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Location: SEN School London
Contract: Permanent
Band: 8A
Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications

Role Overview
IMC are seeking an experienced and dedicated Lead Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our team and oversee the OT program at our SEN school. This role is pivotal in enhancing the functional, physical, and social development of students with a range of special educational needs, including autism, sensory processing disorders, and physical disabilities. The Lead OT will assess, plan, and implement therapy programs tailored to the individual needs of students while leading a team of OTs and support staff. This role also requires close collaboration with teachers, therapists, and families to create a nurturing and accessible learning environment.

Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership:
Lead and manage the OT team within the school, providing clinical supervision, mentorship, and training.
Develop and implement an OT service model that aligns with the school's SEN framework and meets the specific needs of the student population.
Ensure that best practices are followed and that the OT team delivers high-quality, evidence-based interventions.
Assessment and Therapy Planning:
Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' functional, sensory, and motor needs.
Design and oversee individualized therapy plans focused on enabling students' participation in educational and daily activities.
Implement and evaluate intervention strategies to improve students' fine and gross motor skills, self-care abilities, sensory processing, and engagement in the classroom.
Direct Therapy and Interventions:
Provide targeted interventions and therapy in individual, small-group, and classroom-integrated formats.
Support students in developing practical skills, such as handwriting, sensory regulation, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Collaborate with teachers and teaching assistants to integrate OT goals within classroom activities, adapting the environment to facilitate engagement and participation.

Staff Training and Development:
Develop and deliver training sessions for school staff on topics related to sensory processing, motor development, and adaptive strategies.
Create resources and guidance materials to empower staff and families in supporting students' needs.
Serve as a resource and support system for staff, addressing concerns and providing ongoing feedback.

Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration:
Act as the primary OT representative in multi-disciplinary team meetings, including Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews.
Work closely with SLTs, physiotherapists, psychologists, and external specialists to ensure holistic care for each student.
Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers, providing updates on student progress and advice for home-based support.
Monitoring, Documentation, and Reporting:
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, interventions, and progress.
Oversee data collection for the OT program and contribute to outcome measurement for service improvement.
Report on program effectiveness to school leadership and participate in continuous service evaluation and improvement.

Qualifications and Experience
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy.
Registration: Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in pediatric occupational therapy, preferably within an SEN or school setting.
Leadership Skills: Proven experience in a senior or lead role, with a track record of managing or mentoring junior staff.

Skills and Attributes
Strong clinical skills in pediatric OT, with expertise in SEN support.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage a team and oversee multiple caseloads.
Empathy, patience, and dedication to supporting children with complex needs.

Desirable Skills
Experience with sensory integration therapy and other evidence-based interventions.
Knowledge of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
Previous experience in a school-based or educational setting.

This role is suited for an enthusiastic and experienced OT who is passionate about making a lasting impact on students' development and well-being in an SEN setting. We welcome candidates ready to lead and contribute meaningfully to our multidisciplinary team