Occupational Therapist

Location: Specialist SEND School, Bahrain

Job Summary:

SEND International is seeking a dedicated professional with a vibrant personality and a deep sense of professionalism to join a school team as an Occupational Therapist.

We are looking for someone with a genuine heart for young learners with SEND, who can bring their expertise and compassion to a Specialist SEND School in Bahrain. Our ideal candidate will have a true passion for making a difference and illuminating the lives of students with barriers to learning. As part of our specialist team of educators, you will be a pivotal advocate, empowering students to reach their fullest potential. If you have the background and skill set in Occupational Therapy and a personality that inspires and uplifts, we invite you to join us in our mission to transform lives.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive Occupational Therapy services and developing a whole-school internal and outreach provision. This role includes assessment and intervention to enhance occupational performance skills in children with various motor and visual perceptual difficulties. We seek someone who can play a huge part in sensory integration and support students with fine motorwork. You will help children who have dyspraxia, ADD, ADHD, Brain Injury, Developmental Delay, Specific Language Disorders, and those who are Autistic.

The School:

This amazing Specialist SEND school is an Independent school for children with mild to moderate learning difficulties who possess the cognitive skills to benefit from an academic program based on the British National Curriculum. The school aims to awaken the child’s spirit and imagination, helping them find joy in learning while nurturing their natural curiosity and openness to life’s unlimited possibilities. The curriculum, encompassing Literacy and Numeracy, is grounded in the British National Curriculum’s National Literacy & Numeracy Strategies at Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1–4.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assessment and Intervention:
   • Conduct initial and ongoing assessments to identify students’ occupational performance needs.
   • Develop and implement individualized and group intervention plans to improve motor and visual perceptual skills.
   • Identify children who require full OT assessment before admission and those needing assessment upon school entry.
2. Service Provision:
   • Provide high-quality Occupational Therapy services within the school and as part of the school’s outreach program.
   • Integrate Occupational Therapy support into classroom settings, working paired with teachers on a timetabled basis.
   • Monitor and evaluate therapy programs, adjusting as necessary to meet student needs.
3. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Liaise with other professionals within and outside the Academy working with current, potential, or past pupils.
   • Work with colleagues to produce Individual Education Plans (IEPs), monitor progress, and provide evidence.
   • Maintain individual pupil records and report progress to staff and parents.
   • Write detailed reports on individual pupils for school records and parent communication.
4. Parent and Staff Support:
   • Meet with parents to discuss their children’s progress and provide support as needed.
   • Provide information for children’s Statements of Special Educational Needs and contribute to Annual Reviews.
   • Support and advise teachers and remedial staff on Occupational Therapy matters, supervising any non-OT input.
5. Program and Policy Development:
   • Develop and update the Academy’s handwriting policy, ensuring all staff know and follow the guidelines.
   • Work with Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists to develop and deliver a social skills program for selected children.
6. Additional Duties:
   • Develop and implement appropriate Occupational Therapy programs, integrating a sensory curriculum to support children’s educational journeys.
   • Focus on key fine motor skills development areas to enhance students’ academic progress.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A degree in Occupational Therapy from a recognised institution.
• Current registration and licensure to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
• Previous experience working with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Proficiency in assessing and managing a range of conditions, including dyspraxia, ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Brain Injury, Developmental Delay, and Specific Language Disorders.
• Strong understanding of motor and visual perceptual difficulties in children.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest research and best practices in Occupational Therapy.
• A friendly and approachable personality, with the ability to integrate well into the school community.

Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, and copies of their qualifications and licensure. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Join us in significantly impacting the lives of children with special needs by providing them with the essential support and skills they need to thrive.

Apply today! Start a conversation with Claire!

00 44 01925 909429

Claire@sendinternational.co.uk