We are looking for a passionate and child-centred Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the Words First community, working within a specialist autism and complex needs school supporting children and young people aged 5–16.
At Words First, we are proud of our strong reputation across schools and our commitment to high-quality, neurodivergent-affirming practice. Our therapists work as part of a warm, supportive and highly skilled multidisciplinary community, with opportunities to collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists and other professionals across the wider organisation.
This role is ideal for an OT who enjoys working within education settings and wants to make a genuine difference to children and young people with complex profiles.
About the Role
You will work within a specialist school environment supporting pupils with autism and complex needs across primary and secondary age ranges. The role will include a combination of assessment, intervention, environmental adaptation, staff collaboration and functional support within the school day.
You will:
- Deliver occupational therapy assessment and intervention within a specialist school setting
- Support children and young people with sensory processing, regulation, motor, functional and participation needs
- Work closely with teaching staff, families and the wider multidisciplinary team
- Embed strategies into everyday classroom routines and school life
- Contribute to EHCP advice and annual reviews
- Support school staff through coaching, modelling and training
- Use a neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed and child-centred approach to practice
- Be part of a wider OT and interdisciplinary team at Words First with regular supervision and CPD
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a degree in Occupational Therapy
- Is HCPC registered
- Has experience working with children and young people
- Has experience supporting autistic children and/or children with complex needs
- Has strong written and verbal communication skills
- Is collaborative, reflective and proactive
- Is passionate about inclusive practice and making a difference within schools
Why Join Words First?
At Words First, we care deeply about creating a supportive environment for both the children we work with and the professionals in our team.
We offer:
- A warm and supportive company culture
- Structured supervision and mentoring
- Extensive CPD opportunities and specialist pathways
- Opportunities to develop clinical interests and leadership skills
- A diverse team with therapists from around the world bringing a wide range of perspectives and experience
- Regular team events and social opportunities
- Innovation and interdisciplinary working at the heart of practice
- Career progression pathways across clinical specialism, leadership, research and service development
- A chance to be part of a company committed to #MakingADifferenceToLivesEverySingleDay
If you are looking for a role where you can grow professionally while making a real impact in schools, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £41,000.00-£48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee mentoring programme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
- UK visa sponsorship
Work Location: In person
