Working Hours:   35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type:  Permanent, Full-Time

Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance  

Closing Date: 11 March 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm 

Interview Method: Face to Face 

This Role is Subject to:

Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

Legal right to Work:In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.

2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history. 

Qualification -  BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Qualification and registration with HCPC   

Medical Clearance - Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA)  

Essential Car Documentation- This post is a designated Essential Car User. Therefore, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance.  

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced  Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. 
 
 Are you a passionate and skilled 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.
  

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.

You will be resilient, empathic, compassionate and motivated. 

You must be organised and have excellent oral communication and written skills and be able to complete comprehensive reports in a timely and efficient manner. 

You will have extensive experience and knowledge of delivering high-quality occupational therapy assessments and interventions for autistic adults, to support individuals in achieving independence and well-being.  

We are looking for a critical and innovative thinker who can gather and analyse information, manage risk and maximize citizens' quality of life. 

You will maintain the standards set out by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT). 
 
You will deliver strengths‑based functional assessments and provide expert 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 specialist 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.

For further information about the role, please contact Nichola Picken, Autism Lead via Nichola.Picken@manchester.gov.uk

You will be resilient, empathic, compassionate and motivated.

You must be organised and have excellent oral communication and written skills and be able to complete comprehensive reports in a timely and efficient manner.

You will have extensive experience and knowledge of delivering high-quality occupational therapy assessments and interventions for autistic adults, to support individuals in achieving independence and well-being.

We are looking for a critical and innovative thinker who can gather and analyse information, manage risk and maximize citizens' quality of life.

You will maintain the standards set out by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT).

 
Essential Requirements 
  • Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration. 
  • Significant experience working with autistic adults
  • Expertise in sensory assessment, behaviour‑supporting environmental strategies and functional, strengths‑based approaches.
  • Experience using autism‑specific assessment tools and approaches.
  • Experience of risk assessment and providing training to others.
  • Ability to independently manage a complex caseload. 
  • DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.
  • Full, valid driving licence  and provide your own car for use at work. 
 
Desirable
 
  • Experience facilitating groups or workshops.

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. 

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. 

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

  • We take time to listen and understand
  • We work together and trust each other
  • We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
  • We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
  • We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer 

  • Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks. 
  • A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum. 
  • Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events. 
  • Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more. 
  • Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process. 
  • A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life. 
  • Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits. 
  • Employee communities and support groups - including Black Asian and Minority Ethnic forum; Disability and LGBT+ Networks, Menopause Support  etc
  • Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles lease scheme - can help you get a brand new competitively priced all electric or hybrid car.

 

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council 

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. 

Support During the Process

  • Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
  • Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone. 

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme 

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

  • Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
  • Current or former care leavers
  • Have a disability or long-term condition

 When You Join Us 

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

  • A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
  • Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
  • A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

 

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk. 

What we will need from you if you're successful 

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.  

Pre-Employment Checks 

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for, see the top of the advert for details.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve. 

Other relevant information 

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role. 

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

 

 
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Location

, , Manchester, , United Kingdom

Job ID

7680