Job Description:

Paediatric Occupational Therapist – Band 6 / Band 7

• Southampton, Winchester and Ringwood, Hampshire
• £39,959–£49,387 per annum full-time, year-round equivalent; pro rata for agreed hours and working year
• Permanent, salaried | Three, four or five days per week
• January 2027 preferred start

Looking for a permanent paediatric OT role with flexible working days, home-based report writing and support to develop your specialist skills?

Recruit by Nature is recruiting an experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapist for an established independent practice. You will support children and young people across Southampton, Winchester, Ringwood and surrounding areas through community clinical work, with administration completed at home and flexibility to manage your diary within service requirements.

Flexible working and professional support:

• Three, four or five days per week, with a minimum of 22.5 hours across three days.
• Term-time through to year-round arrangements, with a minimum working year of 38 weeks.
• Home-based administration and report writing alongside community clinical work.
• Structured supervision, including at least weekly supervision during the initial three-month induction, plus monthly CPD meetings, e-learning and joint working.
• Continuing training opportunities, including sensory integration and other relevant courses; potential development towards Band 7 subject to competence and agreement.
• Healthcare cash plan, death-in-service benefit, salary sacrifice arrangements and quarterly team socials, subject to scheme terms and eligibility.

The salary range is a full-time, year-round equivalent. Actual salary will be calculated for your agreed hours and working year. Exact full-time contractual hours and individual pro-rata calculations will be confirmed during recruitment.

Your clinical role

You will support children and young people aged approximately 2–25, most of whom are autistic, often with sensory needs, learning disabilities, specific learning difficulties or other co-occurring needs. The practice takes a neuro-affirming, child-centred approach.

• Complete standardised assessments, clinical observations and occupational therapy assessments in schools, homes and clinic settings.
• Develop therapy goals, intervention plans and recommendations, deliver therapy and review outcomes.
• Produce clear clinical records, reports and recommendations, including contributions to EHCP applications and tribunal proceedings.
• Guide and train parents, carers, teachers and other professionals, and liaise with schools, healthcare teams and local authorities.
• Advise on appropriate assistive equipment and attend EHCP tribunals when required.
• Manage your caseload and diary, participate in supervision and training, and mentor OT students as required.

About you:

• BSc degree in Occupational Therapy, current HCPC registration and RCOT membership. Equivalent qualifying degrees can be discussed.
• Relevant paediatric OT experience and confidence working with autistic and other neurodivergent children and young people.
• Experience using standardised assessments, planning interventions and writing reports independently.
• Experience addressing sensory, motor, functional and self-regulation needs, with effective communication and safeguarding awareness.
• Valid DBS, with required level, currency and acceptance arrangements to be confirmed.
• Driving licence, access to a suitable vehicle for work and practical ability to cover the recruitment area and attend the Crondall clinic when required.

Sensory integration training or accreditation is highly desirable. Experience in specialist schools, EHCP reporting, CAMHS, learning disabilities, trauma, attachment, tribunals or student mentoring would also be valuable. Clinical competence will be considered alongside experience when assessing Band 6 or Band 7 suitability.

Location and travel

This is a community-based role covering Southampton, Winchester and Ringwood, with some online delivery and home-based non-client-facing work. Clinic attendance in Crondall, Hampshire, GU10 5DT, is required as needed, with more frequent attendance during the first three to four months for induction and face-to-face training.

The service allocates caseloads within a 45-minute radius, with longer journeys discussed first. How that radius is measured, likely induction attendance, mileage reimbursement and treatment of travel time will be confirmed during recruitment. This is not a fully remote position.

Apply confidentially

Apply with your CV to George Francis at Recruit by Nature. Please indicate your relevant paediatric experience, HCPC and RCOT status, preferred working days and working year, location and travel availability, and earliest start date.

For a confidential discussion: (phone number removed).

This role may suit a Children’s Occupational Therapist, Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Band 6 Occupational Therapist or Band 7 Occupational Therapist.