Occupational Therapist

We are creating a specialist team focused on supporting disabled children and young people to access the equipment, adaptations and housing solutions they need to live safely, participate in family life and achieve greater independence. This is the first phase of an ambitious programme to strengthen Children's Occupational Therapy provision across Sheffield and improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.

As a Children's Occupational Therapist, you will work with children and young people aged 0-18, undertaking specialist assessments and providing expert recommendations for equipment, minor and major adaptations, rehousing and accessible living solutions. You will work closely with Children's Social Care, Housing, Disabled Facilities Grants colleagues, education settings, health partners and families to deliver person-centred, evidence-based interventions. This is a unique opportunity to help establish and shape a new specialist service from the outset.

You will:

• Assess the functional needs of disabled children and young people in home and community settings.
• Recommend and prescribe specialist equipment and housing adaptations.
• Complete complex assessments that balance safety, independence, participation and the least restrictive approach.
• Work collaboratively with families and multi-agency partners including health, education, housing and social care services.
• Contribute to the development of specialist practice, standards and pathways within the new team.
• Support the delivery of Sheffield's wider ambitions around SEND, transition to adulthood and early intervention, Help shape the future of Children's Occupational Therapy in Sheffield.
• Work alongside experienced practitioners and managers committed to innovation and service improvement.
• Access professional development, specialist training and career progression opportunities.
• Contribute to meaningful work that improves the lives of disabled children and their families every day.
  We are looking for experienced Occupational Therapists who are passionate about improving outcomes for disabled children and young people.

• A recognised Occupational Therapy qualification.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Significant experience working in Occupational Therapy within a local authority, community or related setting.
• Experience in assessing and providing complex equipment and adaptations.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, safeguarding responsibilities, policy and professional guidance.
• Excellent communication, organisational and partnership working skills.
• A commitment to person-centred, strengths-based practice and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with children and young people, housing adaptations or Disabled Facilities Grants would be advantageous, although we welcome applications from experienced Occupational Therapists who can demonstrate transferable knowledge and skills.

• Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share. If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade.
  
  If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade. Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026.
  
  Find out more on our We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.