Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job description

Job summary

To be an integral part of the Trafford Experts at Hand model. Working closely with education and health colleagues in mainstream schools to enhance their understanding and skills in supporting children.

To take the lead in planning, coordinating and evaluating the OT role within the Experts at Hand team. Providing advice on best practice and ensuring its implementation with other OT colleagues.

To give specific occupational therapy recommendations and strategies at both whole school and pupil specific level that will support skills such as sensory regulation and positive engagement.

Main duties of the job

To provide advice on and promote sensory inclusive environments within settings and schools.

To carry out visits to schools with members of the Experts at Hand team or independently.

To actively participate in meetings with Experts at Hand multiagency and OT team to identify where Occupational Therapy input would be appropriate at both whole school and pupil specific level.

To liaise with Education staff, SENDCos, senior leaders, headteachers, external agencies/voluntary organisations, and parents/carers in meetings as appropriate

To liaise closely with the TLCO Children's Therapy Services. Attend team meetings, engage in Peer support and CPD opportunities.

To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of their own work

To take the lead in planning, co-ordinating and evaluating specialist pathways within the service.

To develop specialised training and workshops aimed at equipping school staff with sensory processing and motor-coordination strategies and interventions that relate to pupil development, and behaviour to optimise occupational performance.

• Develop and deliver engaging and informative workshops for parents on sensory processing, physical development, and motor skills.

About us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - a great place to shape your career.With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year.Behind every patient cared for are people like you - keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike.At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes.Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others.At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you're part of something bigger from day one.

Job description

Job responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Job description
Job responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration
• Evidence CPD in the form of a detailed portfolio

Desirable

• Minimum module 1 in Sensory Integration
• Clinical educators' course

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of the Common Assessment Framework Knowledge of 2026 SEND Reforms
• Extensive knowledge of paediatric conditions and disabilities
• Knowledge of a range of standardised assessment and treatment modalities.
• Evidence of safeguarding policies, procedures and practices with an ability of understanding and carrying out the safeguarding responsibilities and duty of this role to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable children and adults.
• Extensive knowledge of paediatric equipment.
• Knowledge of paediatric and government legislation relevant to this job role.

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience across an extensive range of paediatric neurological and developmental conditions at Band 6.
• In depth experience of clinical speciality
• Extensive experience of liaison with other professionals, interagency teams and partnership working.
• Advance clinical reasoning skills (in specific clinical area.)
• Experience of working in difficult and challenging situations with parents, families and carers.

Desirable

• Leadership experience
• Presentation skills
• Audit experience

Skills

Essential

• Extensive experience in the use of a range of standardised assessments and outcome measures used in paediatrics with children.
• Leadership skills to propose/contribute to the development of existing and new services
• Use complex and advanced clinical reasoning, and critical thinking, reflection and analysis to inform practice.
• Incorporation of evidence-based practice into services - management of change
• To demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act as an autonomous practitioner. planning and implementing tasks at a professional level

Person Specification
Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration
• Evidence CPD in the form of a detailed portfolio

Desirable

• Minimum module 1 in Sensory Integration
• Clinical educators' course

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of the Common Assessment Framework Knowledge of 2026 SEND Reforms
• Extensive knowledge of paediatric conditions and disabilities
• Knowledge of a range of standardised assessment and treatment modalities.
• Evidence of safeguarding policies, procedures and practices with an ability of understanding and carrying out the safeguarding responsibilities and duty of this role to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable children and adults.
• Extensive knowledge of paediatric equipment.
• Knowledge of paediatric and government legislation relevant to this job role.

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience across an extensive range of paediatric neurological and developmental conditions at Band 6.
• In depth experience of clinical speciality
• Extensive experience of liaison with other professionals, interagency teams and partnership working.
• Advance clinical reasoning skills (in specific clinical area.)
• Experience of working in difficult and challenging situations with parents, families and carers.

Desirable

• Leadership experience
• Presentation skills
• Audit experience

Skills

Essential

• Extensive experience in the use of a range of standardised assessments and outcome measures used in paediatrics with children.
• Leadership skills to propose/contribute to the development of existing and new services
• Use complex and advanced clinical reasoning, and critical thinking, reflection and analysis to inform practice.
• Incorporation of evidence-based practice into services - management of change
• To demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act as an autonomous practitioner. planning and implementing tasks at a professional level

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 .

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. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

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 .

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. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address

Sale Waterside

Sale

M33 7ZF

United Kingdom

Employer's website