Occupational Therapist
Job Description:Occupational therapists help people overcome difficulties in day-to-day activities caused by physical or mental health problems, learning disabilities, accidents or ageing.
Job Category:What you will do:
You’ll adapt treatment programmes to suit each client’s needs and lifestyle.
Your work could include:
- teaching an older patient recovering from a stroke how to do things for themselves
- encouraging someone suffering with depression to take up a hobby or activity
- suggesting ways to adapt an office so that an employee injured in a car accident can return to work
- helping clients adjust to permanent physical disabilities
- helping people with learning disabilities to live independently
You might work with patients for several months or just for a few sessions. You’ll often work as part of a team of professionals, including physiotherapists, nurses and social workers (teamwork skills). You’ll keep notes about clients’ progress, and advise and support clients and their families and carers.
Skills:
You are likely to need
- relevant qualifications
- knowledge of psychology
- IT skills – to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptable)
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to form good working relationships with a wide variety of people
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to design and develop individual treatment programmes
- excellent communication skills
- the ability to motivate clients who are disappointed or frustrated
Entry Requirements:
You’ll likely need:
- degree, or postgraduate qualification in occupational therapy approved by the relevant health authority in the country where you’d like to practice (in the UK it the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC))
- registration with the HCPC
- to pass enhanced background checks as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults
To do a degree in occupational therapy, you’ll usually need maths, english and at least one science subject (biology is preferred).
To do a postgraduate course in occupational therapy, you’ll usually need a degree in a related subject and some relevant paid or voluntary work experience.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work standard office hours, Monday to Friday.
You could work with clients at a variety of places, including:
- hospitals
- health centres
- residential or nursing homes
- GP surgeries
- schools
- at a client’s home or workplace
You’ll need mental and physical stamina as this is a very practical job.
Career Path & Progression:
You could progress to senior clinician or head of occupational therapy services a hospital. You may also be able to move into general health or social services management.
You could also go into private practice, education or research.