Occupational Therapist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Paediatric Occupational Therapist to join our Children's Therapy Service. You will work with children and young people with a range of complex physical, neurological and developmental needs across specialist educational settings, supporting them to maximise their independence, participation and potential.

You will manage a complex caseload, using specialist assessment, clinical reasoning and evidence-based interventions while working closely with families, education staff and a wider multidisciplinary team. The role also offers opportunities to provide clinical supervision, contribute to service development and deliver specialist training and advice.

We are looking for a motivated, autonomous and collaborative Occupational Therapist who is committed to delivering high-quality, child-centred care and continuing their own professional development.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will manage a specialist paediatric Occupational Therapy caseload, completing comprehensive assessments and developing individualised, evidence-based intervention plans to support children's functional, educational and developmental needs.

They will work collaboratively with parents, carers, schools and health, education and social care professionals to ensure coordinated and effective support. The role includes contributing to EHCP and annual review processes, providing specialist advice and training, monitoring equipment needs and managing clinical risk.

The post holder will also support junior staff and students through supervision, contribute to service development, audit and clinical governance, and promote high standards of professional practice.

About us

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.

The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.

Job responsibilities

The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached

The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Graduate Diploma/ Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Registered with Health Professions Council
• Evidence of relevant postgraduate CPD activities

Desirable

• Membership of relevant Clinical Interest Group
• Member of the College of Occupational Therapy

Experience

Essential

• Experience as a Junior level Occupational Therapist
• Experience working in mainstream primary and secondary schools
• Experience of working as part of a Occupational Therapy team and / or multi-disciplinary team

Desirable

• Previous experience of working with children and their families

Knowledge

Essential

• Working knowledge of broad range of relevant clinical areas
• Some knowledge of child development, neuro-developmental stages and the role of occupation in childhood
• A working knowledge of the main frames of reference used in OT practice
• Knowledge of Government legislation for children with disabilities and special needs
• Awareness of the principles and standards around supervision

Desirable

• Some understanding and knowledge of up to date paediatric equipment and resources
• Some knowledge of standardised assessments and clinical observations used in paediatric assessment

Skills

Essential

• Ability to supervise others
• Ability to reflect on clinical practice and experience
• Ability to use clinical reasoning skills to analyse and interpret assessment findings and plan intervention
• Ability to work as a team member
• Effective written and spoken communication
• Basic computer skills e.g. word, excel, email

Desirable

• Some experience of supervising a student or OT assistant
• Some experience communicating professional knowledge through presentation/ demonstration
• Some experience planning and running groups

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Committed to personal development
• Ability to take initiative and work autonomously
• Highly motivated
• Flexible and able to cope with change
• Sensitive to the needs of others

Other Requirements

Essential

• Able to work harmoniously with a diverse workforce and to deliver a quality service to people from different backgrounds, by including and embracing their varied needs.