Occupational Therapist

Also known as:

Therapist, Occupational

Introduction

Occupational therapists help people who have physical or mental impairments, or who are mentally ill, to maximise their independence at home, in their working and social lives. They assess needs, and plan and conduct activities to help people to look after themselves.

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Work Activities

Occupational therapists (OTs) work with people who are physically or mentally disabled. They help their clients to maximise their independence at home and in their working and social lives.

First, clients are assessed using various physical, psychological, perceptual or cognitive tests. This provides the OT with an understanding of the client's capabilities and potential.

The OT builds up a general picture of the client's needs by consulting other professionals, such as physiotherapists and social workers. They also have access to the doctor's report.

Then the OT and the client decide together which skills are needed in order to maximise independence. These needs are determined by the client's condition and anticipated lifestyle. For instance, physically impaired clients may need help in strengthening muscles, co-ordinating movements and improving stamina.

If someone has had a stroke or an accident, they may need to re-learn basic 'living skills' (eg washing, cooking). OTs help people return to work as well, by training them in simulated work situations to improve their confidence, for example.

OTs often visit people in their homes, to advise on alterations that will make independent living easier and more comfortable. For example, the adjustment of toilet seats or work surfaces may enable elderly people to live at home safely. OTs will also arrange for extra support for clients (eg district nurse visits or home help services).

People with mental health problems are often supported by an OT in their own home. They may need therapy for anxiety or depression, which prevents them from going out to work. The OT builds up their self-confidence by improving their social and coping skills.

This may be done by practising work-related skills or through assertiveness training. Communication skills may be developed through activities such as group discussion or working on the preparation of a meal with other clients.

An OT may work with individual clients or with groups. Group exercises are particularly effective in teaching relaxation or communication skills. Occupational therapy assistants may be involved in running groups.

However, if an assistant runs a group, the occupational therapist will discuss objectives before each session and review its achievements afterwards. The occupational therapist takes overall responsibility for devising, planning and organising therapy programmes and monitoring clients' progress.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need good powers of observation, to ensure that assessments and monitoring are precise. You'll also need to be practical and resourceful in devising individual programmes.

To ensure that clients follow a programme that may seem difficult and tiresome, you'll need the ability to inspire confidence, to encourage and persuade. This is slow work and results do not come easily or quickly, so you must have great patience.

Sensitivity is essential in work with patients who may be anxious or nervous. You will also need to be cheerful, as people may be depressed because of their condition.

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Pay and Opportunities

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

In the NHS, occupational therapists (OTs) start on Band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay scales. From April 1, 2009 this has been £20,710 - £26,839 a year. Specialist OTs on Band 6 earn £24,831 - £33,436 a year. Those with management responsibilities can earn up to £39,273 a year.

At the highest levels OT consultants can earn up to £65,657 a year, depending on responsibilities.

OTs usually work 35-36.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday, and may be required to be on call or work in the evening or at weekends. There may be opportunities to work part time.

Most OTs work in the NHS or for local authorities. Other opportunities are with voluntary organisations and private sector industry. Some OTs work independently in private practice.

Employment opportunities vary throughout the UK. At present there is more competition for fewer jobs, so newly-qualified OTs may have to be prepared to relocate to find the job they want.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a degree in occupational therapy, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Science or Health and Social Care. You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

If you have a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in occupational therapy support, you may gain entry to the 2nd year course in occupational therapy.

There are accelerated two-year postgraduate programmes in occupational therapy for graduates with a relevant degree.

• 38% of occupational therapists work part-time.
• 22% have flexible hours.

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