Specialist Occupational Therapist – Band 6

Salary:            For the right candidate, depending on experience, salary will be awarded in line with NHS/AFC pay scale for Band 6 for Inner London (Band 5 will also be considered)

Hours:            Full-time or Part-time, Term time plus 4 weeks

Location:        Nightingale Community Academy, Beechcroft Road, London SW17 7DF

Nightingale Community Academy is a special school in Wandsworth for 120 boys aged 5 to 19 with social emotional and mental health needs.

Primary pupils benefit from a purpose-built classroom hub and outdoor adventure playground and access to weekly music lessons and a comprehensive therapy service. Secondary and post-16 students are offered a broad curriculum including vocational courses such as motor vehicle studies, construction, horticulture and hospitality. All pupils benefit from regular animal therapy at Tom’s Farm, which is located on the spacious school site.

Staff at Nightingale Community Academy take pride in the development of young people in a safe and stimulating environment and are offered a rewarding and varied career in return. To find out more about us visit www.nightingaleca.org

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Occupational Therapist to join our team, working closely with students, staff, and families to create tailored interventions that promote independence, engagement, and success in both academic and personal goals. The successful candidate will work within our multidisciplinary team to support students with a range of SEMH and additional needs, contributing significantly to their overall development and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to identify students’ strengths and needs
• Develop and implement individualised plans and therapy programs that align with students’ personal and educational goals
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to integrate therapeutic approaches into the classroom setting, providing guidance and resources to enhance student participation
• Provide training and guidance to staff and families to promote strategies for developing life skills, emotional regulation, and resilience

Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in Occupational Therapy and current HCPC Registration (Health and Care Professions Council
• Experience working with children and young people with SEMH, learning disabilities, autism, or other special educational needs
• Strong knowledge of therapeutic strategies related to sensory processing, fine and gross motor development, and social engagement

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.

Nightingale Community Academy is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, an established family of specialist academies and college centres that provide for over 1500 pupils and students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit https://www.ohcat.org/work-for-us/.

Rewards & Benefits:

·        Enhanced parental leave schemes

·        Cycle to work scheme

·        Season ticket loans

·        Employee referral scheme

·        Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness

·        Comprehensive training and development

·        Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured

·        Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders

·        Scope for career progression across eight college centres, 14 academy schools and shared services team

·        Pension scheme - the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) both of which have life cover and financial protection for your family

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

For an informal discussion about the role, candidates are invited to contact the school on info@nightingaleca.org to make an appointment.

To apply for the role please use the quick apply option to submit an application. If you have any queries, please contact info@nightingaleca.org. 

Please note that CV applications will not be considered.

Closing date: Thursday, 28th November 2024

Interview date: W/C Monday 2 December 2024

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.