Your new organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend City Council is establishing a new SEND Therapies Service for schools and settings across the council.The service will deliver universal and targeted support to children and young people (CYP) with a range of physical and sensory needs and provide support to Southend schools and settings in developing exceptional learning opportunities and inclusive learning environments. We are seeking an experienced and highly specialist occupational therapist to join our team. This role will involve supporting schools to develop appropriate school-based provision for physical and sensory needs including sensory audits, development of sensory spaces, fine and gross motor support, and leading and managing a team of occupational therapy assistants, measuring the impact of the service by reducing pressure on statutory and specialist services and early identification and support for CYP with physical and sensory needs.
This new, innovative service will give a therapist the opportunity to be a part of a project transforming the outcomes for CYP in Southend.Please note that although this role will involve some hybrid working you will be required to be present in schools and settings in Southend most of the working week.
Working patterns and locations will be predominately led by the needs of the settings.To discuss the role further please contact
Responsibilities:
- To deliver high quality support and guidance to Southend mainstream schools and settings to develop their universal and targeted provision for children and young people with physical and sensory needs.
- To supervise a team of occupational therapy assistants delivering targeted services to schools
- To monitor and develop universal and targeted support for schools including data capture and reporting.
- To contribute to service and policy development.
What you'll need to succeed
Qualified occupational therapist with HCPC and RCOT registrationHighly specialist clinical skills working with children and young people with physical and sensory and their key adults.Extensive experience working in the field of special education, with a strong understanding of SEND principles, practices, and legislation.Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and supervising staffExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, salary car sacrifice scheme and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.Competitive salary commensurate with experience - Level 9 - £43,421 - £49,498Opportunity to bring over NHS pension if applicable.A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
What you need to do now
If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people with physical and sensory needs, are excited by the opportunity to do something innovative and different, and you possess the skills and experience required for this role, we would love to hear from you. Please click 'apply online' to forward your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 sides) outlining your suitability for the position.For a copy of the Job Description, please
click herePlease note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
Join us in shaping the future of inclusive education in Southend!
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