Occupational Therapy Support Worker

Typical Salary

£18,005 To £24,157

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

between 8am and 6pm

How To Become a Occupational Therapy Support Worker

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

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

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

Apprenticeship

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

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

Routes into this Career

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

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

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 & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

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.

Tips & 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.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.