Orange Recruitment, in partnership with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), is delighted to invite applications for Staff Grade Occupational Therapists to join the rapidly expanding Education Therapy Service (ETS). This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to inclusive education and to support students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) across Ireland.
As part of the NCSE's interdisciplinary regional teams, you will play a key role in promoting participation, independence and well-being for children and young people within their school environments.
The Role
As a Staff Grade Occupational Therapist, you will:
* Deliver education-based, evidence-informed Occupational Therapy within a multi-tiered model of support (universal, targeted and individual)
* Work collaboratively with teachers, school leaders, parents, and existing children's services to enhance student inclusion and engagement
* Provide Teacher Professional Learning (TPL), including seminars, coaching, modelling and in-school support
* Identify needs, plan and implement interventions, and evaluate outcomes within school contexts
* Develop and share resources that support learning and participation
* Maintain high professional standards, documentation and reflective practice
* Contribute to the continued development of the NCSE Education Therapy Service
Roles may involve working directly with one special school or supporting a cluster of schools within a defined geographic area.
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements
* Registered, or eligible for registration, with the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU
* High standard of professional knowledge, communication skills and suitability for the role
* Commitment to collaborative, child-centred, education-focused practice
Desirable Skills & Experience
* Post-qualification experience as an Occupational Therapist
* Experience delivering presentations or training
* Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
* Familiarity with school-based therapy and multi-tiered support models
* Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
* Knowledge of the Irish education system
* Full driving licence
Why Join the NCSE?
* Be part of a national, interdisciplinary service driving positive change in inclusive education
* Engage in meaningful, relationship-based work with schools and students
* Supported by a structured therapy governance framework, supervision and CPD
* Competitive public sector salary scale (€44,563–€63,786)
* 29 days annual leave plus public holidays
* Family-friendly policies with flexible working arrangements where appropriate
* Opportunity to influence and shape the future of therapy in education
Locations
Opportunities are available across multiple counties, Therapists will be assigned to specific special schools or a defined group of schools and will travel within their local area.
How to Apply
Orange Recruitment is administering this competition on behalf of the NCSE.
Applications must be submitted
on or before 3.00pm on 19th January 2026
. Interviews are expected to take place in early February 2026.