Location
Northern Health Centre, Holloway Road, Islington

Hours
Full time (hours not specified)

Salary
£34,186 per annum

About the Role
As a Children's Occupational Therapy Assistant at Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, you will support therapists in delivering individual and group therapy programmes for children in a variety of settings including clinics, homes, and schools. You will engage children in therapeutic activities that promote independence, safety, and well-being, assisting in the implementation of treatment plans under supervision. Your duties will include running therapy groups, carrying out therapy programmes, assisting with home and clinic assessments, and supporting the preparation of clinical resources. You will also be responsible for maintaining a safe and clean environment, including toy cleaning and equipment checks. Administrative tasks such as record keeping, scanning, data collation, appointment scheduling, and supporting workshop organisation will be part of your role. You will work closely with children and families, often dealing with complex emotional and behavioural needs, and will be expected to adhere to Trust policies and procedures, including health and safety guidelines. The role requires sensitivity, reliability, and the ability to manage emotionally challenging situations with children and their carers. You will participate in regular supervision and appraisal to reflect on and improve your practice. Staff working in educational settings will need to take the majority of their holiday during school holidays.

Experience
Previous experience is not explicitly required; however, experience working with children or in a healthcare or educational setting would be advantageous.

About you
You should be enthusiastic, reliable, and able to work effectively with children who may have complex emotional, social, behavioural, or cognitive difficulties. You must be able to manage sensitive and sometimes distressing situations with empathy and professionalism. Good personal time management, punctuality, and professional presentation are essential. You should be willing to work in occasionally unpleasant conditions and be able to handle occasional aggressive or abusive behaviour. A positive attitude towards ongoing learning and development is important.

Qualifications
You will be expected to take part in a structured induction programme and mandatory training provided by the Trust. A basic understanding of medical conditions affecting children, manual handling principles, and Moving and Handling Legislation is required. Commitment to maintaining up-to-date mandatory training and participating in professional development opportunities is essential.