Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist

Who we are:

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.

We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.

What we can offer you:

• Pension scheme
• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan)
• Access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme
• Access to the Headspace App

We are passionate about supporting autistic people into work, and particularly welcome applications from autistic people. We help autistic people from all backgrounds and strive to represent the same diversity in our staff and volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from all minority groups, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. Together, we can create a society that works for autistic people.

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking a Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist to work with our dedicated transdisciplinary team to support our students across our school.

To be considered for this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for supporting pupils with a diagnosis of Autism and have excellent verbal, and written communication skills. You will be flexible in your working practice and a good team player. We are looking to appoint a confident and skilled professional who is committed to developing their expertise and specialism within the field.

You will be actively involved in staff training and there will also be the opportunity to increase your knowledge and skills through participation in team and wider NAS continuing professional development programmes with regular individual and group supervision opportunities.

You will be expected to work largely on your own initiative and be confident in representing Occupational Therapy within annual reviews and team meetings. You will line manage junior OT staff and work collaboratively with the Team to ensure the schools values are met and exceeded.

You must hold a recognised Occupational Therapy qualification and be registered with the HCPC.

We need you to be resilient, supportive and sensitive towards the needs of autistic people.

Along with a host of benefits and a competitive pension scheme - we’ll make sure you get excellent autism-specific training to help further your career.

We are looking for someone:

• With a recognised Occupational Therapy Degree/Diploma
• Health and Care Professionals Council Registration
• Registered Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapists
• To use professional autonomy and be informed by EHCP’s to assess, develop and implement highly specialist occupational therapy intervention across the school.
• To work within a transdisciplinary approach across the school.
• To provide advice within the context of PBS regarding the management of students with sensory, motor difficulties and behaviours that challenge.
• To attend progress meetings/parent evenings, in conjunction with teachers and other members of transdisciplinary team
• To participate in the planning, organising and delivering of training internally as required
• Participate and deliver external courses/presentations where required and as appropriate to knowledge base.
• To maintain and further develop own clinical skills in line with current evidence-based practice. Maintain CPD in-line with RCOT standards.

Main Job Responsibilities:

• To provide a highly specialist clinical service to students across the school sites.
• To work as an integrated member of the transdisciplinary team.
• To be responsible for the assessment, treatment, implementation and documentation of Occupational therapy interventions within a nominated caseload.
• To work collaboratively with all staff in order to ensure occupational therapy is integrated into curriculum planning and delivery.
• To be responsible for performance management of identified team member

For further information please read the Job Description. 

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

You can view the Safeguarding Children Policy. 

We are an equal opportunities employer.