Senior Occupational Therapist – Autism Specialist

Senior Occupational Therapist – Autism Specialist (Adult Social Care)
Salary per annum: £51,735 – £54,843
Location: London Borough of Harrow
Working Pattern: Hybrid

We are seeking an experienced Senior Occupational Therapist with specialist autism knowledge to join the Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism (MHLDA) Service. This is not a traditional equipment-led Occupational Therapy role. Instead, you will provide specialist assessment, formulation and intervention to improve outcomes through sensory, environmental and occupational approaches that promote independence and reduce restrictive practices.

This is an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist looking to combine specialist clinical practice with service development, workforce education and system-wide leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete specialist autism and sensory-informed assessments for adults with complex needs.
• Develop functional formulations and person-centred intervention plans that prevent escalation and crisis.
• Design sensory and environmental adaptations to improve independence and wellbeing.
• Influence care planning to reduce reliance on restrictive support models and high-cost care packages.
• Support individuals to maintain stable placements, tenancies and daily routines.
• Contribute specialist expertise to safeguarding enquiries and complex case discussions.
• Provide consultation and clinical advice to Social Workers, Care Managers, AMHPs and senior leaders.
• Review complex support packages and identify opportunities for improved outcomes through autism-informed practice.
• Work collaboratively with health services, housing, commissioning teams and partner organisations.
• Deliver training, reflective practice sessions and case consultations to develop autism-informed practice across Adult Social Care.
• Champion trauma-informed, strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming approaches throughout the service.

About YouTo be successful in this role, you will have:

• HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist.
• Significant post-qualification experience working with autistic adults or individuals with complex neurodevelopmental needs.
• Extensive knowledge of autism, sensory processing, environmental adaptation and occupational formulation.
• Experience managing complex cases involving risk, safeguarding, mental health and the Mental Capacity Act.
• Excellent communication and consultation skills with the ability to influence practice across multidisciplinary teams.
• A passion for preventative practice and improving outcomes for autistic adults.

Why work through Pertemps?
By applying through Pertemps, you’ll benefit from:

• A dedicated consultant with access to roles nationwide and available whenever you need support
• A simple online registration process
• Attractive referral schemes and incentives
• Ongoing compliance fully managed for you
• Prompt and reliable payroll
• …and much more!

📞 To discuss this role in more detail, please contact Freya Joseph on 07471 306880 or email Freya.joseph@pprsocialcare.co.uk.