therapy Service Standards by using agreed frames of reference, models of practice and related assessment, goal setting, reporting and outcome measures.
* Develop and deliver educational group work for children, young people, parents/carers.
* Work with individuals referred with full regard to informed consent or agreed indicators of consent.
* Manage own caseload and be responsible for own time management and balance of clinical work and non-clinical tasks.
* Provide relevant training, information, advice and support to the individual, colleagues or carers regarding the needs of young people with ME/CFS.
* Liaise and work closely with relevant agencies, colleagues and carers to promote maximum functional ability of the individual referred and facilitate social inclusion, providing ongoing consultancy and support, where agreed, to meet the needs of those with complex functional needs.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Degree/Diploma BSc in Occupational Therapy with HCPC Registration.
* Previous experience in paediatrics, children’s mental health/CAMHS or broad experience working with clients with a range of mental health problems.
* Knowledge of the legislative framework within which occupational therapists work, including understanding of therapy outcome measures and application of therapy assessments and interventions relevant to the client group.
* Understanding of issues in the speciality and experience in teaching on in‑house training sessions to own profession.
* Ability to manage time and conflicting demands, prioritising workload accordingly.
* Ability to communicate verbally with patients/carers and colleagues.
* Willingness to work flexibly and pro‑actively.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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