Occupational Therapist

Arco Academy is a registered independent alternative provision school with sports as a specialism. In the heart of Camberwell, London, Arco Academy educates students referred by mainstream schools and the Local Authority. We emphasise pastoral care and take a holistic approach towards education. 

We aim to enhance the academic, well-being and personal growth of all students of all abilities. 

We are committed to high-quality education and promoting our vision to unleash the potential in all our students by providing a creative and tailor-made curriculum. 

Every student is allowed to learn, achieve and succeed to their highest potential. Consequently, we work diligently towards meeting the learning needs of our students. This includes encouraging sports participation, developing essential life skills, and nurturing a positive relationship within the school and the community. 

We believe all staff members play a vital role in the lives of our students. Therefore, we take a proactive approach to the development and well-being of all Arco staff. We are committed to investing in all staff through CPD, internal staff support and wellbeing development. 

We pride ourselves on appreciating, promoting and celebrating the diversity and individuality of all students, staff and partners. 

Arco Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an enhanced DBS and other necessary checks. 

For further information regarding Arco Academy policies, visit https://arco.academy/key-information/policies/#1598282602871-bf232412-6cd3 . Please ensure you have read the Safeguarding (Child Protection) Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Manage a varied caseload of pupils with complex needs using reasoning, critical thinking, reflection and analysis to support assessments 
• Lead and encourage a learning experience which provides students with the opportunity to achieve their potential 
• Support and advise colleagues along with other teaching professionals, parents and carers of the management of pupil's complex needs 
• Communicate highly senstive information in an understandable form to pupils, parents, carers and colleagues daily 
• Undertake complex Risk Assessments and advise others in determining appropriate strategies specifically relating to the pupils need. 
• Contribute to the maximising of student attainment  
• Share and support the school’s responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal and academic growth 
• Work closely with the SENCO to review each student’s progress and development and decide on any changes to provision 
• Keep up to date with administration tasks 
• Maintain OT therapy space and materials 
• Keep up to date with developments in the profession  

Candidate requirement: 

Responsibilities:

• Educated to a degree level 
• Occupational therapy qualification 
• At least 2 years experience in a similar role 
• Experience of supporting the social, emotional and educational development of students 
• Experience of working with children or young people who are vulnerable or disaffected 
• Understand triggers, causes and presentation of challenging behaviour, and ability to manage it 
• Exceptional communication with all age groups and abilities, both oral and written 
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds 
• Ability to work constructively as part of a team and on your own 
• Ability to self-manage, and prioritise workloads effectively using initiative 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality 
• Ability to foster constructive relationships with, and gain the confidence of, young people, parents/carers and colleagues 
• Ability to be proactive, flexible and adaptable 
• Willingness to adopt Arco Wheel of Culture 
• Willingness to undertake additional training 
• Willingness to support with Offsite visits as well as staff and student meetings 
• Remaining professional 

Desirable qualifications include: 

• Current First Aid certificate 
• Up-to-date knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education, Safeguarding and GDPR compliance 
• Experience/knowledge of Bromcom or other similar school information systems 
• Hold an up to date fully enhanced DBS (must have before role commences)