Support Group Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist / OT Facilitator

Organisation: We Are Explorers CIC

Position Type: Freelance Contractor

Fee: £43.75 per session (inclusive of setup, delivery, wraparound support, and admin)

Time Commitment: 1.75 hours per week every Saturday

Contract Duration: Fixed-term sessional contract running until 4th September 2027 (with potential for future extension subject to successor funding)

Location: In-person delivery at Anytime Fitness Leigh and Leigh Family Hub; admin and paperwork completed flexibly from home

About We Are Explorers CIC

We Are Explorers CIC is a Neuroqueer-led grassroots organisation based in Leigh, dedicated to creating inclusive, sensory-safe, and barrier-free spaces for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals across Wigan Borough. Through community drop-ins, youth groups, adult social spaces, and adapted wellbeing programs, we deliver peer-led support co-produced with our community.

The Role: Wellness Warriors Project

We are seeking a qualified, person-centred Occupational Therapist / OT Facilitator to help deliver our weekly Wellness Warriors sessions.

Wellness Warriors is an adapted movement and wellbeing group designed to support neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+ participants in building physical confidence, regulating sensory needs, and developing sustainable self-care habits in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. As the OT Facilitator, you will bring clinical insight, sensory-informed practice, and an affirming approach to session planning and direct delivery.

This contract offers an ideal opportunity for an Occupational Therapist seeking meaningful, community-based freelance work alongside existing NHS, clinical, or private commitments.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Session Planning & Delivery: Help plan and deliver engaging, OT-informed sessions tailored to the sensory, developmental, and emotional needs of project participants.
• Wraparound & Group Support: Facilitate 1.75 hours per week of total contact and prep time, including room setup and set-down, session delivery, and up to 45 minutes of pre- and post-session wraparound care to assist participants transitioning into and out of the space.
• Individual Support: Provide tailored Occupational Therapy input, adjustments, and movement/sensory guidance to meet participants’ individual access requirements.
• Clinical Notes & Evaluation: Maintain notes, session reflections, and project evaluation data in line with organisational standards.
• Safeguarding & Risk Management: Complete appropriate session planning, venue risk assessments, and adhere strictly to safeguarding policies and reporting procedures.

Contractor Specification

Essential Requirements

• Professional Registration: Either a qualified Occupational Therapist or.a Occupational Therapist in training.
• Lived Experience or Sector Knowledge: Strong, grounded understanding of neurodivergence (including autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences) and LGBTQ+ community needs.

Desirable

• Experience delivering adapted movement, physical activity, or sensory regulation workshops in a gym or community setting.
• Prior experience working with neurodivergent young people or adults experiencing sensory overload and social anxiety.
• Familiarity with local community and VCSE networks across Leigh and Wigan Borough.
• Safeguarding & DBS: A valid DBS certificate issued within the last 3 years or an active subscription to the DBS Update Service.

Contractor Benefits & Perks

• Facility Access: Discounted gym membership at Anytime Fitness Leigh.
• Professional Development: Access to free training opportunities provided by or through We Are Explorers CIC.
• Flexible Admin: Full flexibility to complete remote admin, planning, and progress notes from home.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a short statement outlining your relevant experience and approach to sensory-safe group facilitation to Sign in to view email with the subject "OT Facilitator - Wellness Warriors".

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.