Children’s Occupational Therapist Needed at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (£32,073 – £39,043/year, Visa Sponsorship Available)

If you are a qualified occupational therapist with a passion for helping children build independence in their daily lives, this opportunity stands out. Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust is hiring for a full-time Band 5 role that lets you work directly with young people who have complex physical needs. The position offers visa sponsorship, making it accessible for international candidates who meet the skilled worker criteria. With a salary ranging from £32,073 to £39,043 per year, the package provides a stable entry into the NHS while allowing meaningful impact in community settings across the county.

What sets this apart is the varied environment. You will split your time between mainstream and special schools, nurseries, clinics and children’s own homes rather than being confined to one hospital ward. This mix keeps the work dynamic and lets you see real progress in natural settings where families and educators are key partners. For therapists who enjoy collaboration and variety, the role combines clinical work with practical advice to education teams and social services, all within a supportive countywide children’s therapy service.

The closing date is 15 April 2026, giving qualified applicants a clear window to prepare a strong application.

Job Overview

What You’d Actually Be Doing

• Manage your own clinical caseload by creating personalised occupational therapy care plans and carrying out risk assessments, such as moving and handling plans, to keep children safe and supported in everyday activities.
• Recommend equipment and adaptations including aids that help with mobility, self-care or school participation, then advise families, schools and other agencies on how best to use them for lasting results.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team by working alongside children’s physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, social services, education staff and acute sector colleagues to deliver joined-up support.
• Provide advice to education and community settings on strategies that help children access learning and play, often translating clinical goals into practical school or home routines.
• Work across diverse locations from mainstream schools and special schools to nurseries, clinics and family homes, making each day varied and responsive to individual children’s environments.

In practice, expect a busy but rewarding schedule with travel around Lincolnshire. The community focus means less time on paperwork in one place and more direct interaction where it matters most, though you will still need strong organisational skills to balance multiple cases effectively.

Who They’re Looking For

Must-haves (essential criteria):

• A degree in Occupational Therapy and current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Evidence of continuing professional development, including relevant postgraduate courses.
• Experience of working with children and in a community setting.
• Relevant specialist knowledge of current trends, best practice, and appropriate assessment tools or treatment techniques.

Nice-to-haves (desirable criteria):

• Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
• Post-registration qualifications in a related clinical field.
• Working knowledge of moving and handling regulations.
• Knowledge of the process for Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.

If you meet the essentials but are still building some of the desirable elements, do not rule yourself out. Many successful candidates bring a genuine interest in children’s complex physical needs and strong communication skills, which can outweigh gaps in niche knowledge at Band 5 level.

What Most Applicants Get Wrong

1. Submitting a generic CV that lists every past role without highlighting paediatric or community experience.
2. Overlooking the need to demonstrate multi-agency collaboration in the application.
3. Preparing for clinical questions but not for scenario-based discussions around risk assessments or school settings.

How to Apply (and Actually Get Noticed)

1. Visit the official Trac jobs portal via the link provided on the job listing and create or log into your account.
2. Complete the online application form in full, ensuring you address every essential criterion with specific examples from your experience.
3. Tailor your supporting information to reflect work with children who have complex physical needs and your ability to work across community settings.
4. Upload any required documents, including proof of HCPC registration and evidence of CPD.
5. Submit before the 15 April 2026 closing date and keep a copy of your answers for interview preparation.

Practical tip: Use clear headings in your supporting statement that mirror the person specification sections. This makes it easy for shortlisters to match your evidence directly to their requirements.

Visa and Eligibility

This role welcomes applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, and the employer will consider them alongside all others. As an NHS Band 5 position on national pay scales, it meets the criteria for the Health and Care Visa route in most cases, though you must still satisfy the salary threshold and other UK Visas and Immigration requirements. Criminal record certificates from countries of previous residence may be needed for entry clearance.

For official guidance, refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website and the criminal records checks information for overseas applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions people ask about this Children’s Occupational Therapist role at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, including eligibility, interview format, visa requirements and what to expect from the application process.

Is visa sponsorship available for the Children’s Occupational Therapist position in Lincoln?

Yes, the trust welcomes applications from candidates who need Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and will assess them equally with others. The role qualifies under Health and Care Visa rules for eligible overseas occupational therapists.

What salary can I expect as a Band 5 Children’s Occupational Therapist in the NHS?

The position offers a salary of £32,073 to £39,043 per year, which aligns with standard NHS Agenda for Change Band 5 pay rates for this level of responsibility.

Do I need previous paediatric experience to apply for this community children’s OT job?

Yes, experience of working with children is listed as essential, though the trust also values a keen interest in complex physical needs and community practice.

What settings will I work in as a Children’s Occupational Therapist for Lincolnshire Community Health Services?

You will work across a countywide service including mainstream and special schools, nurseries, clinics and children’s own homes rather than a single fixed location.

Is HCPC registration required for this occupational therapy role in the UK?

Yes, current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council is an essential requirement alongside your occupational therapy degree.

How competitive is the application process for NHS children’s therapy posts?

Competition varies but strong applications clearly demonstrate relevant paediatric and community experience plus multi-agency working. Tailoring your statement to the person specification improves your chances significantly.

Will I need a DBS check for this Children’s Occupational Therapist job?

Yes, the post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check because it involves working with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

What does a typical day look like for a community paediatric occupational therapist in the NHS?

Days usually involve a mix of direct therapy sessions, equipment recommendations, risk assessments and liaison with schools or families, with travel across different community sites.

Can international occupational therapists apply without UK experience? Yes, provided you hold HCPC registration and can demonstrate equivalent paediatric or community experience from your home country, along with meeting visa requirements.

Official Application Link

Apply directly for the Children’s Occupational Therapist position at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust here: https://apps.trac.jobs/job-advert/7910997?FromJobsNHS=1&ShowJobAdvert=

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