Our client is a non-selective school in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, with a mainstream curriculum catering for children in years 3 - 13. We provide the necessary support to access this curriculum for pupils who need specialist input within school because of a specific educational need - such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, speech and language needs or an autistic spectrum condition.

J114665
Lead Occupational Therapist
Salary: £40150 - 34 weeks, term time only
Location: Hertfordshire
Hours: Full time
Client Group: Special School.

Job Role:

The Lead Occupational Therapist is responsible for:
* Leading the internal organisation of the Occupational Therapy department, under the direction of the SMT and in accordance with the policies of the school's governing body and statutory and legal requirements
* Working with the Leads of other Specialist /Therapy teams to continue to develop multi-disciplinary working and integrated practice across the school.
* To provide supervision, support and line management for junior members of the team to maintain and develop high standards of Occupational Therapy practice across the school and to identify training needs relevant to the development of the skills set of the team in this setting
* Contributing towards the ethos of the school, especially through the provision of appropriate interventions for each child, which enables them to make good academic progress and provides a positive educational experience
* Contributing to the strategic planning of the service towards delivery of an integrated 'best practice' provision
* To identify and assess pupils with occupational therapy needs in relation to accessing learning
* To provide individual therapy for pupils with identified occupational therapy needs
* To support teachers and support staff within the school in order to facilitate pupils' performance throughout the school day
* To work as part of a small team of Occupational Therapists and to arrange clinical supervision/peer support/mentoring for other members of the team
* To set standards of report writing and record keeping according to purpose
* To be an active and committed member of a multi-disciplinary team within school
* To write client-centred programmes
* To contribute to the development and care of resources

Specific Responsibilities can be found in the JD.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and skills

Essential:
E
* Good first degree or post graduate degree in Occupational Therapy.
* Registered member of the Health Professions Council and the British Association of Occupational Therapists.
* At least 3 years' experience with a paediatric caseload, ideally in an educational setting
* Knowledge and experience of Sensory Integration at least at Module 1 level

Desirable:

* At least three years' experience of working with school aged children within an educational s
* Familiarity with the SEND Code of Practice, statutory processes and the National Curriculum.
* Experience of managing a team, ideally in an educational setting
* Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team

Skills & Knowledge:

Ability to plan and evaluate therapy for individual children with a range of needs, including those with DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder), ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder), physical/medical/neurological needs and sensory processing difficulties.
Ability to use standardised and non-standardised tests to assess pupil's needs and determine suitable provision accordingly.
Ability to communicate effectively with children, staff and parents both verbally and in writing, including the writing of final reports.
Ability to keep records and work in a consistent and organised way
A commitment to further professional development.
A recognition of boundaries of own expertise and the need to seek advice.
An ability to use own initiative and be pro-active in adopting a problem solving approach

Personal Qualities Essential:

Ability to develop positive relationships with children.
Ability to establish positive working relationships with other members of staff and to work as part of a team.
Ability to work effectively with parents.
Ability to give and take advice in a sensitive and reflective manner.
Ability to show patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
Self -motivated and the ability to work flexibly.
Supportive towards the aims and Christian ethos of the School.

For more information please contact parul.patel@justot.co.uk