Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for 3 dynamic and innovative Children's Community Occupational Therapists to deliver OT provision within the Expert at Hand model, alongside managing a mixed Band 6 caseload within a highly respected and integrated OT service.

This post is funded through the 'Expert at Hand' SEND reform programme and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to system-wide transformation. The role is likely to be extended, subject to ongoing funding and service development.

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who has experience of working with children in a community / education setting, or has other relevant experience but are looking for a change in role to join our large and dynamic Occupational Therapy team, based at the Hackney Ark. The Ark is a purpose built Child Development Centre.

You will also hold a mixed caseload of children including those with physical disabilities, co-ordination disorders, autism and developmental delay. The children will be seen in the context relevant to their functional difficulties, so visits to home and school will be required. The team works proactively with schools and MDT colleagues to meet children's needs efficiently and effectively. The service offer training packages to schools and early year's settings as well as direct treatment and advice.

Working hours: 37.5 per week. We offer flexible working - we would also consider term time only or part time applicants.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will be responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of Occupational Therapy to a caseload of children. This will include effectively and independently managing their caseload and OT provision to any allocated schools as well as working closely with the school multi-disciplinary team.
• The post holder will provide mentorship to more junior occupational therapy colleagues, therapy assistant and student occupational therapists within the department as agreed with the Team Manager, and will be responsible for allocation of work to these staff. Effective appraisal, supervision and mentorship skills are a requirement of the post.
• The post holder will ensure effective assessment, goal setting and use appropriate outcome measures to identify and show change in occupational performance. The post holder will identify and implement evidence based therapeutic intervention for children, which will include children with physical disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder, coordination and sensory processing difficulties.

About us
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.

We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.

We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.

Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well-regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.

Details
Date posted: 15 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: Depending on experience, pro rata p.a. inc.
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 293-CCS-0905
Job locations: Hackney Ark, Downs Park Road, London, E8 2FP, United Kingdom

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience of working with children
• Experience of working in a community occupational therapy setting
• Experience of equipment provision
• Experience of multi-disciplinary working
• Experience of developing and providing training

Desirable

• Post-graduate experience working in paediatrics
• Experience of housing adaptation and modification
• Experience of supervising junior staff and or of being student placement supervision

Education / Qualifications
Essential

• Recognised Occupational Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent leading to registration with HPC
• Health Professions Council - Licence to Practice.
• Evidence of CPD activities supporting evidence-based practice and development of skills relevant to the role.

Desirable

• Registered Member of College of Occupational Therapists
• Evidence of successful completion of post graduate specialist short courses equivalent to Diploma relevant to the role
• Fieldwork Educators / supervision course
• Experience of supervising junior staff / student OT

Skills / Abilities
Essential

• Highly developed empathy.
• Excellent written communication.
• Ability to communicate and negotiate with distressed families.
• Ability to manage own caseload independently.
• Able to prioritise clinical risk and need to plan work of self and others.

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge/understanding of confidentiality issues.
• In-depth knowledge of national policies, guidelines, and procedures relevant to children's occupational therapy including safeguarding and education health care plans (EHCP)
• To have knowledge of occupational performance relating to paediatrics and ability to identify appropriate tools to measure this

Desirable

• Knowledge of when and how to complete an upper limb and postural assessment.
• Knowledge around current evidence base including for children with sensory processing, coordination, and physical disabilities.

Trust Values
Essential

• Understand and Demonstrate Trust Values

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details
Employer name: Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Hackney Ark, Downs Park Road, London, E8 2FP, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.homerton.nhs.uk/