Principal Occupational Therapist

Meopham, Kent

Permanent

Full Time — 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

£48,000 – £58,500 per annum

The Opportunity

We are proud to be recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded specialist educational organisation dedicated to the support and development of autistic children and young people. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Occupational Therapist to join a well-established, multidisciplinary therapy team in the heart of Kent.

Based at a vibrant specialist school setting, you will be joining a large, collaborative team of 8–9 therapists working with young people aged up to 19 years. The organisation is actively expanding its therapy provision and has a strong track record of staff development and retention. If you are looking for a senior role where your clinical and leadership skills will genuinely shape outcomes for young people, this is a compelling opportunity.

About the Role

As Principal Occupational Therapist, you will hold senior accountability for therapy outcomes within the school and work closely with the Head of Therapy and school senior leadership team to drive quality, innovation and continuous improvement. The role combines direct clinical delivery (up to 50% of directed time) with strategic leadership, governance and team management responsibilities.

You will supervise and line manage therapists within the team, lead on EHCP-aligned intervention planning, and contribute meaningfully to the school's wider transdisciplinary educational provision.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical governance, quality assurance and compliance with professional standards across the therapy team
• Oversee assessment, diagnosis and therapeutic planning in line with individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• Deliver group and individual occupational therapy (up to 50% of directed time)
• Provide clinical supervision and professional development support for therapy staff
• Support and advise on safeguarding matters, leading investigations and producing detailed reports
• Contribute to school improvement planning, self-evaluation and KPI reporting
• Build and manage relationships with external stakeholders including families, education professionals and university/research partners
• Lead on local recruitment, retention and career pathway development within the therapy team
• Maintain own HCPC registration and ensure colleagues maintain registration with relevant professional bodies

What We Are Looking For

• HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with significant post-qualification experience (minimum 6 years)
• Senior leadership or management experience within a school-based or specialist therapy setting — autism-specific experience highly desirable
• Proven experience delivering clinical supervision
• Strong understanding of EHCP frameworks and transdisciplinary approaches to autism education
• Track record of stakeholder engagement and partnership development
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and innovation in autism therapy
• Excellent communication, project management and strategic planning skills
• Understanding of therapeutic curriculum development and quality assurance in independent special schools

Why This Role Stands Out

• Term-time contract with full pay during school holidays — approximately 12 weeks paid leave per year
• Join an established team of 8–9 therapists with a strong collaborative culture and excellent staff retention
• Part of a growing therapy service — a genuine opportunity to lead and influence at a senior level
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension, Simply Health cash plan, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts and more
• Up to 33 days annual leave (rising to 35 days after five years), with additional anniversary leave from year ten
• Access to specialist CPD, an online learning academy, and funding towards further qualifications
• Relocation support considered for the right candidate
• Meaningful, values-driven work with a nationally recognised organisation