Job Description
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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 wrk under the direction of the Occupational Therapists. As part f the therapy team, you will build capacity in the team by undertaking specific responsibilities.
You will be trained as required to undertake the prerequisite duties as outlined below:
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 role
To 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 English
Voluntary 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.
Autism Anglia is positive about inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals who are able to meet the requirements of the job position and may wish to request flexible working, or reasonable adjustments to support them.
In the first instance please send your CV torecruitment@autism-anglia.org.ukor if you would like further information please contact the Recruitment Team on 01206 577678.
Information about the School
Doucecroft School is a specialist co-educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, age 3 –19 years. Established in 1977, we are experienced and successful in meeting the needs of students with wide-ranging strengths and needs, providing a nurturing environment where students are able to thrive and grow in independence and self-esteem.
Students can benefit from our flexible boarding provision or can attend school as day students and come from across the Anglia region and the London boroughs.
Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are provided on-site by our experienced therapy team.
Doucecroft School is part of Autism Anglia, a regional charity working with children, adults and families affected by Autism.