Occupational Therapist

About the role

• Work in close partnership with families to undertake assessments in relation to occupational therapy needs in the home setting.
• To provide high quality assessments within the statutory responsibilities of Children and Families Act 2014, Children Act 1989 and 2004 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 and 1986.
• Have led responsibility for all aspects of Occupational Therapy (OT) provision within CYPDS which will include
• managing statutory OT assessments in the home environment.
• Manage a varied complexity caseload at differing stages of intervention,
• Triage all new referrals for OT assessment prioritising according to need and manage a caseload that covers advice and guidance, provision of equipment or home adaptations.
• Lead on provision and purchasing of OT equipment and resources to meet assessed needs. Manage resources within a set budget allocation following funding approval with follow up reviews for use.
• Be responsible for ensuring that all processes relating to OT service provision within the service are working well without unnecessary bureaucracy and delays for families. Review all such processes regularly to ensure integrated practice.

For further information or for an informal chat please reach out to Christine Green via email: christine.green@achievingforchildren.org.uk

About you

• Qualified Occupational Therapist, registered with the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC)
• Experience of working with children and young people with SEN/Disabilities and their families.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in relevant areas or suitable transferable skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation, statutory frameworks and policy affecting services for children, young
• people and families in relation to SEND, in particular a good understanding of the Children Act 1989 and the Children
• and Families Act 2014 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1070 and 1986
• A good knowledge of safeguarding legislation related to disabled children, young people and their families.
• Extensive experience of working with children and young people with SEND and their families coupled with a good
• understanding of needs.
• Experience of building and maintaining successful relationships with a range of influencers, including schools
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work across several service areas.
• Proven ability to network, build relationships and influence others.
• Ability to work as part of an effective and supportive team.

About our benefits

We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:

• 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
• Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
• Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
• Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• A range of staff benefits and discounts
• An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway

To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children click here. For our social work offer click here. For our Recruitment Journey, click here.

Important Information

Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.

Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.

Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

For more information about AfC: Drop in and meet Regina on the first Wednesday of every month at Civic Centre, Twickenham.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.