Occupational Therapist – Specialist Education Setting

Location: Manchester
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time
Salary: £37,602 - £45,426 (including paid school holidays) + excellent benefits

Our client is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to join their clinical team at a brand-new specialist school opening in September 2026. This exciting opportunity offers the chance to be part of the school's development from the very beginning, helping to shape outstanding therapeutic provision for children and young people with additional needs.

The school is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art specialist school that will cater for up to 72 pupils aged 6-16 years with a range of needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Individual pupil progress, wellbeing, and care are at the heart of everything the school delivers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality occupational therapy assessments and interventions for children and young people with complex needs.
• Deliver individualised, outcome-focused therapeutic programmes based on clinical assessment and formulation.
• Support the creation of therapeutic learning environments that promote engagement, independence, and positive outcomes.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary clinical team alongside educational and residential colleagues.
• Embed therapeutic approaches and strategies throughout the school environment.
• Provide consultation, workshops, training, and guidance to education staff and wider teams.
• Support pupils with developmental trauma, neurodevelopmental conditions, and special educational needs.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the school's clinical services and therapeutic model.

Requirements:

• HCPC registered Occupational Therapist.
• Experience delivering therapeutic interventions for children and young people with complex needs.
• Experience supporting teams around a child or young person to create clinically informed learning and living environments.
• Strong understanding of autism, SEMH, developmental trauma, and neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Excellent communication, training, and leadership skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Why Join Our Client?

• Competitive salary of £37,602 - £45,426, including paid school holidays.
• Full school holiday entitlement, including bank holidays.
• Full induction and ongoing training programme.
• Industry-leading clinical development and career progression opportunities.
• Access to regular supervision and support from a network of over 220 multidisciplinary clinical professionals.
• Flexible benefits package, including options to tailor benefits to your needs.
• Employee wellbeing support and assistance programmes.
• Healthcare cash plan covering expenses such as dental and optical treatments.
• Access to a range of high-street discounts and employee benefits.
• £1,000 refer-a-friend bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to work within a brand-new, purpose-built specialist school with excellent facilities.