Occupational therapy support workers assist qualified occupational therapists with their daily duties. They work with the occupational therapists, helping people with physical or mental health problems to lead more independent lives.

The Work

You could be:

• helping patients with domestic, social and work activities such as cooking, washing and dressing, shopping, travelling on buses or trains or using tools and equipment
• supporting patients while they do these activities, on their own or as part of a group
• visiting patients at home to assess their needs for special equipment
• helping patients to use equipment which would make things easier for them
• giving support to patients who have to change their lifestyle because of physical or mental health problems
• supporting patients to live independently in their own homes
• carrying out treatment plans under supervision
• keeping patient records up to date
• reporting progress to an occupational therapist.

Pay

Pay rates can vary depending on whether you are working with the NHS, with a private practice, or are self-employed. Within the NHS Agenda for Change scales occupational therapy support workers are paid on Band 3, £17,760 to £20,727 a year.

Assistant practitioner occupational therapy support workers on the higher grade are on Band 4, £20,302 to £22,910 a year.

The current pay scales are from April 2017.

Conditions

• If you work for the National Health Service (NHS) you may work in a hospital, a care home or a clinic in the community.
• If you work for a local authority or voluntary organisation you may work in a day centre or visit patients at home.
• You may have to travel.
• Hours are usually regular, but you might sometimes need to do evening or weekend work.
• You would wear a uniform.

Getting In

• A good general education is useful. National 4 English and Maths preferred.
• Suitable work experience, often voluntary, is useful.
• You might get in through a Modern Apprenticeship.
• You could take a full time Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Occupational Therapy Support at Glasgow Clyde College before applying for a job. For entry to the course you need 2 Highers, preferably including English.
• You will require a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details.
• A driving licence is useful.

Most occupational therapy support workers work for the NHS. Entry is competitive.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

35193

1.9 %

RISE

2023

35852

  United Kingdom

2018

351904

2.8 %

RISE

2023

361665

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• practical, with a lot of common sense
• able to work with a wide range of people
• supportive and encouraging
• able to respond to patients’ needs
• patient, caring and understanding – you may have to work with people who are upset
• able to keep accurate records
• able to work well in a team
• keen to help improve peoples' lives.

Training

• Training is usually on the job, supervised by experienced staff.
• You could take an HNC in occupational therapy support, part time, while you are working.

Getting On

• With experience and completion of the HNC Care and Administrative Practice or Scottish Vocational (SVQ) Health Care Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 7, you may gain promotion to advanced occupational therapy support worker (assistant practitioner) or a supervisory post.
• Assistant practitioners may go on to complete an approved degree in occupational therapy.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.