Specialist Children's Occupational Therapist

Job summary

We have an exciting job opportunity to work as a Specialist Children's Occupational Therapist with the Occupational Therapy Team based at Queen Mary's Hospital. Please ensure all Essential Criteria in the Person Specification is met when applying.

The Children's Therapies team provides high quality responsive uni- and multi- disciplinary assessment, treatment, advice and information to children and their families in the London Borough of Wandsworth, who require Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy.

The aim is to remediate development difficulties where this is possible and to maximise function for all children accessing the services, including those with severe, complex and profound development difficulties.

Main duties of the job

• To autonomously manage children with special educational needs providing advice and input as required within statement of Special Educational Needs.
• To support and advise health colleagues, teaching professionals, parents and carers within the community in the management of complex cases and to provide a more structured framework of advice for Education staff working with children with OT needs.
• You will have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of specialisms within children's services.

About us

The post holder is expected to have a clear understanding of how this post contributes to the achievement of the trust vision of:A thriving Foundation Trust at the heart of an integrated healthcare system. One that delivers improved patient care at a community, hospital and specialist setting, supported by a unique and nationally recognised programme of research, education and employee engagement. Our vision for 2028 is to provide outstanding care, together. With the help of our patients, staff and partners, we have chosen four overall aims for 2028 - our CARE objectives. These are the things we care about the most and will be central to achieving our vision.

Collaboration and partnership

Affordable services, fit for the future

Right care, right place, right time

Empowered, engaged staff

We expect all our staff to share the values that are important to the Trust, being Excellent, Kind, Responsible & Respectful, and behave in a way that reflects these

Job responsibilities

*****Please refer to supporting document, ensuring that any applications refers to the supporting document and person specification. *****

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Approved Degree Level Training in Occupational Therapy.
• Registration with Health Care Professions Council as an Occupational Therapist.
• Relevant post graduate courses.

Desirable

• Relevant Post graduate training in Sensory Integration Therapy
• Relevant Masters Modules related to Children
• CO-OP training
• Relevant training regarding Autism
• Training Modules relating to Upper Limb management
• Trainig Modules relating to Neuro developmental Approaches
• Member of Specialist interest groups such as CYPF

Experience

Essential

• E1. Experience in working in community settings, leading to a sound understanding of NHS policies & procedures.
• E2. Experience of working in mainstream schools & nurseries with children who has Occupational Therapy needs.
• E3. Experience using a wide range of standardised assessments & clinical observations
• E4. A working knowledge of child development, neuro-developmental stages and the role of occupation in childhood.
• E5. Ability to demonstrate Trust Values.

Desirable

• Experience in working with children who has a diagnosis of ASD, CP, DCD and GDD.
• An understanding of principles of postural management and some experience in prescribing children's specialist equipment for seating and bathing
• Experience using sensory integration approach
• Experience in using the CO-OP approach
• Some experience of planning & running groups
• Experience in upper limb management
• Experience in using the in the AHA assessment
• Experience in using PECS

Skills

Essential

• S1. Ability to manage a caseload & to reflect on clinical practice & experience with supervision and support from a Band 7 OT.
• S2. Ability to solve complex problems & take appropriate decisions.
• S3. Ability to communicate clearly with others using effective listening skills, non-verbal communication and establishing an easy rapport.
• S4. Flexibility - able to adapt to different demands & situations and the ability to work under pressure.
• S5. Ability to prioritise & organise workload & time.
• S6. Ability to write concise, legible notes & reports.
• S7. Good presentation skills.
• S8. Demonstrating some degree of postgraduate training.

Knowledge

Essential

• K1. Understanding & knowledge of up to date information relating to children with Physical Disabilities, Autism, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder and other related disorders affecting participation in every day activities.
• K2. Good understanding of the range of physical & developmental disabilities which can occur with children and the role of the OT in this area.

Desirable

• Knowledge in TEACCH approach