Occupational Therapist - Children's Specialist Safeguarding Team

• Candidate_Pack_-_People_Directorate_-_Mar_2026
• Occupational_Therapist_CSST_JD_PS_Apr26
• Senior_Occupational_Therapist_CSST_JD_PS_Apr26

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and forward‑thinking service where you will be valued and encouraged to develop. Depending on your experience, you will be appointed as either a Senior Occupational Therapist or an Occupational Therapist (Main Grade). We are committed to strengths‑based, person‑centred practice and to investing in our staff so they can deliver positive, meaningful outcomes for the people and communities we serve. To learn more about what it is like to work with us, take a look at our team's video

About you…

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled professional who can build strong relationships, apply sound analytical thinking and work effectively across disciplines.

For candidates appointed at Senior Occupational Therapist level, the role offers the opportunity to provide professional leadership within the team, including supporting and supervising Occupational Therapists and students, and playing an active role in service improvement and the ongoing development of best practice.

If you join us at Main Grade level, you will be fully supported through structured supervision, ongoing professional development and clearly defined career pathways, enabling you to grow in confidence, consolidate your practice and career progression. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute your expertise within a supportive, multi-disciplinary team. Whether you are looking to further develop your practice or step into additional leadership responsibilities, you will play a key role in making a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children and their families.

About the team….

Our Children Specialist Support Team (CSST) works in close partnership with children and families, delivering high-quality, needs-led assessment, planning and intervention to ensure the right support is in place.

Our diverse team delivers a wide range of services, including social work, occupational therapy, support for children with additional vulnerabilities, statutory responsibilities for disabled Children in Need, care support packages and short breaks. We are proud of our child-first approach, grounded in the social model of care, where partnership and collaboration are central to everything we do.

Key responsibilities…

Main Grade Occupational Therapist:

• To work with children and their families to identify and undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments.
• To write reports and attend multi-disciplinary meetings to plan and review ongoing treatment and support.
• To work as part of a team triaging referrals received within Children’s Social Care from multiple sources.
• To document all work in line with legislation and local policy and procedures.
• To provide manual handling plans and risk assessments along with demonstrations of safe practice to parents/carers.
• To assess for appropriate, reasonable and cost-effective adaptations to properties where necessary.
• To assess suitability under the Department of Transport blue badge policy for the provision of disabled blue badges.
• To take an active part in supervision and appraisal meetings.

Senior Occupational Therapist:

• To work with children and their families to identify and undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and triage referrals that come into Children's Social Care.
• To provide 1-1 and group support, professional supervision, appraisal and development.
• To work autonomously within the scope of your practice and support the Team Manager in planning and leading in the occupational therapy service.
• To contribute to policy and practice development and work with partner agencies in a joined-up approach, support and intervention.
• To act in the best interest of children and their families to ensure relevant safeguarding measures are followed where necessary.
• To ensure compliance with all council policies and code of conduct and ensure that all Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) standards are met.
• Document accurate and timely recording of work completed and prepare reports for legal and court proceedings where required.

Our benefits…

• 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
• Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Paid employee volunteering scheme.
• Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
• Reimbursement of HCPC registration.
• Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
• Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.

Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.

Our values...

At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments...

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.

Interview date

Interviews will be held on 22nd May 2026.

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Benigna Amago - Team Manager, CSST

Email: Benigna.Amago@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or Tel: 01344 352378

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.

We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.

Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.

No agencies please.