Job Title: Psychologist (HCPC-Registered)
Location: Chigwell, Essex
Salary: Up to £70,000
Full time/Part time: Full Time - 37 hours (including paid school holidays & bank holidays)

Job Overview

We are looking for a compassionate, HCPC-registered Psychologist (Clinical, Educational, Forensic or Counselling) to join a school based in Chigwell, Essex. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team supporting children and young people (5–19) with autism and complex needs, embedding therapeutic practice across education and care. The role offers up to £70,000 (including paid school holidays) plus an excellent benefits package and structured clinical development.

You will be based at a purpose-built school for up to 150 pupils, with superb facilities and extensive outdoor space, enabling truly personalised therapeutic living and learning environments.

Duties

• Conduct clinically informed assessments and formulations, and deliver individualised therapeutic interventions for children and young people with complex presentations (e.g., neurodevelopmental conditions, developmental trauma, SEND).
• Provide consultation, workshops, training and guidance to education and residential colleagues so therapeutic support permeates daily practice.
• Collaborate within a joined-up, multi-disciplinary model to create and maintain therapeutic living and learning environments across school and children’s homes.
• Keep accurate, ethical records of progress and outcomes, contributing to consistent, high-quality care.
• Participate in regular supervision and a sector-leading clinical development programme to stay current with best practice.
• Champion safeguarding and inclusivity, modelling effective, evidence-informed approaches for the team around each child.

Skills

• HCPC registration as a Clinical, Educational, Forensic or Counselling Psychologist.
• Proven ability to assess, formulate and support delivery of interventions for children and young people with complex needs (including autism).
• Confidence as a model, guide, leader and trainer, with excellent communication and collaboration skills across education and care settings.
• Highly organised, proactive and committed to achieving the best outcomes for young people.
• Comfortable working within a structured clinical service with supervision and ongoing professional development.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a supportive, well-resourced environment - complete with full school-holiday entitlement, wellbeing support, flexible benefits and beautiful beautiful facilities.   

Lead Occupational Therapist – Specialist Education Setting

Job Role: Lead Occupational Therapist
Location: London (Hybrid – On-site & Remote)
Full-time/Part-time: Full-time
Sector: Specialist Education & Therapy Services
Specialisms: Autism, Neurodiversity, Sensory Integration, School-Based Interventions
Salary: Up to £58,000 per annum
Pay Type: Salary/Permanent

Introduction

Are you an experienced Occupational Therapist looking for a leadership role in a specialist education setting? Do you have a passion for supporting Autistic students and those with complex sensory and motor needs in a school environment?

Our client, a leading provider of specialist education services, is seeking a Lead Occupational Therapist to help shape and develop therapy provision for children and young people with neurodevelopmental needs. This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team, providing specialist clinical leadership and ensuring therapy is fully integrated into the curriculum.

This role offers a combination of direct clinical work, leadership, and service development, making a real difference in the lives of students.

Job Purpose

The Lead Occupational Therapist will be responsible for delivering high-quality clinical intervention, assessment, and strategic service leadership within a specialist educational setting.

You will be responsible for:

• Providing expert assessment, intervention, and therapy plans, informed by EHCPs, to support students with sensory, motor, and behavioural needs.
• Adopting a neurodiversity-affirming approach, ensuring therapy is student-centred and strengths-based.
• Leading the Occupational Therapy service, ensuring effective delivery and integration of therapy into the educational environment.
• Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, and teaching staff.
• Providing specialist consultation and training for staff, parents, and external professionals to enhance their understanding of therapy in autism and education.
• Attending EHCP reviews and contributing to formal reports, supporting students' long-term development and outcomes.
• Supervising and mentoring junior therapists, assistants, and learning mentors, ensuring high-quality clinical practice.
• Developing therapy resources and service-wide improvements, ensuring interventions align with evidence-based practice.
• Contributing to clinical governance, ensuring therapy delivery aligns with local and national policies.

This role is ideal for an experienced Occupational Therapist who is looking to step into a leadership role while continuing to provide hands-on therapy in an education setting.

Requirements

• HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with a recognised Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working in an autism-focused or school-based setting.
• Strong knowledge of sensory integration, neurodiversity, and school-based interventions.
• Experience in team leadership, supervision, or service management.
• Ability to develop and deliver training for school staff, parents, and external professionals.
• Sound knowledge of clinical governance, EHCP processes, and best practices in school-based occupational therapy.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills.
• Desirable: Postgraduate training in Sensory Integration and experience with multidisciplinary working in education settings.
• Desirable: Full UK driving licence.

Why Join This Role?

• Lead a specialist therapy team, making a tangible impact on students' learning and development.
• Opportunities for career progression, with ongoing CPD, supervision, and training.
• A supportive, multidisciplinary work environment, with collaboration across therapy and education teams.
• Competitive salary up to £58,000, reflecting expertise and leadership experience.
• Work in a specialist education setting, ensuring therapy is fully integrated into student learning.

Next Steps

If this opportunity excites you, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today or reach out for an informal discussion.