Occupational Therapist - August 2024

Kings’ School Al Barsha is inviting applications for a driven and passionate Occupational Therapist to join our growing department setting high expectations for pupils within a bespoke classroom. You will produce a language rich and exciting environment for pupils to make progress with a high focus on communication and interaction skills, social skills, and emotional regulation. You will lead two learning support assistants to provide appropriate support to the pupils in your class.

Kings’ School Al Barsha believes in achieving the Best by Every Child. We provide world class opportunities inside and outside the classroom that allow all students to succeed and thrive, both now and in the future. Success will look different for different students. In our inclusive school, achieving Results the Right Way means that all students have their academic, pastoral and extra-curricular needs met and potential maximized.   

Ultimately, we know that we are educating the future leaders of our world. Consequently, we aim to foster the values that will generate young people ready to make a positive impact on the world around them. 

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Occupational Therapy and a postgraduate qualification in Sensory integration.
• English speaker.
• A minimum of two years post-qualification experience.
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license or eligibility letter.
• Experience of working as part of an educational team, within a special needs school setting in the UK, Ireland, Australia, or US.
• Experience of working with children with Special Education Needs & Disabilities (SEND) particularly Autism, communication disorders and emotional regulation disorders.
• Experience in training staff.
• Well-established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to a paediatric population
• Experienced in the assessment and treatment of Sensory Integration Dysfunction (min 1-year post qualified experience is a must).
• Preferable experience using Sensory profiles, Sensory Processing Measure, BeeryVMI, Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC), Test of Visual Perceptual Skills (TVPS) Ayres’ CLinical Observations, Griffiths.
• Experience delivering Life Skills Lessons.
• Preferable experience in using PECS, Makaton, DIR Floortime, Intensive Interaction, the SCERTS system, ASDAN (Desirable). 
• Experience delivering group and individual therapy.

Job Responsibilities

• Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Create, monitor and evaluate SMART targets termly for IEPs.
• Assessment of students with Special Educational Needs particularly Autism and Communication Disorders from 3-18years.
• Demonstration of clinical effectiveness by the use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures.
• Contribution to the development of Individual Educational Plans/ Therapy Plans.
• Formulation of specific intervention plans for children in the alternative pathways, ensuring OT targets are incorporated within the student’s educational context.
• Provision of written programmes and lesson plans to support therapy including demonstration of identified targets.
• Support for parents of children with fine and gross motor disorders along with sensory integration disorders to encourage occupational therapy development at home. 
• Advising teaching and learning support staff regarding strategies and modifications which can be implemented in the classroom.
• Provision of training and programmes for teaching and support staff to carry out with students.
• Supporting the provision to ensure outstanding support for students with Level 2-3 (substantial support) Autism, working alongside specialist staff.
• Supporting students’ needs within the context of their day-to-day learning including the development of their Life Skills.
• Demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development and acquisition of up-to-date skills and knowledge. 

Other Qualities

• Work effectively both autonomously and in a team setting.
• Build good working relationships with children, teachers, parents, carers and leaders.
• Manage time and caseload effectively.
• Be able to plan group sessions in advance to share with teachers and LSA’s.
• Demonstrate initiative and be flexible.
• Work with families from different nationalities and languages whilst having an understanding and empathy for cultural differences.
• Travel between sites to meet the needs of the service.
• Recognize own professional boundaries and seek advice and support as appropriate.

Possess:

• Self-confidence and flexibility.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge and experience of using both hi and low tech AAC devices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

How to apply: Candidates are to apply directly through the Kings’ WebHR portal. 

The closing date for applications is 30th May 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and we reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date. Successful applicants will take up their position in August 2024.

**Please Note: The school takes safeguarding children very seriously and any offer of employment is subject to rigorous checks, including but not limited to;

• A verified passport copy.
• Three satisfactory references.
• Attestation of qualification certificates.
• DBS/Police checks.