Occupational Therapist

Introduction

Occupational therapists work with children and adults who have a learning disability and/or who are on the autism spectrum to help them take part in the daily activities (occupations) that are important to them at home, at school, at work, and in the community. Occupational therapists take a very practical, person-centred approach and are passionate about promoting people’s participation, independence, and quality of life.  

By gathering information, observing, and working with people in their own environments, occupational therapists gain a real understanding of each person’s strengths and needs and the interventions, adaptations, or support they require to reach their potential and lead fulfilled lives. A key principle of occupational therapy is to develop partnerships with other service providers to ensure people with learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum have access to education, work, and leisure opportunities. 

Occupational therapy support might include one-off advice and guidance, targeted training for care staff and families, or tailored one-to-one approaches for people with more complex needs or circumstances. 

Occupational therapists can be involved with individuals for a short period of focused work or over a long period of time. They also have a consultative role, helping to ensure the rights and needs of people with learning disabilities and/or those of people on the autism spectrum are acknowledged, understood, and supported.

Salary, hours and benefits

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What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• assessing people’s physical, learning, and sensory skills and their impact on daily life through observation, discussion, and gathering information from the individual and others,
• helping to develop a person’s life skills, for example their ability to prepare a drink/snack/meal, catch a bus, write a piece of schoolwork, or play football with friends,
• developing structures and routines that promote a person’s independence and wellbeing,
• supporting people to take part in activities (occupations) that promote their health and wellbeing, including access to inclusive sports and leisure clubs,
• providing training to help others understand and support people with learning disabilities and/or those on the autism spectrum to lead fulfilled lives,
• providing equipment and organising environmental adaptations,
• writing reports and attending case meetings.

Working environment

Some occupational therapists work in specialist autism/learning disability services, while others work in mainstream services. You will find occupational therapists working in:

• child development and assessment teams,
• special schools for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism,
• specialist colleges and day centres,
• mainstream schools/colleges/universities,
• community learning disability teams,
• prisons and secure settings,
• GP surgeries,
• hospitals and clinics,
• independent practice,
• adult neuro-disability services,
• social care settings,
• employment services,
• charities and the voluntary sector.

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Characteristics and skills required

You’ll need: 

• an interest in learning disabilities and autism and how these affect people’s daily life activities,
• the ability to analyse and solve problems,
• flexibility and adaptability,
• a passion for promoting the rights of people who are among the most socially isolated and vulnerable groups in society,
• the ability to communicate and work with individuals with complex needs to identify the life goals that are important to them,
• an interest in physical and mental health,
• to be able to develop good working relationships with families, support workers, and other partners.

Restrictions and requirements

Enhanced disclosure and barring checks will be required as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults. You will also need a health check and some vaccinations before going on placement.

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Career path and progression

There are a number of roles within occupational therapy, from support worker/occupational therapy assistant to advanced practitioner, leadership roles, and researcher.

Career Framework level	Role	Degree?
3	Occupational therapy support worker/assistant Works under the direct supervision of a qualified occupational therapist.	No
4	Occupational therapy technical instructor Works more independently with less direct supervision from a qualified occupational therapist.	No
5	Occupational therapist Provides a service to meet the occupational needs of people with learning disabilities/autism.	Pre-registration degree required
6	Senior enhanced occupational therapist Demonstrates specialist knowledge within their field of practice.	Yes
7	Advanced clinical practitioner Demonstrates highly developed knowledge and skills within their field of practice.	Post-registration masters or equivalent required
8	Consultant occupational therapist Demonstrates highly developed expert knowledge and skills within their field of practice.	Post-registration masters or equivalent  required
8/9	Senior management and strategic leadership Occupational therapists may work as Allied Health Professional leads within their Trust or organisation, or at director/Chief Executive Officer level.	Post-registration masters or equivalent  required
8/9	Lecturer/researcher/ clinical academic	Post-graduate masters/ PhD or equivalent required

How to become a Occupational Therapist

You can become an occupational therapist by completing a university course or a degree apprenticeship.

University

You can train and study at undergraduate degree level through an approved full-time or part-time course. If you already have a relevant degree, you can study at Masters level by completing a two-year accelerated programme. Entry requirements vary depending on where you’d like to study. You can search for occupational therapy courses here.

Degree apprenticeship

An occupational therapy degree apprenticeship usually takes four years and combines study with training on the job. You’ll need to apply for an apprentice position with a health or social care provider and will usually need level 3 qualifications to apply for a degree apprentice role. You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website. 

Volunteering and experience

Wherever you decide to train or study, you’ll need to show that you have an understanding of occupational therapy. It’s a good idea to spend time with a registered occupational therapist to find out more about the role. Contact your local hospital or social services to see if you can visit and watch an occupational therapist at work. Registered charities, nursing homes, and other organisations that employ occupational therapists might be able to arrange for you to spend time talking about their role.

From within health and social care

If you are already working in the health and social care sector and you are looking for a new challenge, then you can change career to become an occupational therapist within learning disability and autism support and care. You will need to map your skills and experience against the entry criteria for this role, as advertised by employers or universities.

You can train and study at undergraduate degree level through an approved full-time or part-time course. If you already have a relevant degree you can study at Masters level by completing a two-year accelerated programme. Entry requirements vary depending on where you would like to study.

From outside health and social care

If you want to work in health and social care and you are looking for a new challenge, then you can change career to become an occupational therapist within learning disability and autism support and care. You will need to map your skills and experience against the entry criteria for this role, as advertised by employers or universities. 

You can train and study at undergraduate degree level through an approved full-time or part-time course. If you already have a relevant degree you can study at Masters level by completing a two-year accelerated programme. Entry requirements vary depending on where you would like to study.

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Financial support

You will be entitled to receive £5,000 to £8,000 a year towards your studies while at university and your personal circumstances may mean you could receive more. The good news is that you’ll never have to pay it back.

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Current opportunities

Jobs in the UK

Most NHS Trusts advertise their vacancies on NHS Jobs. Some advertise on their own websites.

Local authorities will advertise jobs on their own websites.

There will also be roles advertised on LinkedIn and other recruitment websites.

Apprenticeships in England

Apprenticeships in England

Most NHS apprenticeships are advertised on the NHS Jobs website. You can find out about NHS apprenticeships here.