Occupational Therapist

During this exciting period of rapid growth, we now require additional staff to join our team! We are a bespoke independent special school based in Chester city centre and we encourage suitably qualified individuals with a passion for SEND who align with our values and vision to contact us.

We believe that education is the key to a better life, and that all children and young people are entitled to an effective education that enables them to achieve their full potential, regardless of the degree of special educational need or disability. Together, we are unlocking potential and enhancing the lives of children and young people with special educational needs. 

About the School

Abbey School is an independent special school based in Chester for children and young persons aged 4-19 years with autism whom may have additional learning difficulties and behaviours that challenge families and services.

Our school is expanding- our pupil cohort is increasing, and our staff teams are growing to support our new pupils who are due to start with us. 

About the post

This is a permanent, full-time post, and we are seeking to appoint as soon as possible.

You will join our in-house team of therapists to support our pupils.

The post-holder will:

• Provide occupational therapy support to children and young people aged 4-19 with autism whom may have additional learning difficulties and behaviours that challenge within a day and residential special school setting.

• Work as part of a trans-disciplinary team ensuring each pupil’s needs are understood, accurately planned for and closely monitored.

• Advise members of the teaching team in relation to pupils’ development to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

• Provide both direct and indirect therapy for individuals and groups of pupils.

• Provide advice and support to Abbey School social care staff for residential pupils.

• Uphold Abbey School policies to protect and safeguard pupils and vulnerable adults in order to secure their health, safety and wellbeing.

For further information please download our recruitment pack which contains details of the job description and person specification.

Why work for us?

We are a supportive learning organisation with a strong commitment to staff development and well-being. As a member of our team you will be engaged in innovation and discovery. 

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Suite of staff benefits including pension scheme
• Technology appropriate for your job
• Comprehensive staff training programme
• Access to WeCare which is a 24/7 online GP, mental health support service, get fit programme and much more.
• Access to MediCash program for wellbeing benefits
• The opportunity to shape and improve the life chances of pupils with a disability, and in so doing, extend the prospect of an improved quality of life for family members and others

How to apply

If you feel as though you have the right qualities to join our exciting, innovative and exceptional school then please read our recruitment pack which contains a full job description and person specification, and complete our application form below. These documents can also be found at https://www.abbeyschool.com/occupational-therapist/

Application forms and letters can be emailed to recruitment@abbeyschool.com or sent by post to Abbey School, 10-11 Abbey Square, Chester, CH1 2HU.

Please be advised that we only accept fully completed application forms. Please complete an application form at your earliest convenience.

Applicants shortlisted for interview will be asked to complete an in-tray task prior to interview.

For more information please visit www.abbeyschool.com

The School will complete an online search for all shortlisted candidates. If any incidents or issues have happened that are publicly available online, the school may wish to explore this at interview.

Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Child safer recruitment procedures operate and the post is subject to references and an Enhanced DBS disclosure with barred list checks.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are ‘spent’ unless ‘protected’ under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, sex, pregnancy and maternity, marriage/civil partnerships, religion/belief, or sexual orientation.