CoAction West Cork provides quality services to support children and adults with an intellectual disability, and children with autism.

This is achieved by helping each service user reach their full potential, working in partnership with their families and carers, within the community.

Occupational Therapist – Basic Grade

8 month Fixed Term contract - 35 hpw

Location: West Cork WCCDNT

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 7th August 2026

Full job description, eligibility criteria and application form are available at www.coaction.ie or email in confidence to hrgen@coaction.ie for any enquiries.

Please apply with detailed Cover Letter, CV and Application Form.

Job Description

Basic Grade Occupational Therapist

Reporting To: Children's Disability Network Manager

Base: West Cork

Working Relationships:

To work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team. Parents/carers/adult service centre managers and staff for provision of OT intervention.
Liaise with CDNT, families, staff of WCCDNT, Staff of other statutory and voluntary organisations including schools, pre-schools, primary and acute care

The following description is intended to give a broad outline of the post only. It is neither inclusive nor definitive. Duties may be altered or amended by the Organisation to suit the changing needs of our clients. Staff and clients will be consulted regarding any such changes. It is our policy to review job descriptions on an on-going basis.

Overall Purpose of Position

The Staff Grade Occupational Therapist will work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team in line with Progressive Disabilities Services (PDS) policies and principals to provide skilled Occupational Therapy Services to meet the assessed needs of children with complex needs and their families. Plan and manage a caseload, providing assessments and interventions in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Take a key role in setting and achieving goals with service users and their families.

Job Goal:

The Staff Grade Occupational Therapist is a key appointment in the delivery of comprehensive/effective services for children with complex needs. They will contribute to providing a quality service and support to families to enable children and young people from 0-18 years to develop their full potential.

Main Responsibilities:

Clinical

To work in partnership together with the interdisciplinary team, the child/ young and family/carers using family centered practice principals, to develop an IFSP based on the child/young person and family’s assessed and identified needs, goals and priorities.

To assess a young child’s developmental and functional skills using a range of appropriate assessment methods and review outcomes.

To develop individual child and young person-centered OT programmes for home and school to support the child/young person developmental skills and participation in daily life. These will be outcome based and in line with the child/young person and family’s, assessed and identified needs, goals and priorities.

To review these OT programmes and continue to target the needs, goals and priorities of the child and their family.

Where required to implement in collaboration with child and young person the OT programme based on assessed need and the family's goals. Evaluate the child/young person's progress.

To assess a child/young person's need for specialist equipment and make recommendations to AIM, HSE, pre-schools and schools.

To assess a child’s environment, such as transport, classroom facilities, homes, pre-school, children’s respite house and make recommendations to the HSE, WCCDNT, County Councils, pre-schools and schools.

To support and advise families, staff and/carers to implement O.T. programmes and recommendations

To support, train and educate school staff on the use of specialist equipment, OT programmes and interventions

To contribute to training days/evenings provided to families and staff

To establish and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues and other healthcare personnel.

Maintain high-quality clinical records and documentation in line with professional standards.

To ensure adherence to the progressive disabilities of services (PDS) operational policies and procedures.

Administrative Duties

To actively participate in the continuing development of services delivery with CoAction and the Children’s Disability Network Team

To adhere to the policies and procedures of CoAction

Professional Duties

To maintain your own professional development through reading, attending and contributing to relevant in-service and external training. Maintain evidence of continued professional development. Participate in mandatory training and continuous professional development

To promote Occupational Therapy and provide a clear understanding of its role in the CDNT.

To develop and maintain links with Occupational Therapists in the (Health Service Executive, IDAG, other statutory and voluntary organisations)

Supervise OT students and therapy assistants.

Health & Safety

To be aware of Co Action duties and the employee duties under the Safety, Health & Welfare at work legislation.

To work constructively towards the protection of vulnerable persons with disabilities.

To ensure fire and safety, precautions are implemented and maintained.

To ensure adequate knowledge of emergency action and plans.

To report any faulty equipment/fittings.

To ensure that all accidents/incidents are reported and documented as per CoAction and WCCDNT policies.

Act as a mandated person under the Children First National Guidelines, upholding the highest standards of professional and ethical practice.

Promote a safe and inclusive working environment, supporting risk management and HIQA standards.

Candidates must have

Degree in Occupational Therapy
Eligible to be a member of The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI)

Be eligible to work in the state.

Registered with CORU National Occupational Therapists Registration Board

Full Driver's License with access to own transport

Post graduate experience working in disability services or clinical placement in disability services

Knowledge of Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People

Experience Required

Preferred – experience with regards to postural management and the provision of equipment
Preferred – experience within the field of Intellectual Disability / Physical Disability/Paediatrics/Autism
Full clean driving licence essential.

CoAction undertakes to provide

Quality guidance and supervision in the implementation of your role.
Commitment to supporting CPD

CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer

Occupational Therapist (Basic Grade)-35 hpw - West Cork WCCDNT - Ref D046