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Occupational therapy support worker

Alternative titles for this job include Occupational therapy (OT) assistant, OT technician, rehabilitation assistant, technical instructor

Occupational therapy support workers work with occupational therapists to help sick, injured or old people to be as independent as possible.

Average salary (a year)

£18,005 Starter

to

£24,157 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become an occupational therapy support worker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course to get into this job. Relevant subjects include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Work Preparation for Health and Social Care
  • Level 2 Diploma in 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

Apprenticeship

You can do a health care support worker intermediate apprenticeship or a senior healthcare support worker 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

Work

You could start as a healthcare assistant and learn on the job. You could move into occupational therapy work through training and promotion.

Volunteering and experience

You'll find it useful to get some paid or unpaid voluntary experience in a healthcare setting or a caring role with older people, or people with physical disabilities, or learning difficulties.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from work like care or health-related roles.

Employers may ask for a qualification in a health-related subject, and experience of working with people.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an occupational therapy support worker from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health Careers.

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role, you might:

  • encourage people with mental health issues to create a daily routine
  • assist children with physical disabilities to enjoy play activities
  • help people who’ve had a stroke or been in an accident to adjust to their disability
  • show an older person how to use equipment to help them remain living independently.
  • check that equipment is in good working order and keeping a record of items in stock

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.

You could also train as an assistant practitioner and study for a foundation degree. You could then go on to train as an occupational therapist.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Senior HCA Support Worker

  • Wage : £18,005.00 Annually
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN

Imaging Support worker Apprentice

  • Wage : £163.13 - £307.88 Weekly
  • Location: Worthing BN11 2DH
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in H&SC and C&YP services Level 5

  • Provider: VOCATIONAL TRAINING SERVICES CARE SECTOR LIMITED
  • Start date: 01 December 2020

Health and Social Care

  • Provider: BURY ST EDMUNDS COUNTY UPPER SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2020
  • Location: Bury St Edmunds
Find courses near you

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