We are currently working with a school based in Essex and they are looking for an experienced Occupational Therapist on a full-time basis, to start ASAP.
Summary
In addition to offering therapy sessions according to their specialism, the therapist will maintain a therapeutic presence across the schools, lead whole-staff training, and serve as an ambassador for the brand and vision. The successful candidate must be a flexible team player capable of offering therapeutic interventions that support children's emotional well-being and learning. They will exemplify best practice, demonstrating the highest levels of support and care for our children. The therapist will leverage their knowledge, skills, and expertise, as well as the experience of other professionals, to work with children presenting challenging behavior and significant, complex social, emotional, and learning needs. The purpose of the role is to collaborate with colleagues (teaching, support, and therapeutic) to maximize progress for children at our specialist independent therapeutic schools. The therapist may work therapeutically one-on-one with a specific child, support a small group, or assist a whole class, depending on the need.
Core Responsibilities
To plan, resource & prepare effective and engaging therapy programmes for children (supported by the teacher and leaders) To liaise professionally with colleagues as appropriate To build positive working relationships with children's families To ensure children responsible for are supervised and safe at all times To plan, lead and deliver whole-staff therapeutic training To ensure that therapy is facilitated ethically, safely and with consent from all parents/carers/children To conduct a range of formal and informal assessments in order to suit a range of purposes To continue to obtain key information on children allocated to the specific therapy, to keep up-to-date with any changes in the child's life and to inform the rest of the therapy/teaching team To adopt a capacity building approach whereby the aim of intervention is to equip staff with the skills to effectively facilitate the development of pupils' communication skills To assist in determining the communicative function of a behaviour and to develop/target goals that will reduce challenging behaviour by providing pupils with a more effective means of communicating To establish functional goals that promote meaningful participation and increased independence To develop, facilitate and monitor the implementation of whole class intervention programs To complete termly therapy reports on children's progress in individual and group therapy sessions To keep accurate and concise therapy notes which are to be stored securely, to ensure confidentiality To facilitate effective, smooth transitions To inform the assistant principal if there are any changes to the therapy timetable To provide levels of support to ensure children can access their learning, identifying their individual needs to tailor their therapeutic programme Work closely with teaching and other members of the therapy team with the development and implementation of therapy progress plans To regularly communicate with families as per the schools' procedures To attend all therapy meetings and open days for parents and carers Attend and participate in regular meetings, training and other learning activities as required, contributing to the overall ethos and aims of the school Attend relevant meetings with fellow professionals, parents and children including leading communication with families at parent/carer open days To organise and attend individual external supervision, that will support the therapist with any therapeutic work carried out in the schools Support the reintegration back into learning following exclusions or extended absence Maintain total confidentiality with regard to children and other information related to the school as stipulated in your contract of employment Be aware of, and comply with, policies and procedures relating to child protection; health and safety; bullying; confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to a senior leader. Be aware of and support differences and ensure all children have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop To comply with any reasonable request from the leadership team to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
PERSON SPECIFICATION (all essential)
Outstanding communication skills (with children, families & professionals) Strong ability to work constructively and collaboratively at all times as part of a unified team Strong ability to work successfully with children with extremely challenging behaviour Reflective & eager to progress professionally Attention to detail, including in terms of presentation, punctuality and supporting the maintenance of an attractive environment for therapy & learning
Knowledge & Understanding
Outstanding knowledge and understanding of therapy (in own specialised field) as well as wider therapies and their applications Understanding of mental health in children, ACEs, trauma and the impact of abuse and mental health difficulties on child development, attachment and behaviour Understanding of child development, learning and children with SEMH and associated SEN Understanding of relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation General understanding of the national curriculum and school provision generally
Qualifications/Training/Experience
At least current degree level, fully qualified therapist in own specialised field & associated registration with appropriate body (i.e. BACP) Experience of working with children & young people in challenging contexts A range of experience in own specialised therapeutic field High level of competence in English and mathematics An appropriate level of experience of operating in the classroom (or similar) environment with children with SEN who present challenging behaviour Further training or qualifications related to therapy, children & young people, special educational needs and/or leadership & management (desirable)
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Summary
In addition to offering therapy sessions according to their specialism, the therapist will maintain a therapeutic presence across the schools, lead whole-staff training, and serve as an ambassador for the brand and vision. The successful candidate must be a flexible team player capable of offering therapeutic interventions that support children's emotional well-being and learning. They will exemplify best practice, demonstrating the highest levels of support and care for our children. The therapist will leverage their knowledge, skills, and expertise, as well as the experience of other professionals, to work with children presenting challenging behavior and significant, complex social, emotional, and learning needs. The purpose of the role is to collaborate with colleagues (teaching, support, and therapeutic) to maximize progress for children at our specialist independent therapeutic schools. The therapist may work therapeutically one-on-one with a specific child, support a small group, or assist a whole class, depending on the need.
