Specialist Occupational Therapist

Are you an experienced and innovative Occupational Therapist looking for a role where you can influence whole systems, shape inclusive practice and lead exciting SEND developments without managing a traditional caseload? We are looking for a highly specialist, impact-driven Occupational Therapist to join our SEND Therapies team at an exciting time of development and reform. This is a unique opportunity to shape inclusive practice across Southend schools and settings through strategic projects, workforce development and system-wide approaches that make a real difference for children and young people.,

The role focuses on:

• Universal occupational therapy approaches
• Inclusive classroom environments
• Sensory-informed practice and effective sensory spaces
• Regulation and movement breaks
• Universal adaptations and accessibility
• SEND reform and inclusion projects
• Workforce development and training
• Supporting capital projects and consultative transport panel work

You will work closely with education colleagues, SEND services and NHS Occupational Therapy teams to create joined-up, sustainable and impactful support for schools and families. This is not a traditional caseload-holding post. Instead, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects, influence strategic developments and build capacity across the wider system. You will also supervise a Specialist Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants, helping to shape and develop an ambitious and forward-thinking OT offer.

This is an exciting strategic and impact-driven Occupational Therapy role focused on developing inclusive practice across Southend schools and settings. The post holder will play a key leadership role in shaping and embedding universal occupational therapy approaches that improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND across the local area. The role will focus on developing high-quality, evidence-informed universal and targeted support in mainstream educational settings, with a particular emphasis on:

• Inclusive classroom environments and universal adaptations
• Regulation approaches and emotionally supportive practice
• Effective sensory spaces and sensory-informed environments
• Movement, sensory breaks and accessibility within the school day
• Sensory profile support and implementation
• Workforce development and capacity building across education settings
• Strategic SEND reform and inclusion projects
• This is a non-caseload holding role with a strong emphasis on systems leadership, project development, service innovation and collaborative working across education, health and local authority services.

The post holder will supervise and support a Specialist Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants and will contribute strategically to Southends SEND and inclusion developments, including capital projects and consultative attendance at transport panels.

The role will work closely with NHS Occupational Therapy colleagues to ensure complementary, aligned and cohesive offers for children, young people and schools across the local area.

The post holder will:
Lead the development and implementation of high-quality universal occupational therapy approaches across mainstream schools and educational settings. Support schools to create inclusive learning environments through advice, training and project work related to:
Universal adaptations Sensory-informed classrooms Regulation and co-regulation approaches Effective sensory spaces Movement and sensory break provision Accessibility and participation Develop and deliver innovative OT-led projects and pilots aimed at improving inclusion, participation, engagement and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Contribute strategically to Southend's SEND reform agenda, supporting the development of inclusive practice and sustainable system-wide approaches. Provide occupational therapy expertise and consultation to local authority capital projects to ensure environments are accessible, inclusive and supportive of sensory and physical needs.

Attend transport panels in a consultative capacity, contributing specialist advice regarding functional needs, access, participation and environmental considerations. Build strong collaborative relationships with NHS Occupational Therapy services and wider partners to ensure alignment, avoid duplication and strengthen the graduated response across education and health. Provide professional supervision, line…