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.

Are you an experienced and innovative Occupational Therapist looking for a role where you can influence whole systems, shape inclusive practice and lead exciting SEND developments without managing a traditional caseload? We are looking for a highly specialist, impact-driven Occupational Therapist to join our SEND Therapies team at an exciting time of development and reform. This is a unique opportunity to shape inclusive practice across Southend schools and settings through strategic projects, workforce development and system-wide approaches that make a real difference for children and young people. This contract is offered on a full time and 2 years fixed term contract basis. 

You will work closely with schools to develop effective school-based provision, including sensory audits, sensory space development, and fine and gross motor support. You will also lead and supervise a team of Occupational Therapy Assistants, monitor service impact, and contribute to the ongoing development of the service. You will provide occupational therapy expertise and consultation to local authority capital projects to ensure environments are accessible, inclusive and supportive of sensory and physical needs.  You will build strong collaborative relationships with NHS Occupational Therapy services and wider partners to ensure alignment, avoid duplication and strengthen the graduated response across education and health.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in transforming outcomes for children and young people across Southend.

While some hybrid working is available, you will spend most of your working week in schools and educational settings across Southend, with working patterns guided by service needs.

For an informal discussion, please contact bethanmort@southend.gov.uk.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice and support to mainstream schools and settings to enhance provision for children and young people with physical and sensory needs.
• Lead and supervise a team of Occupational Therapy Assistants delivering targeted support.
• Monitor, develop, and evaluate service delivery, including data collection and reporting.
• Contribute to service improvement and policy development.

This is not a traditional caseload-holding post. Instead, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects, influence strategic developments and build capacity across the wider system. You will also supervise a Specialist Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants, helping to shape and develop an ambitious and forward-thinking OT offer.

You will be a qualified Occupational Therapist with HCPC and RCOT registration and significant experience supporting children and young people with physical and sensory needs.

You will also have:

• Extensive SEND and education sector experience.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and inclusive practice.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.
• Excellent communication and partnership-working skills.
• A passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working 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. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please 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.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.