Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Paediatric Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 07 July 2025

Job summary

Are you an experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapist - or an enthusiastic newly qualified OT passionate about working with children and young people? We'd love to hear from you.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our welcoming and supportive Children and Young People's Therapy Service at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. You'll be working alongside a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team made up of Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Therapy Support Practitioners and administrators.

This role is primarily full time, but we're happy to talk about part-time or flexible working options. It's perfect for clinicians already working in paediatrics or those looking to build their career in this rewarding field. We're also welcoming applications from final-year OT students - this can be a developmental post and we'll support your transition into the role.

Important note for students: When applying, you'll need to answer "Yes" to the question that asks if you're registered with the HCPC, even if you're not registered yet. This is just to ensure your application can be submitted - we absolutely welcome your interest!

Main duties of the job

Join a friendly, values-driven team committed to making a real difference for children and families across Somerset. Our service is made up of four area teams working flexibly across clinics, homes, and schools to support local communities.

We value strong partnerships and are embedded in local education and healthcare networks. You'll receive regular supervision, in-house CPD, shadowing and training opportunities--your development is our priority.

This role is part of the Children and Young People's Therapy Service, where you'll manage your own caseload and contribute to shared learning within a supportive, multidisciplinary team.

You will:

  • Deliver individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches tailored to each child's needs.
  • Build trusted relationships with families, schools and health partners to support daily function and participation.
  • Use well-equipped clinic spaces with a wide range of resources.
  • Adapt interventions to meet the cultural, linguistic and individual needs of each child.
  • Work jointly with Speech and Language Therapists and Physiotherapists to ensure joined-up care.
  • Get involved in service development, audits, and improvement initiatives.
  • Benefit from structured supervision and ongoing support to help you grow in your role.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

  • Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
  • NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
  • Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
  • A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details

Date posted

01 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-2704

Job locations

Community Families Hub

East Reach House

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3EN


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Provide child and family-centred Occupational Therapy to children and young people aged 0--19 with a range of needs, including complex presentations.
  • Carry out comprehensive assessments, plan and deliver effective interventions in collaboration with children, families and education settings.
  • Work across various environments -- including homes, schools and clinics -- supported by a multidisciplinary team including Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and Therapy Support Practitioners.
  • Contribute to EHCPs, write clear and professional reports, and attend annual reviews, parents' meetings and case conferences.
  • Collaborate with education, health and social care colleagues to ensure joined-up care.
  • Deliver advice and training to parents, carers and professionals to support children's development and independence.
  • Participate in supervision, peer learning and ongoing training to support your professional development.
  • Support junior therapists, therapy support practitioners and students where appropriate.

Please see the attached job description for full responsibilities.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Provide child and family-centred Occupational Therapy to children and young people aged 0--19 with a range of needs, including complex presentations.
  • Carry out comprehensive assessments, plan and deliver effective interventions in collaboration with children, families and education settings.
  • Work across various environments -- including homes, schools and clinics -- supported by a multidisciplinary team including Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and Therapy Support Practitioners.
  • Contribute to EHCPs, write clear and professional reports, and attend annual reviews, parents' meetings and case conferences.
  • Collaborate with education, health and social care colleagues to ensure joined-up care.
  • Deliver advice and training to parents, carers and professionals to support children's development and independence.
  • Participate in supervision, peer learning and ongoing training to support your professional development.
  • Support junior therapists, therapy support practitioners and students where appropriate.

Please see the attached job description for full responsibilities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.HCPC registration (or due to register upon graduation -- applicable for final-year students).

Desirable

  • Relevant post-graduate training in the form of short courses in a range of areas of Paediatric Occupational TherapyMembership of CYPF Specialist Section

Experience

Essential

  • Significant post-graduate experience in Occupational TherapyProven experience of Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.Ability to work independently and manage own caseload.Commitment to continuing professional development.Ability to travel independently across the Somerset area (car driver or equivalent).
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.HCPC registration (or due to register upon graduation -- applicable for final-year students).

Desirable

  • Relevant post-graduate training in the form of short courses in a range of areas of Paediatric Occupational TherapyMembership of CYPF Specialist Section

Experience

Essential

  • Significant post-graduate experience in Occupational TherapyProven experience of Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.Ability to work independently and manage own caseload.Commitment to continuing professional development.Ability to travel independently across the Somerset area (car driver or equivalent).

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.

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.

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

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Community Families Hub

East Reach House

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3EN


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Community Families Hub

East Reach House

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3EN


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Debbie Jackson-Wootton

debbie.jackson@somersetft.nhs.uk

07967825576

Details

Date posted

01 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-2704

Job locations

Community Families Hub

East Reach House

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3EN


Supporting documents

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