Core Responsibilities
To plan, resource & prepare effective and engaging therapy programmes for children (supported by the teacher and leaders) To liaise professionally with colleagues as appropriate To build positive working relationships with children's families To ensure children responsible for are supervised and safe at all times To plan, lead and deliver whole-staff therapeutic training To ensure that therapy is facilitated ethically, safely and with consent from all parents/carers/children To conduct a range of formal and informal assessments in order to suit a range of purposes To continue to obtain key information on children allocated to the specific therapy, to keep up-to-date with any changes in the child's life and to inform the rest of the therapy/teaching team To adopt a capacity building approach whereby the aim of intervention is to equip staff with the skills to effectively facilitate the development of pupils' communication skills To assist in determining the communicative function of a behaviour and to develop/target goals that will reduce challenging behaviour by providing pupils with a more effective means of communicating To establish functional goals that promote meaningful participation and increased independence To develop, facilitate and monitor the implementation of whole class intervention programs To complete termly therapy reports on children's progress in individual and group therapy sessions To keep accurate and concise therapy notes which are to be stored securely, to ensure confidentiality To facilitate effective, smooth transitions To inform the assistant principal if there are any changes to the therapy timetable To provide levels of support to ensure children can access their learning, identifying their individual needs to tailor their therapeutic programme Work closely with teaching and other members of the therapy team with the development and implementation of therapy progress plans To regularly communicate with families as per the schools' procedures To attend all therapy meetings and open days for parents and carers Attend and participate in regular meetings, training and other learning activities as required, contributing to the overall ethos and aims of the school Attend relevant meetings with fellow professionals, parents and children including leading communication with families at parent/carer open days To organise and attend individual external supervision, that will support the therapist with any therapeutic work carried out in the schools Support the reintegration back into learning following exclusions or extended absence Maintain total confidentiality with regard to children and other information related to the school as stipulated in your contract of employment Be aware of, and comply with, policies and procedures relating to child protection; health and safety; bullying; confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to a senior leader. Be aware of and support differences and ensure all children have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop To comply with any reasonable request from the leadership team to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
PERSON SPECIFICATION (all essential)
Outstanding communication skills (with children, families & professionals) Strong ability to work constructively and collaboratively at all times as part of a unified team Strong ability to work successfully with children with extremely challenging behaviour Reflective & eager to progress professionally Attention to detail, including in terms of presentation, punctuality and supporting the maintenance of an attractive environment for therapy & learning
Knowledge & Understanding
Outstanding knowledge and understanding of therapy (in own specialised field) as well as wider therapies and their applications Understanding of mental health in children, ACEs, trauma and the impact of abuse and mental health difficulties on child development, attachment and behaviour Understanding of child development, learning and children with SEMH and associated SEN Understanding of relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation General understanding of the national curriculum and school provision generally
Qualifications/Training/Experience
At least current degree level, fully qualified therapist in own specialised field & associated registration with appropriate body (i.e. BACP) Experience of working with children & young people in challenging contexts A range of experience in own specialised therapeutic field High level of competence in English and mathematics An appropriate level of experience of operating in the classroom (or similar) environment with children with SEN who present challenging behaviour Further training or qualifications related to therapy, children & young people, special educational needs and/or leadership & management (desirable)
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