This role offers the chance not only to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred occupational therapy, but also to play a pivotal part in developing a specialist autism pathway, working alongside the Autism Lead and wider colleagues across Adult Social Care.
Are you a passionate Occupational Therapist looking for an exciting opportunity to help shape a developing service? We are expanding our Autism Team and seeking an experienced practitioner who is committed to improving the lives of autistic adults across Manchester.
You will deliver strengths‑based functional assessments and provide guidance on sensory needs and rehabilitation. You will work holistically with autistic adults, supporting independence, wellbeing and meaningful participation through evidence‑based OT interventions and person‑centred practice.
This is a developing role, offering the unique opportunity to shape and enhance the autism‑specific OT offer within the service. You will collaborate closely with the Autism Team to embed autism‑inclusive practice across the directorate and contribute to wider organisational development.
As the service expands, there will be opportunities to take on supervisory and staff‑management responsibilities, supporting the ongoing development of junior staff, students and apprentices.
Key Responsibilities
Specialist OT Assessment & Intervention
· Carry out holistic, strengths‑based OT assessments for autistic adults, including sensory and functional assessments
· Provide tailored, evidence‑based intervention plans that promote independence, positive risk‑taking and wellbeing.
· Offer input into sensory and environmental strategies to support regulation, participation and engagement.
Workshops & Independence‑Building
· Design and deliver group workshops focused on life skills, daily routines, sensory regulation, social participation, and building independence.
· Work in partnership with person‑centred planners to ensure individuals shape their own goals, plans and progress.
Equipment, Adaptations & Safety
· Recommend and facilitate equipment, assistive technology and environmental adaptations to maximise independence.
Collaborative Working
· Work alongside other professionals including Social Workers, Learning Disability/Autism health professionals etc
· Contribute to safeguarding processes, addressing and managing risks appropriately.
Service Development & Leadership
· Contribute to the ongoing development of the Autism Team’s offer, identifying gaps and service improvement opportunities.
· Support the professional development of team members through supervision, mentoring and training.
About Our Service
As part of Manchester Local Care Organisation, you will work within an integrated environment that brings together NHS and Adult Social Care.
Manchester is a forward‑thinking, diverse and vibrant city, committed to supporting practitioners through strong professional development, peer supervision and opportunities to innovate.
What We Offer
· A Principal Occupational Therapist in post, leading the way and shining a light on what we do as Occupational Therapists
· A supportive, collaborative working environment with strong supervision structures.
· Access to training, CPD and tailored development opportunities, including access to a therapy padlet providing a one stop platform for all things OT in Manchester City Council.
· The chance to help shape a developing autism service and influence strategic practice across the city.
· Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.
· Monday – Friday working, with no working on bank holidays or weekends, and a 35 hour working week, supporting a positive work/life balance. · Access to our state‑of‑the‑art Smart Suite (Smart Suite - Manchester Local Care Organisation)
What our OTs say
‘There is no doubt about the vibrance, spirit and sheer potential that defines Manchester. Working in a city that is bold, dynamic and not afraid to do things differently has been an exciting opportunity and experience as an occupational therapist’
‘I love Manchester as a City and working with the citizens of Manchester is amazingly rewarding. The community OT role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of citizens with a range of conditions, this means that after 23 years of working as an OT I am continuing to learn every day and every day is different. The flexible working means that I can establish a good work life/balance’
How to Apply
If you are passionate about autism‑inclusive practice, committed to enabling independence and excited by the opportunity to shape a developing service, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact jobs@manchester.gov.uk if you would like to discuss the role with us.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
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