Caudwell Children

Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 31 October 2025

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our dedicated, experienced and growing team of professionals as we embark on a journey of expansion.

This is an exciting opportunity to deliver high-quality, evidence-based Occupational Therapy for children and young people with physical needs, medical conditions, and neurodevelopmental differences who require support to participate in their daily occupations.

The role involves:

  • Assessment, formulation, and delivery of occupation-focused interventions.
  • Supporting children, young people, and families on the Caudwell Children OT pathway.
  • Working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) alongside Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Learning Disability Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists, Paediatricians, Clinical Assistants, Assistant Psychologists, and volunteers.
  • Close partnership with Caudwell Childrens internal departments, including Children & Family Services, Applications, and Volunteers.

Main duties of the job

We aim to deliver high-quality Occupational Therapy services to children and young people, supporting their daily occupational performance and functional skills. The role will focus on practical, evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP), Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC), standardised body function assessments, and personalised strategies to enhance participation and independence in daily life.

  • Deliver occupational therapy assessments and interventions, with a focus on daily occupational performance.
  • Plan and implement evidence-based interventions, including CO-OP, OPC, and functional skill development.
  • Provide holistic, person-centred therapy in our centre or virtually from home.
  • Work collaboratively with children, families, and the wider multidisciplinary team to set meaningful goals.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and professional clinical records.
  • Contribute to service development and best practice initiatives.

About us

Caudwell Children aims to change peoples lives, change the way society perceives and treats disabled and neurodivergent people, and change the way that charities operate, through the provision of child-centred practical and emotional services, passionate campaigning, and demonstrating best practice. We believe in a world where disabled and divergent children have the choice, opportunity, dignity, and understanding they deserve.

Thanks to our generous donors, their ongoing support enables us to change the lives of thousands of children every year. #jointhechange and help us in our mission!

We can offer:

  • Flexible working patterns, with opportunities for virtual/home working
  • Free on-site parking
  • Holidays starting at 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Charity worker discounts
  • Eligible for Blue Light discount card
  • Life assurance after 1 years service
  • Pension via salary sacrifice
  • Recommend a friend scheme
  • Support with CPD, reflective practice, and extensive training and development
  • Clinical and management supervision and support
  • The chance to support and shape new services
  • No out of hours, rota, or weekend work

Details

Date posted

12 September 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

B0338-25-0014

Job locations

Caudwell International Children's

Centre, Innovation Way

Keele

Staffordshire

ST5 5NT


Job description

Job responsibilities

Pre-Assessment

  • Assist in screening and triage of referrals.
  • Review pre-assessment information to guide decision-making.
  • Respond to enquiries from caregivers, referrers, and other stakeholders.
  • Promote the Caudwell Children OT service to colleagues and the wider community.

Assessment & Evaluation

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments using standardised tools (e.g. MABC-2, Beery VMI, Sensory Profile 2).
  • Analyse findings to identify strengths and barriers to occupational performance.
  • Apply clinical reasoning to inform decisions around potential neurodevelopmental diagnoses and onward referrals.
  • Develop tailored recommendations and strategies to support occupational performance.

Intervention Planning & Delivery

  • Deliver skilled, evidence-based interventions including:
  • Occupational Performance Coaching (for caregivers).
  • Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP).
  • Functional skills training.
  • Focus on meaningful daily occupations such as handwriting, self-care, feeding, and play.
  • Promote participation in school, home, and community settings.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Provide advice, training, and support to caregivers, schools, and professionals.
  • Communicate effectively using a range of methods (reports, meetings, video calls, presentations).

Documentation & Reporting

  • Produce clear, reasoned reports (including risk analysis where relevant to DSM-5 criteria).
  • Maintain accurate records in line with HCPC, RCOT, and organisational standards.
  • Contribute to the development of clinical record systems.

Professional Development

  • Maintain up-to-date CPD records and HCPC registration.
  • Participate in supervision, training, audit, and research.
  • Support the development of the OT service and wider clinical practice.
  • Provide supervision for students and assistants.

Customer Care & Safeguarding

  • Involve children and families in programme planning and evaluation.
  • Respect autonomy, culture, and diversity in all interactions.
  • Ensure confidentiality, GDPR compliance, and safeguarding procedures are followed.

Health & Safety

  • Take responsibility for own health and safety and that of others.
  • Follow safe handling and infection control practices.
  • Report concerns in line with policies and procedures.

Resource Management

  • Use resources responsibly and maintain stock levels.
  • Support recruitment, induction, and retention of staff as appropriate.

General

  • Comply with RCOT, HCPC, and organisational standards.
  • Maintain accurate professional portfolios.
  • Work flexibly and collaboratively as part of the MDT.
  • Uphold Caudwell Childrens mission, vision, and values.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Pre-Assessment

  • Assist in screening and triage of referrals.
  • Review pre-assessment information to guide decision-making.
  • Respond to enquiries from caregivers, referrers, and other stakeholders.
  • Promote the Caudwell Children OT service to colleagues and the wider community.

