Children's Occupational Therapy Assistant


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£34,186 to £37,389 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Islington, N7 6LB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	6 Oct 2026
Closing date:	14 Oct 2026

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Summary

Clinical Responsibility: Undertake specific individual or group programmes as assessed and directed by trained staff members, observing general behaviour, ability and response of the children, recording the information as requested and reporting to a supervisor. Settings could include clinic, home or school. Engage children in therapeutic activities to promote independence, safety and well-being. Facilitate and participate in planned activities, seeking guidance if childs condition changes. Assist in the implementation of team member interventions including: o Assist in the running of therapy groups o Carry out therapy programmes as directed by therapists with children and young people o Under supervision of a therapist, provide a range of treatments; instructing and guiding children to support them in achieving identified goals. To work towards goals identified by the child, family/carers, the treating therapist, education professionals and the MDT o Implements therapy treatment plans o Organises transport and schedule visits or clinic appointments. o Assist team members with home and clinic assessments Adhere to the Trusts Policies and Procedures To assist in completing risk assessment of environment and safety under the guidance of senior team members following local and Trust policies Have a basic understanding of Moving and Handling Legislation and apply manual handling principles. Assist with transfers, standing and the application of braces, splints and other equipment such as seating with support as appropriate Ensure that toys and play materials are kept clean, safe and secure. To support staff in gathering evidence (including research database and website searches) and developing resources. Provide training and/or demonstrate activities and strategies to teachers/schools, with the support and guidance of therapists To assist therapists in making and preparing clinical resources such as visual timetables To be responsible for toy cleaning for the team on a termly basis Review and reflect own practice and performance through effective use of regular supervision and appraisal. Administrative Duties To keep up to date records on clients following Service Policy. To support the team with clinical administrative duties such as scanning and uploading to electronic records, sending letters to families, collating clinical data including feedback questionnaires, calling families to arrange appointments, supporting therapists to organise workshops, carrying out audits for team e.g toy cleaning audits and updating caseload spreadsheets and organising workshops. To attend relevant staff and service meetings. To provide cover for other general administrative duties such as answering the telephone, and photocopying when requested. Financial Responsibility Highlight stock issues to team members Ensure the security of stock and the safe use of equipment Responsibility for checking the condition of an area or equipment for the department Service Development and Improvement Implements the Policies and Procedures that have been determined by Islington Specialist Childrens Services. To undertake surveys or audits as directed by supervisor/line manager Ensure that work areas are well maintained are comply with Health and Safety Guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment, cleaning and storage of materials Responsibility for Dealing with Difficult Situations To regularly deal with emotional circumstances with children and families to promote achievement of goals with close guidance and support To work with children and young people who may have complex emotional, social and behavioural difficulties. To identify and report concerns regarding Child Protection issues To be able to complete required work load within time frames and deadlines set by line manager/supervisor, which may be stressful at times To deal with children and their parents/carers with a variety of emotional conditions e.g. depression, anxiety, aggression, frustration, apathy, and cognitive/learning/behavioural disabilities and mental illness. To deal sensitively with clients and their carers who may be distressed. Physical Working Conditions and Environment Ability to work in occasionally unpleasant conditions with odours, occasional body fluids, home visits and confined areas Develop physical skills for assessment and manual treatment of children Working with children or parents/carers/family members who may display aggressive or abusive behaviour. Knowledge, Training and Education To take part in a structured induction programme, aimed at identifying learning needs and developing competencies in working with a wide range of therapists. Demonstrate a basic level of understanding of the effects of medical conditions on functioning Have a basic understanding of the Moving and Handling Legislation and apply manual handling principles in best practice Attend all mandatory training set by the trust and the department To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and available development opportunities To ensure that mandatory training is kept current and up-to-date Undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with supervisor OTHER To undertake any other duties as required by the service, which may include a change in workplace. Exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance and maintain professional standards of dress code and personal presentation Staff who deliver work into educational settings will need to take the bulk of their holiday time during school holidays

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