Occupational Therapy Assistant

Autism Anglia’s Doucecroft School provides education and care for autistic children and young people. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a well-established charity who provide to their staff ongoing training, supervision, and continuing professional development and support. An extensive induction on commencement of employment will also be provided.As part of the multi-Disciplinary team (Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Music Therapist and Clinical Psychologist), you will provide Occupational therapy input to the pupils within Autism Anglia’s Children’s Services based at Doucecroft School, a converted estate in a beautiful setting in Eight Ash Green, Colchester. There will also be opportunities to work across our adult services, supported by an Occupational Therapist. Your main duties will include:You will work with children and young adults who have a diagnosis of autism and possibly a co-existing mental health or learning difficulties.The OT assistant will work under the direction of the Occupational Therapists. As part f the therapy team, you will build capacity in the team by undertaking specific responsibilities. Day-to-day duties will include:Working with young individuals to meet their therapeutic goals.Liaising with therapists, school staff and parents.Working with young individuals on a one-to-one or group basis.Working within class.Preparing and maintaining therapy rooms, equipment and resources.To carryout admin duties related to the roleTo contribute to reports You will need:A caring and understanding approach.Excellent communication skills, and the ability to explain interventions or strategies to people with autism and/or their carers. Empathy and the ability to gain the trust and confidence of autistic people.The ability to work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists, as part of a team and also autonomously.Organisational skills.Some knowledge on the sensory systems Qualifications and Experience:4  GCSEs (A* to C) including maths and EnglishVoluntary or paid experience of working with children with Autism, mental health, or learning difficulties.Experience of regulation and sensory strategies and working alongside an Occupational Therapist would be desirable. It is desirable that the successful applicant holds a full driving license.Working for us gives you access to a range of perks and benefits:Extensive Induction and Learning & Development programmes.Job-related qualifications obtained during employment paid for by Autism Anglia (subject to conditions).Employee Referral Scheme.Access to Spectrum Life Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Tools, including counselling services & the Benefits Hub, which will give you access to lots of shopping and entertainment discounts, instant discounted gift cards and cashback.Occupational Sick Pay (after 12 months).Support & encouragement to progress and reach full potential within your chosen career.Pension scheme.Autism Anglia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and expect all staff to share this commitment.  This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. In the first instance please apply following the below link or if you would like further information please contact the Recruitment Team on 01206 577678.If no response is received within 3 weeks of submitting your full application, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. You are welcome to apply again for other positions.