Assessment & Evaluation

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments using standardised tools (e.g. MABC-2, Beery VMI, Sensory Profile 2).
  • Analyse findings to identify strengths and barriers to occupational performance.
  • Apply clinical reasoning to inform decisions around potential neurodevelopmental diagnoses and onward referrals.
  • Develop tailored recommendations and strategies to support occupational performance.

Intervention Planning & Delivery

  • Deliver skilled, evidence-based interventions including:
  • Occupational Performance Coaching (for caregivers).
  • Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP).
  • Functional skills training.
  • Focus on meaningful daily occupations such as handwriting, self-care, feeding, and play.
  • Promote participation in school, home, and community settings.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Provide advice, training, and support to caregivers, schools, and professionals.
  • Communicate effectively using a range of methods (reports, meetings, video calls, presentations).

Documentation & Reporting

  • Produce clear, reasoned reports (including risk analysis where relevant to DSM-5 criteria).
  • Maintain accurate records in line with HCPC, RCOT, and organisational standards.
  • Contribute to the development of clinical record systems.

Professional Development

  • Maintain up-to-date CPD records and HCPC registration.
  • Participate in supervision, training, audit, and research.
  • Support the development of the OT service and wider clinical practice.
  • Provide supervision for students and assistants.

Customer Care & Safeguarding

  • Involve children and families in programme planning and evaluation.
  • Respect autonomy, culture, and diversity in all interactions.
  • Ensure confidentiality, GDPR compliance, and safeguarding procedures are followed.

Health & Safety

  • Take responsibility for own health and safety and that of others.
  • Follow safe handling and infection control practices.
  • Report concerns in line with policies and procedures.

Resource Management

  • Use resources responsibly and maintain stock levels.
  • Support recruitment, induction, and retention of staff as appropriate.

General

  • Comply with RCOT, HCPC, and organisational standards.
  • Maintain accurate professional portfolios.
  • Work flexibly and collaboratively as part of the MDT.
  • Uphold Caudwell Childrens mission, vision, and values.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Occupational Therapy degree or equivalent qualification.
  • HCPC registration.
  • Experience of working with children and families (paid or voluntary).
  • Knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders and medical conditions.
  • Knowledge of safeguarding, Childrens Act, and relevant legislation.
  • Understanding of evidence-based OT practice.
  • Ability to work independently with a caseload.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
  • IT proficiency and accurate record-keeping.
  • Positive, flexible attitude and ability to work under pressure.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and childrens rights.
  • Willingness and ability to travel.
  • Ability to meet physical requirements of the role (reasonable adjustments considered).

Desirable

  • Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
  • Postgraduate training/CPD in childhood disability.
  • Experience using standardised assessments.
  • Knowledge of local services/resources for families.
  • Experience of delivering training to varied audiences.
  • Understanding of NHS and social care systems.
  • Experience of working in CQC or ISO-regulated organisations.
  • Experience in the third sector and/or with volunteers.
  • Up-to-date understanding of OT evidence base for children.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Occupational Therapy degree or equivalent qualification.
  • HCPC registration.
  • Experience of working with children and families (paid or voluntary).
  • Knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders and medical conditions.
  • Knowledge of safeguarding, Childrens Act, and relevant legislation.
  • Understanding of evidence-based OT practice.
  • Ability to work independently with a caseload.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
  • IT proficiency and accurate record-keeping.
  • Positive, flexible attitude and ability to work under pressure.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and childrens rights.
  • Willingness and ability to travel.
  • Ability to meet physical requirements of the role (reasonable adjustments considered).

Desirable

  • Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
  • Postgraduate training/CPD in childhood disability.
  • Experience using standardised assessments.
  • Knowledge of local services/resources for families.
  • Experience of delivering training to varied audiences.
  • Understanding of NHS and social care systems.
  • Experience of working in CQC or ISO-regulated organisations.
  • Experience in the third sector and/or with volunteers.
  • Up-to-date understanding of OT evidence base for children.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Caudwell Children

Address

Caudwell International Children's

Centre, Innovation Way

Keele

Staffordshire

ST5 5NT


Employer's website

https://www.caudwellchildren.com/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Caudwell Children

Address

Caudwell International Children's

Centre, Innovation Way

Keele

Staffordshire

ST5 5NT


Employer's website

https://www.caudwellchildren.com/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of HR

Karen Roberts

karen.roberts@caudwellchildren.com

01782433947

Details

Date posted

12 September 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

B0338-25-0014

Job locations

Caudwell International Children's

Centre, Innovation Way

Keele

Staffordshire

ST5 5NT


Privacy notice

Caudwell Children's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)