Specialist Occupational Therapist (Band 6)

Job summary

Join our new Neurodiversity Support Team and play a key role in helping schools across BNSSG better understand and support neurodivergent children and young people.

The Neurodiversity Support Team is a multidisciplinary clinical service working in partnership with education settings to deliver high-quality Neurodivergent Needs Analyses. The team provides expert guidance, consultation and quality assurance to ensure needs profiles are consistent, meaningful and impactful.

As part of a system-wide programme, the service is introducing Neurodivergent Needs Analysis across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG). The team works closely with schools across the region, providing training, consultation and practical support to help them better understand and respond to the needs of neurodivergent children and young people.

The service champions early intervention and a needs-led approach, focusing on each child or young person's strengths and challenges rather than diagnostic labels.

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist to join this developing team and help shape a new way of supporting neurodivergent children and young people!

Due to current funding arrangements, this role may be appointed on a fixed-term basis [1 year] or as a long-term substantive post. The contract type will be confirmed prior to appointment.

Two positions available:

• 26 hours per week (permanent)
• 37.5 hours per week (1-year fixed term)

Main duties of the job

Working as part of the Neurodiversity Support Team, the post holder will provide expertise in motor skills and sensory processing development, contributing to OT-focused analyses of needs, tailored advice and support strategies for CYP with neurodivergent needs.

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, neurodiversity-affirming service for children and young people by supporting education settings to understand, discuss and apply Neurodivergent Needs Analyses, working collaboratively with school staff to explore presenting needs, strengths and appropriate strategies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Carry out assessments of neurodivergent needs with schools, parents/carers and CYP
• Upskill education colleagues and other professionals to assess and meet the neurodivergent needs of CYP
• Discuss and agree appropriate strategies with patients, carers and other health care professionals, promoting health education and self-management.
• Liaise closely with other services in order to provide a co-ordinated and seamless service for patients and support the ongoing development of care pathways for Neurodivergent strengths and needs.

About us

Ever dreamt about a career that sparks excitement and fosters your professional growth? Picture yourself waking up eager to make a real difference in our community, surrounded by teams who value your unique ideas.

We are Sirona care & health - England's largest provider of Adult's and Children's Community Services and we'd love for you to join us in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire.

Agenda for Change Salary, full NHS benefits, 27+ days' annual leave, and participation in the NHS Pension Scheme - just a glimpse of the benefits you'll receive.

We welcome and encourage all applicants. We are committed to having a workforce that reflects the communities we support and are proactively seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce. We know diversity fosters creativity and innovation.

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We aim to draw upon the widest possible range of views and experiences to meet the changing needs of our colleagues, partners and communities we serve.

Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare, looking for a fresh challenge within the NHS, or contemplating a career change, don't be daunted by the prospect of something different - we create development opportunities for all our colleagues and apprentices.

Interested? View our benefits leaflet which you can find attached to this vacancy.

Employer details

Employer name

Sirona care & health CIC

Address

Osprey Court

Hawkfield Business Park, Whitchurch Lane

Bristol

BS14 0BB

Employer's website

https://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

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Employer details

Employer name

Sirona care & health CIC

Address

Osprey Court

Hawkfield Business Park, Whitchurch Lane

Bristol

BS14 0BB

Employer's website

https://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

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