Occupational Therapist

Caudwell Children; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A child-focused charity in the UK is looking for an experienced Occupational Therapist to join their growing team. This role involves delivering high-quality therapy to support children with various needs. Responsibilities include assessments, intervention planning, and close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Competitive salary based on experience is offered, and informal homeworking options are available.

Qualifications

• Experience in designing and delivering face-to-face and remote learning programmes.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads efficiently.
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary agencies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify strengths and barriers.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions focused on daily occupational performance.
• Produce clear reports and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to work with children

Teaching or coaching experience

Knowledge of autism and SEND

Education

Relevant teaching qualification

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our dedicated, experienced and growing team of professionals as we embark on a journey of expansion.

This is an exciting opportunity to deliver high-quality, evidence-based Occupational Therapy for children and young people with physical needs, medical conditions, and neurodevelopmental differences who require support to participate in their daily occupations.

The role involves:

• Assessment, formulation, and delivery of occupation-focused interventions.
• Supporting children, young people, and families on the Caudwell Children OT pathway.
• Working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) alongside Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Learning Disability Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists, Paediatricians, Clinical Assistants, Assistant Psychologists, and volunteers.
• Close partnership with Caudwell Children’s internal departments, including Children & Family Services, Applications, and Volunteers.

About Caudwell Children

Caudwell Children aims to change people’s lives, change the way society perceives and treats disabled and autistic people and change the way that charities operate, through the provision of child-centred practical and emotional services, passionate campaigning and demonstrating best practice. We believe in a world where disabled and autistic children have the choice, opportunity, dignity and understanding they deserve #jointhechange and help us in our mission!

Our facilities provide a state-of-the-art base within the grounds of Keele University, Staffordshire, with the option of informal homeworking arrangements (up to 2 days a week from home) after passing probation.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

1. Pre-Assessment

• Assist in screening and triage of referrals.
• Review pre-assessment information to guide decision-making.
• Respond to enquiries from caregivers, referrers, and other stakeholders.
• Promote the Caudwell Children OT service to colleagues and the wider community.

2. Assessment & Evaluation

• Conduct comprehensive assessments using standardised tools (e.g. MABC-2, Beery VMI, Sensory Profile 2).
• Analyse findings to identify strengths and barriers to occupational performance.
• Apply clinical reasoning to inform decisions around potential neurodevelopmental diagnoses and onward referrals.
• Develop tailored recommendations and strategies to support occupational performance.

3. Intervention Planning & Delivery

• Deliver skilled, evidence-based interventions including:
  • Occupational Performance Coaching (for caregivers).
  • Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP).
  • Functional skills training.
• Focus on meaningful daily occupations such as handwriting, self-care, feeding, and play
• Promote participation in school, home, and community settings.
• Provide advice, training, and support to caregivers, schools, and professionals.
• Communicate effectively using a range of methods (reports, meetings, video calls, presentations).

5. Documentation & Reporting

• Produce clear, reasoned reports (including risk analysis where relevant to DSM-5 criteria).
• Maintain accurate records in line with HCPC, RCOT, and organisational standards.
• Contribute to the development of clinical record systems.

6. Professional Development

• Maintain up-to-date CPD records and HCPC registration.
• Participate in supervision, training, audit, and research. Support the development of the OT service and wider clinical practice.
• Provide supervision for students and assistants.

7. Customer Care & Safeguarding

• Involve children and families in programme planning and evaluation.
• Respect autonomy, culture, and diversity in all interactions.
• Ensure confidentiality, GDPR compliance, and safeguarding procedures are followed.

8. Health & Safety

• Take responsibility for own health and safety and that of others.
• Follow safe handling and infection control practices.
• Report concerns in line with policies and procedures.

9. Resource Management

• Use resources responsibly and maintain stock levels. Support recruitment, induction, and retention of staff as appropriate.

10. General

• Comply with RCOT, HCPC, and organisational standards.
• Work flexibly and collaboratively as part of the MDT.
• Uphold Caudwell Children’s mission, vision, and values.

Person Specification

• Teaching qualification or coaching/training qualification/experience.
• Good literacy, communication and IT skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of children, young people and families with SEND including autism.
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
• A positive ‘can-do’ attitude with a flexible approach to work.
• Able to meet the physical requirements of the role after reasonable adjustments have been made for illness or disability.
• Experience of designing and delivering face to face and remote learning programmes in a range of settings.
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Experience of working in the Third Sector.
• Experience of working in CQC and ISO regulated organisations.
• Experience of working with volunteers.

This Job Description is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to carry out any other task as deemed appropriate for the level and responsibilities of the post.

Disclosure & barring service checks

The Charity is committed to safeguarding children and young people and therefore adopts a safer recruitment approach through a robust recruitment and selection process. All posts within the Charity are subject to DBS checks, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This role is eligible for an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

Caudwell Children is a Disability Confident employer committed to offering an interview to all applicants who meet the minimum criteria and declare they have a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and will not discriminate for any reason against any person because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background and other underrepresented groups.

Location:

Caudwell International Children’s Centre (CICC). Informal homeworking arrangements available up to 40% of working week.

Competitive depending on qualifications and experience

Hours:

Full-time (37.5 hours per week), although part-time will be considered at a minimum of 3 days