Occupational therapy support worker
Occupational therapy support workers work with occupational therapists to help sick, injured or old people to be as independent as possible.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an occupational therapy support worker, you could:
- encourage clients with mental health issues to create a daily routine
- assist children with physical disabilities to enjoy play activities
- help clients who have had a stroke or been in an accident to adjust to their disability
- show clients how to use equipment that helps them to live independently
- check that equipment is in good working order and keep a record of items
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a client's home.
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- become a team leader and supervise other occupational therapy support workers
- learn on the job and gain further qualifications such as a foundation degree in health and social care
- do a degree or degree apprenticeship to become an occupational therapist
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
You could do a college course to get into this job. Courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Work Preparation for Health and Social Care
- Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Health and Social Care
- Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
Most health and social care courses include work placements so this could be a good way of getting experience.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
You could do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
You could start as a healthcare assistant and learn on the job. You could then do training to move into occupational therapy work.
You'll find it useful to get some voluntary work experience in healthcare.
You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.
You can apply directly for occupational therapy support worker roles if you've got skills and experience from working in a care or healthcare role.
Employers might want you to have a qualification in a subject related to health, and experience of working with people.
Career tips
When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values apply in your work.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming an occupational therapy support worker from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.