Senior Children's Occupational Therapist

Terms and Conditions: 1x Grade H, 37 hrs Full Time, Permanent

Department: People, Children

Shortlisting: w/c 26th October 2026

Interview date: w/c 2nd November 2026

Senior Children's Occupational Therapist

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Senior Children's Occupational Therapist to join our Children's Occupational Therapy Service. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, while helping to shape and develop services across Blackburn with Darwen.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with children, young people, families, schools, and partner agencies to promote independence, participation, safety, and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment and Intervention

• Undertake occupational therapy assessments for children and young people within their home, school, and community environments.
• Assess the need for specialist equipment within both home and educational settings.
• Assess, recommend, and support the implementation of major and minor adaptations to children's homes.
• Complete functional assessments to identify barriers to participation and independence in daily activities.
• Develop and review intervention plans to meet the needs of children and their families.
• Provide professional advice, guidance, and recommendations to families and partner agencies.

Safeguarding and Multi-Agency Working

• Participate in Children in Need, Team Around the Family, and Child Protection meetings.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes and ensure the welfare of children remains paramount.
• Liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including:
• Parents and carers
• Schools and education settings
• SEND Advisory Teachers
• Physiotherapists
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Paediatricians
• Social Workers
• Housing and adaptation services
• Other health and social care professionals

Risk Management

• Complete risk assessments relating to equipment provision, environmental access, and functional activities.
• Carry out Moving and Handling assessments and provide appropriate recommendations to ensure safe practice.
• Monitor and review outcomes to ensure interventions remain effective and appropriate.

Service Development

• Support the ongoing development and improvement of Blackburn with Darwen Children's Occupational Therapy Services.
• Contribute to service innovation, quality improvement projects, and pathway development.
• Provide support, supervision, and guidance to junior staff, students, and support workers where appropriate.
• Support the implementation of new ways of working to enhance outcomes for children and families.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Essential Experience

• Significant post-qualification experience working with children and young people.
• Experience of assessing for specialist equipment.
• Experience of assessing for major and minor home adaptations.
• Experience of completing Moving and Handling Assessments.
• Experience of working within multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams.
• Experience of writing clear assessment reports and recommendations.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong assessment and clinical reasoning skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and legislation affecting children.
• Ability to manage a varied and complex caseload.
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing to a supportive team environment.
• Excellent report writing and record-keeping skills.

Any questions please email Kathryn.Whiteman@blackburn.gov.uk