About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Band 6 Specialist Children's Occupational Therapist to join our Children's Integrated Therapies (CIT) Service. This is an exciting opportunity to combine specialist clinical practice with leadership, service development and partnership working to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The post holder will provide specialist occupational therapy assessment, intervention and care planning for children and young people with developmental, physical and sensory needs across home, education and community settings. Working within a multidisciplinary team, they will manage a complex caseload, contribute to Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and deliver evidence-based interventions that promote participation, independence and inclusion.
A key aspect of the role is supporting the delivery of the Experts at Hand programme, working with education settings, local authority colleagues and SEND partners to strengthen inclusive mainstream education.
They will contribute to SEND reform and service development, helping to improve educational participation, wellbeing and outcomes through integrated, preventative approaches across Oxfordshire.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide specialist occupational therapy assessments and interventions for children and young people with complex occupational needs, using advanced clinical reasoning to develop and review individualised care plans. They will work across schools, clinics, homes and community settings, ensuring interventions are evidence based and focused on meaningful outcomes for children and families.
The role includes responsibility for managing a specialist caseload, contributing to EHCP processes, attending multidisciplinary meetings and producing high-quality reports and recommendations. The post holder will provide consultation, advice and training to families, education staff and partner agencies to support participation, independence and inclusion.
Working at Band 6 level, the post holder will act as a clinical leader within the team, providing supervision, support and guidance to junior colleagues, students and support staff. They will contribute to service improvement, audit and quality initiatives, ensuring practice reflects current evidence and professional standards.
The post holder will also work with schools, local authority teams and SEND partners to strengthen inclusive mainstream provision, support earlier identification of occupational needs and contribute to local SEND reforms, helping to improve educational participation and outcomes for children and young people.
About us
Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.
As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
o Excellent opportunities for career progressiono Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and developmento 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous serviceo NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailerso Competitive pension schemeo Lease car schemeo Cycle to work schemeo Employee Assistance Programmeo Mental Health First Aiderso Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply)o Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Job description Job responsibilities
Applicants must have a full valid driving license and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.
We are recruiting as part of the new Experts at Hand programme and therefore will have a rolling recruitment offer over the next 3 years. If you are not successful this time, please do get in contact and we will be happy to discuss your application for future roles.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Diploma / degree in Occupational Therapy HCPC registration Evidence of CPD maintained within a portfolio Member of the RCOT
Desirable
MSc/post graduate diploma Member of RCOT Special Interest Groups Specialty specific post graduate courses
Experience Essential
Post graduate experience including a range of clinical placements within the NHS which includes paediatric services Experience of Therapy Outcome Measures, TOMs and specific assessment tools for children Experience of managing and prioritising a caseload Understanding of the statutory / legal requirements for working within the specialty including a working knowledge of the SEND code of practice Experience of contributing to education of children, young people, families, colleagues in health and education settings Demonstrates excellent presentation skills to deliver reports verbal and written information including being an expert witness for SENIST appeals Demonstrates well established knowledge of legislation, national policies and procedures relevant to children and young people.
Desirable
Experience at Band 6 level Community paediatric experience including working in schools Involvement in audit or research Experience of line management of staff Knowledge of consultation, partnership working and capacity-building approaches that support inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children and young people with additional needs
Contractual requirements Essential
Applicants must have a full valid driving license and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Oxford Health NHS Trust
Address TBC - various across Oxford Health sites
Oxfordshire
OX14 1AG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)