About this role
Job summary
Successful candidates will join the Children's Integrated Therapy Team, supporting Occupational Therapy services for children and young people with a wide range of needs, including complex disabilities.
Working as a trained and supported practitioner, the post holder will manage a designated caseload and deliver therapy programmes across homes, clinics and schools. Following training, they will undertake assessments and contribute to personalised intervention plans that promote participation, independence and inclusion.
The post holder will work closely with families, schools and partner agencies to support inclusive mainstream education, promote earlier identification of need and help children and young people access support at the right time. They will contribute to therapy provision within Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and support service developments aligned with SEND reform.
The role will contribute to the delivery of the Experts at Hand programme, supporting education staff to build confidence in meeting the needs of children and young people with additional needs in mainstream settings.
The post holder will also support training, prepare clinical resources, use IT systems, undertake administrative duties and work with specialist equipment. Regular supervision and professional support will be provided to support ongoing learning and development.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will provide ongoing support to children and young people on a designated caseload, delivering therapy programmes and interventions with increasing independence and under the guidance of qualified therapists as required.
They will manage and prioritise their workload, supporting children and young people with complex disabilities and health needs. The role involves carrying out observations and assessments, adapting activities to meet individual needs, and contributing to therapy plans and reviews.
The post holder will work within departmental guidelines to deliver therapy programmes, run groups and complete screening tools, while maintaining accurate clinical records and providing regular feedback to therapists.
They will work collaboratively with families, carers and other professionals, sharing advice and information to support the care and development of children and young people and help achieve the best possible outcomes.
The post holder will support the delivery of the Experts at Hand and SEND work programmes by working alongside therapists, education settings and partner agencies to promote inclusive practice within mainstream schools. They will contribute to the early identification of children's needs, help implement therapy recommendations within educational settings, and support staff, families and carers to enable positive outcomes, participation and access to learning for children and young people with additional needs.
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 licence and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.
We anticipate recruiting to our Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship Programme in Spring 2027, and successful candidates may have the opportunity to apply for this pathway as part of their future career development.
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.
We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the supporting statement element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application.
The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values.
Person Specification
Relevant Qualifications and Experience Essential
Has worked with children or desire to work with children. Relevant NVQ III/B Tech/ A-levels OR Significant relevant prior experience in a health or educational setting AND Comprehensive relevant work experience
Desirable
Experience working in the NHS or in Nurseries or schools
Communication and organisation skills Essential
Able to communicate clearly and effectively with children, families, schools, and professionals. Able to organise workload, manage time, and maintain accurate written records.
Desirable
Good IT skills and confidence using digital systems and software. Awareness of the roles of other professionals within a multi-disciplinary team.
Personal qualities and suitability for the role Essential
Able to work well as part of a team and use initiative appropriately. Able to remain flexible and manage the emotional demands of working with children and young people with complex needs.
Desirable
Demonstrates reflective practice and knows when to seek support. Experience or awareness of supporting children with sensory, behavioural, communication, or physical 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.
Employer details Employer name Oxford Health NHS Trust
Address TBC - various across Oxford Health sites
Oxfordshire
OX141AG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)