Occupational therapy support workers assist qualified therapists in helping clients, with a range of problems, to manage their daily activities. Clients may have mental, physical or social difficulties resulting from birth, illness, an accident or the ageing process.

An occupational therapist assesses the client's particular needs with regards to certain tasks, and discusses ways to address the situation with them. Support workers help clients to think positively, work towards agreed targets, observe their progress, record developments, and provide regular reports for the supervising occupational therapist.

The work is likely to include:

• enabling elderly people to live independently or to remain as active as possible
• supporting patients with mental health problems, encouraging them to establish a daily routine and take part in activities outside the home
• assisting children with physical disabilities, helping them to enjoy normal activities
• enabling people who have had a stroke or been in an accident to adjust to their disability.

They can work with individuals or groups. Their duties may also involve checking that equipment is available and in good working order, and keeping a record of items in stock.

Hours and Environment

Occupational therapy support workers usually work 37.5 hours a week. There are part-time and job share opportunities.

They can work in hospitals, day centres and residential homes, or visit clients in their own home. The job will involve a lot of walking, stretching, standing and bending.

Skills and Interests

To be an occupational therapy support worker, you should:

• be able to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds
• have patience and good communication skills
• be able to encourage people who may be frustrated at their rate of progress
• be able to remain confident and enthusiastic when work does not have a positive result
• be able to organise clients’ time efficiently
• have practical skills, perhaps in cookery, woodwork or pottery
• be able to keep clear, accurate records
• be able to work alone and as part of a team.

Entry

There are no set entry requirements for occupational therapy support workers, however, employers will look for candidates with a good general standard of education. Four or more GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including maths, English and a science subject will be particularly useful and possibly essential for more advanced work. Employers will advise you on alternative qualifications which may also be acceptable.

Previous experience, paid or unpaid, in a caring role would be useful. Qualifications such as NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Health, or Health and Social Care, (formerly known as NVQ/SVQ in Care) will also be helpful in getting you into this field of work.

There is no maximum age for entry and maturity and life experience is an asset. Many employers conduct a police check.

Training

Training is usually given on the job once you are employed by an NHS trust or a private practice.

It may be possible to work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Health: Allied Health Profession Support (Occupational Therapy). Skills for Health, the Sector Skills Council for Health, outline the content of the NVQ on their website; check Further Information for details.

Support workers can gain recognition for their level of expertise by working towards a foundation degree in a subject such as health and social care, or assisting professional practice. Check the entry requirements with each institution; relevant work experience and vocational qualifications are highly regarded. With a foundation degree there is the potential to go onto year two of an occupational therapy degree leading to registration.

In Scotland, a two-year part-time BTEC HNC in Occupational Therapy Support is available for people working in a relevant job role. Those who achieve the HNC and wish to become qualified occupational therapists may be able to enter occupational therapy degree courses, at Scottish universities, in year two. For more details check the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT) website listed in Further Information.

Occupational therapy support workers are eligible for registration as an associate member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists.

Opportunities

Most occupational therapy support workers are employed by the NHS or social services, although some jobs exist in the private health sector and with voluntary organisations.

Support workers wishing to become qualified, may be able to undertake a four year in-service course leading to registration as an occupational therapist. Training involves completing a part-time degree and requires you to have the backing of your employer - the BAOT hold information on relevant course providers; check Further Information for contact details. Also, please check the Occupational Therapist job profile.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

The starting salary for a support worker in the NHS is between £12,200 and £15,000 a year.
With experience and relevant NVQ qualifications, the salary can rise to £16,800 a year.

Further information

106-114 Borough High Street
Southwark
London
SE1 1LB
Tel (Careers Info): 020 7450 2332 PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk Goldsmiths House
Broad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155