Senior Occupational Therapist - CFHD

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Children and Family Health Devon's (CFHD) Integrated Physical & Sensory Pathway for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our specialist 0-18 Occupational Therapy Team on a permanent 0.59 WTE basis.

The 0-18 Team provides occupational therapy support to children and young people aged 4-18 years with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) across Devon. We work closely with children, families, schools and wider professionals to deliver outcome-focused assessment, intervention and review programmes that support participation, independence and achievement in everyday occupations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Occupational Therapist looking to further develop their assessment, goal-setting and intervention skills within a highly supportive and experienced team. Unlike many paediatric occupational therapy roles where opportunities for ongoing treatment can be limited, this role offers the chance to deliver and evaluate interventions over time, supporting children and young people to achieve meaningful outcomes within their educational and daily living environments.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated Occupational Therapist who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people and who values collaborative working, innovation and continuous professional development.

Main duties of the job

The role involves managing a varied caseload of children and young people from primary school age through to Year 13, delivering interventions in schools, homes, clinics and community settings across Devon. Interventions range from regular treatment programmes to review and advisory work, depending on the provision specified within an individual's EHCP.

Many of the children and young people supported by the team experience sensory processing differences. Our practice is informed by sensory integration principles where appropriate and is combined with a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches that focus on participation, school occupations and the development of independence and functional life skills. Sensory Integration training is welcomed but is not essential, and we actively support staff to develop specialist knowledge and skills.

In return, we offer:

• Regular supervision and support from experienced clinicians
• Opportunities to develop specialist paediatric occupational therapy skills
• Access to training and continuing professional development
• Flexible and supportive team working
• A varied and rewarding caseload
• The opportunity to work within an integrated therapy service alongside Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists

If you are looking for a role where you can develop your intervention skills, make a genuine difference to children and young people's lives and be part of a welcoming and innovative team, we would love to hear from you.

About us

At Children and Family Health Devon, we are dedicated to improving the physical and mental health of children and young people across Devon and Torbay. We aim to create an environment where children and young people can thrive and are committed to reducing health inequalities and providing specialised support, empowering them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Our children and young people say

We would like the people who work for Children and Family Health Devon to be understanding, patient and respectful. They should be trustworthy and make us feel safe and comfortable. It is important that they use their skills and experience to listen carefully in a non-patronising and non-judgemental way. When staff are positive and friendly, they help to create an environment that is informal and without pressure.

Who we are

We are an alliance of NHS organisations led by Devon Partnership Trust. We are a group of professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and many other professions.

Join us in beautiful Devon

With access to moors, sea and cities, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Devon. Whether you enjoy spending time in the cultural hub of Exeter, exploring the Jurassic coastline or discovering the world surfing reserve in North Devon there really is something for everyone.

Job responsibilities

Full vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.

Person specification

Experience

Essential

• To work within trust clinical guidelines and Royal College of OT and HCPC standards. To have working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own quality and safety of practice
• Extensive knowledge of Occupational Therapy models of practice and specialist approaches
• Extensive knowledge of legislation affecting clinical practice such as manual handling, housing and SEND
• Knowledge and experience of a wide range of Occupational Therapy therapeutic interventions for children and young people including but not inclusive to manual handling, specialist equipment, 24-hour postural management, fine motor, sensory differences and housing adaptations.
• Knowledge of a wide range of Occupational Therapy assessment tools appropriate to meet a wide range of needs in the paediatric population
• Knowledge and use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures
• Well-developed knowledge and understanding of legislation around SEND
• Knowledge of normal child development and a broad range of paediatric conditions.
• Substantial clinical experience in a range of childrens OT assessment and interventions
• Community based Childrens Occupational Therapy experience
• Experience of working with a paediatric client group
• Evidence of working as an autonomous practitioner
• Developed skills in working with individuals and families with physical and sensory needs

Desirable

• Research skills

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC registration
• Diploma level specialist training or experience
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• Post-graduate certified courses specific to childrens needs (e.g. Sensory training; ADOS, 3di etc)
• Membership of professional body (RCOT)