Occupational Therapist

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

At Fair Ways we believe in making a difference through passionate care, support and education. Together we aim to build an institution that makes a difference to society and leaves a legacy greater than ourselves and our contributions. Our values sit at the heart of everything we do; we measure our wealth by the difference we make, rather than the profit we make. Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential and Family services and cares for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year.

Where and when do we need you?

Fair Ways is committed to fostering a trauma informed therapeutic culture that makes a positive difference. To support that commitment, we are looking for a confident, professional and pro-active Occupational Therapist to join our Therapeutic Hub. The primary purpose of this role is to support Fair Ways in its ambition to be trauma informed and to help embed a united, evidence-based, systemic approach that works to enhance the quality and impact of the care and support we provide. This role may offer the potential to be funded to train to be a Sensory Integration Practitioner pending completion of the successful candidates Introduction Phase and 1 year of service.

As an occupational Therapist with Fair Ways you will:

• Devise and implement sensory strategies - Recognise the sensory differences of young people within Fair Ways and to implement sensory strategies as part of our trauma informed approach. This will be achieved through supporting training and consultation to staff across Fair Ways services relating to Occupational Therapy. Allowing staff to support young people in feeling safe in developing relationships, learning to be co-regulated and developing understanding around their emotions.
• Providing Evidence Based Support – You will identify the most appropriate pathways for young people through the undertaking of therapeutic needs assessments and Occupational Therapy assessments for children and young people across ASD and SEMH schools, residential homes and the Family Centre. You will be creative in modifying assessments and therapeutic interventions to get the best outcome for clients within their current environments. This will lead you to clearly formulate their needs and clearly communicate Hub recommendations to the child's wider network.
• Safeguarding and Risk Management - You will support referrals and interventions following Hub assessment (including assessment of risk) based on individual need alongside systemic understanding in order to support a 'team around the relationship' approach to service delivery. You will support the Hub's assessment and duty rota as part of the Multi Disciplinary Team. This will allow staff to support young people in feeling safe in developing relationships, learning to be co-regulated and developing understanding around their emotions so that they can access further therapeutic intervention safely.
• Promoting Positive Outcomes - As a Fair Ways Occupational Therapist you will manage a caseload of young people with complex needs as well as having oversight of sensory interventions across the company. This will be achieved through reflective supervisions, contributions in team meetings and consultation in professional meetings, both internally and externally, using outcome measures in evaluating quality across the service. You will provide debriefs to staff across Fair Ways after risk events. You will support Fair Ways vision to become an environment where recovery from trauma is possible and in helping young people to define and achieve their own goals.

What are the required skills and experience are we looking for?

Essential

• Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and current registration with HCPC.
• Experience of undertaking OT and therapeutic needs assessments and autonomous case load management Experience of liaising across health, education and social care.
• Highly organised, methodical and able to manage workload effectively, including working independently.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills to both internal teams and external agencies.
• Reliable, enthusiastic, and creative, showing innovative problem-solving skills.
• Has the ability to promote a positive and constructive environment.

Desirable

• Post qualification experience and knowledge of developmental trauma Interest in developing knowledge in complex trauma and sensory integration

This role will be 22.5 hours PW worked flexibly throughout the week, working pattern can be discussed. The role will be undertaken as a hybrid position with 1 day per week in the Hub office and the rest within relevant services as required. All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by Fair Ways. Fair Ways are unable to provide VISA sponsorship for this role and all applicants will need to be able to provide evidence of right to work in the UK.

Let us look after you!

At Fair Ways, we care about your well-being, here is what we currently offer to our dedicated team:

• Exciting Opportunities: Participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes, such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekends away, luxury hampers, £1000 fostering referral scheme and vouchers. Experience a workplace that celebrates your contributions.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Holiday Accrual Scheme, an extra day of annual leave as a ‘wellbeing day’ and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days). We value your time and offer flexibility to accommodate your existing commitments.
• Health and Support: Benefit from Simply Health, our health cash plan, and access to our Employee Assistance Scheme, providing emergency financial assistance and 24/7 counselling services. Access your salary when you need it with Early Pay – The ability to withdraw an amount of your salary early each month to assist with any unforeseen circumstances.
• Growth and Development: Progress and develop in your career with excellent support from an employer committed to ensuring you reach your goals. Unlock your potential with our Education Grant, offering funding for accreditation up to master's level. Engage in leadership courses to enhance your skills and progress in your career.
• Wellbeing Matters: Experience team-building days, summer festivals, and well-being initiatives, promoting a positive work environment. Take advantage of discounted gym memberships and a cycle-to-work scheme to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Recognition and Rewards: Be appreciated for your dedication through annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards. Build a secure future with our pension scheme and gain eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
• Supportive Community: Be part of our diverse workforce that embraces all communities. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to contribute to our inclusive and vibrant culture.

*Benefits may differ dependant on contract type.

Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!

If you're passionate about making a difference and are ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and be a part of something amazing at Fair Ways. Join our team and help shape brighter futures!

*Fair Ways reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.