Specialist Occupational Therapist


Company:	Hampshire County Council
Salary:	£44,554 to £50,197 a year, pro rata
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Hampshire
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 1 day remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	18 Sept 2026
Closing date:	18 Oct 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

As a Specialist Occupational Therapist within our Education and Inclusion Therapy Service, you'll join a supportive and innovative team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people in educational settings. Working closely with schools, families and partner professionals, you'll deliver specialist assessments and interventions that help students overcome barriers to learning, develop independence and reach their full potential.

You'll contribute to EHCP provision, support staff development and provide expert advice across a range of specialist educational environments. This term-time only role offers the opportunity to work within a developing service in a high-performing local authority, combining autonomous clinical practice with strong professional support, excellent work-life balance and a salary broadly equivalent to NHS Band 7. There may also be opportunities to contribute to Hampshire Local Area Partnership's Experts at Hand offer, providing specialist therapeutic expertise across settings serving children and young people from early years through to post-16 and beyond.

What you’ll do:

• Deliver specialist occupational therapy assessments and evidence-based interventions for children and young people in educational settings and, where appropriate, at home.

• Work collaboratively with education staff, families and multi-agency professionals to develop and implement effective, child-centred support plans.

• Contribute to EHCP assessments, reviews and reporting, including tribunal and care planning documentation.

• Provide clinical and managerial supervision to Occupational Therapists in the team and support capacity-building through training, consultation and tailored programmes within schools and settings.

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with professional standards.

• Participate in service development and quality improvement activities.

• Support whole-school communication strategies and contribute to policy development.

• Manage your own caseload effectively and travel across Hampshire to deliver services predominantly within your geographical patch of the county.

What we’re looking for:

• A professional recognised Occupational Therapy qualification with current HCPC registration, and a postgraduate qualification in Ayres Sensory Integration (or equivalent).

• Experience working as an Occupational Therapist with children and young people with complex needs across education, health, social care, community or hospital-based services.

• An understanding of how to encourage and support young people.

• Strong knowledge and practical experience of a Sensory integration treatment approach.

• Excellent assessment, clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills, with the ability and initiative to translate findings into effective interventions.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-agency team.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with a commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding and inclusive practice.

Why join us?

• Be part of an innovative and evolving therapy service within a high-performing local authority, offering a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Benefit from a comprehensive induction programme and a strong CPD offer, including internal learning and access to external training.

• Receive tailored clinical supervision from a Specialist Occupational Therapist, alongside regular peer and safeguarding support.

• Enjoy opportunities for careers progression, a term-time only contract, and a healthy work-life balance supported by realistic caseloads and work assigned predominantly within your geographical location.

• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.

• A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: Occupational Therapist – Children and Young People, Senior Occupational Therapist (Children’s Services), Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Specialist Occupational Therapist – Education Settings, Education-Based Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapist – SEN / SEND Services, Children’s Occupational Therapist – Specialist Services

Apply for this job

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.