Occupational Therapist

ERS provides specialist support within a small and caring environment for our pupils, many of whom have additional needs.

We are seeking a fully qualified and experienced Occupational Therapist to join our multi-disciplinary team to work with pupils across the school.   The successful candidate will be required to assess and provide individual therapy, write  programmes, for children covering a broad range of needs, which include DCD/Dyspraxia, Autistic Spectrum Conditions, physical/medical needs and sensory processing difficulties, as well as other diagnoses/difficulties. Previous experience with Report writing and attendance at Annual Reviews is beneficial.  Understanding of and interest in Sensory Processing is an advantage.

You will join a friendly and cohesive integrated teaching and therapy team.  To be considered for this role, you must be registered with the British Association of Occupational Therapists, have HPC registration and have experience of working with similar services.

Egerton Rothesay School is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Job Purpose

• To identify and assess pupils with occupational therapy needs in relation to accessing learning

• To provide individual or group 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 provide peer support/mentoring for other members of the team

• To be an active and committed member of a multi-disciplinary team within school

Specific Responsibilities

The following responsibilities should always be undertaken in accordance with school policy

Students

• Be committed to ensuring that pupils can achieve their full educational potential

• Establish fair, respectful, trusting, supportive and constructive relationships with pupils.

• Be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of intervention programmes according to professional standards.

• Provide individual or group therapy consistent with the outcomes focused approach in the child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and/or Individual Pupil Plan (IPP). 

• Contribute to the drawing up of pupils’ IPPs and progress reports. 

• Demonstrate the positive values, attitudes and behaviour expected from pupils within the school and adopt high standards of professional behaviour.

Curriculum

• Ensure teachers and LSAs are provided with sufficient knowledge, direction and support to enable good quality learning by children with identified occupational therapy needs to take place within lessons.

 Ethos

• Set an example of excellent professional standards at all times.

• Ensure personal endeavour and responsibility are encouraged.

• Ensure that equality of rights and opportunity is maintained for all and that neither individuals nor groups are disadvantaged by school provision

• Support the development of the school’s Christian ethos within the Senior School.

• Ensure that the department is tidy and well cared for by all users.

Records

• Monitor and evaluate pupils’ progress and keep meaningful records.

• Compile, maintain and file all records and reports and records in line with the College Of Occupational Therapists published standards and in accordance with school policy

• Ensure continuity of progression for pupils through exchanging pupil records and liaising with other members of staff.

• Complete reports on pupil’s progress and achievement as necessary for annual reviews of pupils with an EHCP and termly reviews of IPPs.

• Assist the SENCo in coordinating and monitoring records and reports for annual statement reviews and attending review meetings

Staff Development

• Assist and help teachers in the identification of pupils with occupational therapy needs.

• In consultation with the Headteacher and SENCo, develop and deliver in-service training for teaching, support staff and parents as required.

• Act as a resource for staff and promote understanding of occupational therapy needs and their impact on the child’s development and educational performance.

• Contribute to the implementation and evaluation of new developments within the school related to the occupational therapy needs of pupils.

• Attend meetings and training days as required by the Headteacher.

• Evaluate personal performance and be committed to improving practice through appropriate professional development. 

• Be open to opportunities for personal development through working with and alongside others, the giving and taking of informal advice and support, coaching and mentoring.

Liaison and Accountability

• Establish and maintain good relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.

• Liaise closely with teachers to ensure that, where possible, therapy reinforces and supports work done within the classroom.

• Collaborate with teachers in the planning and implementation of class-based activities for pupils identified as having occupational therapy needs.

• Attend parents’ meetings and provide information about attainment and progress both verbally and in written reports as required.

• Provide a report for, and attend the Annual Review of any pupils with an Education, Health and Care plan relating to occupational therapy needs.

• Refer pupils for additional assessment as appropriate after discussion with the SENCo and having liaised with other relevant staff.

• Monitor equipment and resources with the occupational therapy team and advise the SENCo of requirements regarding new therapy materials.

• Promote the school at all times, performing duties that will benefit the school as reasonably required by the Headteacher.

This job description will be subject to review and amendment from time to time, after consultation with and at the discretion of the Headteacher.