About The Role
Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full‑Time
Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance
Closing Date: 11 March 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Role Overview
Are you a passionate and skilled Occupational Therapist looking for an exciting opportunity to help shape a developing service? We are expanding our Autism Team and seeking an experienced practitioner who is committed to improving the lives of autistic adults across Manchester.
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.
As a developing role, you will have the unique opportunity to shape and enhance the autism‑specific OT offer within the service. You will collaborate closely with the Autism Team to embed autism‑inclusive practice across the directorate and contribute to wider organisational development.
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 well‑being.
* Offer specialist input into sensory and environmental strategies to support regulation, participation and engagement.
* 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.
* Recommend and facilitate equipment, assistive technology and environmental adaptations to maximise independence.
* Work alongside other professionals (Social Workers, Learning Disability/Autism health professionals, etc.) and contribute to safeguarding processes.
* 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.
Qualifications, Experience & Core Requirements
Qualification – BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy; registration with the HCPC.
Right to work in the UK – Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
References – 2 references, where possible a 3‑year history.
Medical Clearance – Pre‑placement health assessment (PPHA).
Driving – Full valid driving licence and own car required; Essential Car User Allowance provided.
DBS Clearance – Enhanced DBS check required (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, amended 2013). Candidates must be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check. Information can be viewed at the DBS Code of Practice.
Use of AI – All examples and statements in applications must be truthful and original; plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of application or disciplinary action.
Essential Experience
* Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration.
* Significant experience working with autistic adults.
* Expertise in sensory assessment and behaviour‑supporting environmental strategies.
* Experience using autism‑specific assessment tools.
* Experience of risk assessment and training others.
* Ability to independently manage a complex caseload.
Desirable Experience
* Experience facilitating groups or workshops.
What We Offer
* A Principal Occupational Therapist in post, leading the way.
* A supportive, collaborative working environment with strong supervision structures.
* Access to training, CPD and tailored development opportunities.
* The chance to help shape a developing autism service and influence strategic practice.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.
* Monday‑Friday working, no work on bank holidays or weekends – 35 hour working week for a positive work/life balance.
* Access to state‑of‑the‑art Smart Suite.
Benefits
* Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years.
* Outstanding pension – UK’s largest local government pension scheme, life cover of three‑times salary.
* Enhanced parental and carers leave.
* Access to discounts on shopping, holidays, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, flu jabs, eye tests, etc.
* Learning and growth opportunities – workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications.
* A Good Employment Charter member – secure, flexible working, annual pay review, trade union representation and comprehensive wellbeing support.
* Up to 3 days volunteering leave.
* Employee communities and support groups (Black/Asian/Minority Ethnic forum; Disability and LGBT+ Networks; Menopause Support, etc.).
* Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles lease scheme.
About Our Service
As part of Manchester Local Care Organisation, you will work within an integrated environment that brings together NHS and Adult Social Care. Manchester is a forward‑thinking, diverse and vibrant city committed to supporting practitioners through strong professional development, peer supervision and opportunities to innovate.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about autism‑inclusive practice, committed to enabling independence and excited by the opportunity to shape a developing service, we would love to hear from you.
For further information about the role, please contact Nichola Picken, Autism Lead via Nichola.Picken@manchester.gov.uk.
Our EEO & Inclusion Statement
We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, especially from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people and young people. We support adjustments and accessible formats. We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one of the following criteria: Armed Forces members or veterans, current or former care leavers, disability or long‑term condition.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Successful candidates will be required to complete pre‑employment checks as per role requirements. These checks include DBS and other relevant checks. They are a key part of our commitment to safety.
Other Relevant Information
We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll source necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If a task proves unachievable, we’ll look at redesigning parts of the role.
Contact
For more information or to request additional information, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.
Privacy Notice
Privacy Notice
#J-18808-Ljbffr