Occupational Therapist (Band 6)

Discovery Schools Trust 

Salary: Grade 12 Pay Point Range 31-34, with a Starting Salary of Grade 12 Point 31 ( NHS Agenda for Band 6 Pay Equivalent)

Hours: 15 hours per week and 40 weeks per year ( Initially)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Two days per week

Location and base: Mowmacre Hill Primary School, Leicester

*Pending Pay Award Salary Uplift for Support Staff*

About the Role

Discovery Schools Trust are seeking to appoint a part-time (2 days a week) Band 6 Occupational Therapist who shares our values and ambitions.  The OT will be part of In-TACT, a multidisciplinary service comprised of an Educational Psychology team, Speech & Language and Inclusion Leads.  The post holder will have the vision, drive, resilience, and experience to build on our success to date and provide further capacity to our trust.  The successful candidate will be line managed by the Principal EP and In-TACT Manager and will receive their clinical supervision from an occupational therapist.

An extensive knowledge of occupational therapy is a pre-requisite; but we also believe a willingness to learn from others and a commitment to professional development is equally important.  Relevant qualifications are necessary alongside a willingness to continue to develop. We are a trust committed to upskilling our staff and as such, CPD opportunities will be available to the successful post holder, alongside a commitment to offering flexible working arrangements.

We are a large academy Trust who puts the child at the centre of our decision-making process and uses our values to guide us in all decision making. Our schools, professionals, children, and stakeholders work closely together to raise outcomes for children from all backgrounds regardless of their starting points. We have high expectations for both children and staff but provide the best support possible for everyone to achieve. 

Key Responsibilities

• To develop an equitable Occupational Therapy offer across the Trust and build schools’ knowledge and capacity.
• To support the Trust in their development of accessible schools for all children and young people.
• Liaise effectively with the In-TACT Services lead and Principal EP.
• To audit the need for Occupational Therapy support across Discovery Trust and to establish a co-ordinated plan of provision for all schools.
• To train and guide schools in key interventions and quality assure fidelity of implementation in close partnerships with the schools.
• Devise and deliver appropriate training and consultation services to our Trust to help inform strategy.
• To measure and record outcomes of Occupational Therapy interventions.
• To be accountable for own professional actions and recognise own professional boundaries.
• Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment / intervention programmes for children and young people, where needed, according to professional standards whilst adhering to trust policies and procedures.
• The post holder will have access to a second opinion from more senior therapist as identified via clinical supervision.  It will be expected that the post holder will source their own supervision which Discovery will fund.
• Actively engage in own appraisal.
• Attend and take part in half-termly In-TACT meetings.

What We’re Looking For

Skills & Knowledge:

• A recognised and approved degree level qualification in Occupational Therapy.
• Up to date UK registrations with HCPC and RCOT and adhere to RCOT & HCPC Professional and Clinical Standards and Code of Conduct as well as National and Local Clinical Guidelines.
• A passion for supporting schools in becoming fully accessible and inclusive to all CYP.
• Ability to work autonomously and cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience of working with parents, carers and, educational professionals and other disciplines.
• Effective organisational/planning and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate complex, sensitive and emotional information using a variety of modes of communication.
• Minimum of 2 years post registration experience.
• Experience of working with a range of Occupational Therapy needs and across a range of ages in CYP.
• A willingness to supervise less experienced OTs as the In-TACT MDT grows

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.

We would encourage potential applicants to arrange an appointment to discuss the role informally.

Please contact Paula Hopkins or Mel Shirley to arrange a conversation before the application deadline: phopkins@epicleics.com or mshirley@epicleics.com

Why Join Us?

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• Highly committed and motivated team.
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues.
• Support for continuous professional development in the role.
• Opportunities to visit other organisations for professional learning.
• Be part of a highly committed and motivated multi-disciplinary team (educational psychology, speech & language, inclusion leads)
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun and being part of a creative service

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
• Free childcare.
• Be part of a highly committed and motivated multi-disciplinary team (educational psychology, counselling, music therapy)
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun and being part of a creative service

Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting. 

Apply Now!
If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today!