Occupational Therapist - Alternative Pathways Department

Occupational Therapist - Alternative Pathways Department

The Kings' Schools group is currently seeking an Occupational Therapist to work efficiently alongside the Alternative Pathways Leader and team in Kings’ Al Barsha and Kings’ Nad Al Sheba to enhance targeted and specialist service provision with occupational therapy.

The successful candidate provide effective support and knowledge, regarding Occupational Therapy, for Alternative Pathway Teachers/specialists, Learning Support Assistants and families across the specialist classrooms in Foundation Stage, Primary and Secondary departments. It will be their responsibility to liaise with and train parents / carers regarding Occupational therapy/treatment which can be provided at home..

Job Responsibilities:

• Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Assessment of students with Special Educational Needs particularly Autism and Communication Disorders from 3-18 years
• Demonstration of clinical effectiveness by the use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures
• Contribution to the development of Individual Educational Plans/Therapy Plans
• Formulation of specific intervention plans for children in the alternative pathways, ensuring OT targets are incorporated within the student’s educational context
• Provision of written programmes and lesson plans to support therapy including demonstration of identified targets
• Support for parents of children with fine and gross motor disorders along with sensory integration disorders to encourage occupational therapy development at home
• Advising teaching and learning support staff regarding strategies and modifications which can be implemented in the classroom
• Provision of training and programmes for teaching and support staff to carry out with students
• Supporting the provision to ensure outstanding support for students with Level 2-3 (substantial support) Autism, working alongside specialist staff
• Supporting students’ needs within the context of their day-to-day learning including the development of their Life Skills
• Demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development and acquisition of up to date skills and knowledge.

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Attributes:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Occupational Therapy and a postgraduate qualification in Sensory integration (Must)
• A minimum of five years post-qualification experience
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license or ability to meet the criteria to apply for a DHA License
• Experience of working as part of an educational team, within a special  needs school setting in the UK
• Experience of working with children with Special Education Needs & Disabilities (SEND) particularly Autism, communication disorders and emotional regulation disorders.
• Experience in training staff
• Well-established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to a paediatric population
• Experienced in the assessment and treatment of Sensory Integration
• Dysfunction (min 1-year post qualified experience is a must)
• Experience in the use and scoring of Sensory Integration and Praxis
• Tests (SIPT)
• Preferable experience using Sensory profiles, Sensory Processing
• Measure, BeeryVMI, Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC), Test of Visual Perceptual Skills (TVPS) Ayres’ Clinical Observations, Griffiths
• Experience delivering Life Skills Lessons
• Preferable experience in using PECS, Makaton, DIR Floortime, Intensive
• Interaction, the SCERTS system, ASDAN (Desirable)
• Experience delivering group and individual therapy.

Ability to:

• Work effectively both autonomously and in a team setting
• Build good working relationships with children, teachers, parents, carers and leaders
• Manage time and caseload effectively
• Be able to plan group sessions in advance to share with teachers and LSA’s.
• Demonstrate initiative and be flexible
• Work with families from different nationalities and languages whilst having an understanding and empathy for cultural differences
• Travel between sites to meet the needs of the service
• Recognise own professional boundaries and seek advice and support as appropriate.

Possess:

• Self-confidence and flexibility
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Knowledge and experience of using both hi and low tech AAC devices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable:

• Qualified in SCERTS (1 or 3 day course)
• Qualified Makaton (min level 1)
• Qualified PECS (min Level 1)
• Qualified Attention Autism
• Current Safeguarding certification.

How to apply: Candidates are to apply directly through the TES portal.

Closing date for applications is 22nd April 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and we reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the final submission date.

Successful applicants will take up their position in mid-August 2021 and will be invited to participate in a thorough induction programme.