Occupational Therapist (Children)

The Opportunity

Salary

£39,862 to £42,839 per annum (Pro rata salary - £23,917 to £25,703)

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Pattern

22.2 hours per week (M-F with Flexible Working supported)

Location

Based from County Hall North, Horsham (Hybrid Working Available)

Interview date

15th June 2026

We are looking for a qualified Occupational Therapist to join our Horizon Intervention Team. We are looking for someone that embraces our strengths-based approach, working within a community-led support model that builds on the assets and strengths of both people and their local communities.

You will work within an innovative and supportive service helping children and young people, particularly those with SEN, whose mental and emotional health needs affect their wellbeing, access to education or risk of hospitalisation. As part of the Horizon Intervention Team, you will use your occupational therapy skills to carry out strengths‑based assessments, manage a caseload, and develop personalised, legally compliant support plans in partnership with children, families and other agencies. You will operate in a managed environment with appropriate supervision, contributing to a high‑quality service while adhering to professional standards, legislation and organisational policies.

A key element of this role will be the development and delivery of creative, occupational therapy-led group work for children and young people, using a neuroaffirming approach to support socialisation and communication skills. The postholder will be expected to identify gaps in existing provision and design responsive group interventions that build on children's strengths, interests and sensory needs, including an emphasis on outdoor and community‑based spaces where appropriate. This role is suited to an innovative practitioner who embraces creativity and is motivated to develop new small group programmes that promote connection, confidence and participation. All group work will be grounded in our strengths‑based, community‑led support model, recognising and building on the assets of children, families and local communities to enable sustainable, inclusive outcomes.

Launched in July 2025 as part of the development of the West Sussex Children's Psychological Hub, the Horizon Service plays a vital role within the wider Restore Service, alongside CATs and the Solutions Service. The Horizon Service is made up of two specialist teams, Horizon Intervention and Horizon Suicide Prevention, working together to promote the emotional and mental wellbeing of children across West Sussex.

Our teams support children, families, and professionals by providing expert consultation and advice, delivering high‑quality training, and offering direct therapeutic intervention. The Horizon Service is grounded in a strong value base. We believe that with the right support, children can recover, thrive, and achieve positive outcomes. We strive to restore hope and empower those we work with through:

• Hope - Believing in recovery and the potential for positive change
• Empowerment - Building on strengths and supporting resilience
• Compassion - Listening, respecting, and centring the child's voice
• Collaboration - Working together across systems for lasting impact
• Inclusion - Embracing neurodiversity and tailoring support to individual needs

Experience and Skills

You will be responsible for undertaking strengths‑based and risk assessments in complex situations, using occupational therapy expertise and relevant legislation to develop creative, outcome‑focused interventions for children and young people. The role includes supporting and overseeing Horizon Intervention Workers in implementing and reviewing plans, safeguarding children by identifying and escalating concerns, and working collaboratively with families and a wide range of professionals and providers to meet needs, including advising on home adaptations. You will monitor and evaluate progress, manage resources responsibly, produce clear and accurate records and reports, and act as a professional representative of the service.

Key Skills

• Ability to work proactively as a member of the team to make an accurate strengths-based assessment of needs and negotiate and implement effective plans and outcomes (in line with relevant legislation), working in partnership with carers, colleagues, and a variety of external agencies to meet people's outcomes.
• Ability to analyse and interpret information and data to prioritise needs and formulate plans for intervention and service provision.
• Ability to develop the capabilities of Horizon Intervention Workers, and to mentor them to effectively implement your plans of support.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a range of stakeholders to provide clear advice and guidance and interventions.
• Ability to recognise the limits of own accountability and responsibility, know when to seek appropriate support, advice and supervision, and to prioritise and organise work and meet agreed performance expectations.
• Sound and accurate IT skills to ensure effective record keeping, compliant with data protection and respecting confidentiality

Qualifications/Experience

• Diploma / BSc Occupational Therapy or recognised equivalent Occupational Therapy qualification.
• Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• An understanding of mental health and experience of working with children and young people with mental health problems.
• An understanding of mental health and experience of working with children and young people with mental health problems.
• Valid, full driving licence

For more information on the Key Skills, Qualifications and/or Experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached. Please refer to the key skills in your cover letter as these will be used for shortlisting criteria.

Benefits

As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance, and are rewarded for the work they do.

For a full list this can be found at our Rewards and Benefits page.

About Us

Here at West Sussex County Council, we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey. That's why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening for children. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.

For further information about us and about working in Children's Social Care at West Sussex County Council, please visit Careers in children's social work in West Sussex.

Further information

The reference number for this role is CAFHE06255.

For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Cara Davis (Service Manager) at . For any issues or queries regarding the application process please contact Kerry Joad at .

To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and Cover Letter. In your cover letter please outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, HCPC Registration, five years referencing, and an occupational health check.

Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact .

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.