Support workers in occupational therapy are valued members of the health and social care team.
They take a hands-on role with individuals or groups of clients. Their job is to equip clients to take part in everyday activities and live more satisfying lives.
Some key facts about becoming a support worker
Some people prefer to enter the profession as occupational therapy support workers. Generally there are no formal entry requirements for occupational therapy support workers, however you will need a good general standard of education. Some employers may require a vocational training award such as an NVQ in Health or an HNC in Occupational Therapy Support, therefore it is a good idea to approach different employers at those locations you wish to work.
Positions are usually within the NHS, private practice, social services or voluntary organisations and training is often provided on-the-job. Some occupational therapy support workers chose to study for an in-service pre-registration programme in occupational therapy leading to qualification as an occupational therapist whilst gaining valuable skills within an occupational therapy environment. Many occupational therapy support workers study for vocational awards e.g. NVQs/SVQs or HNCs in Occupational Therapy Support, to develop their careers as support workers and return to study pre-registration programmes later in their career.
The College has recently published a National Framework for Support Worker Education which provides website links for vocational awards.
Summary leaflet of the National framework for support worker education and development (261KB
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The full framework document is FREE for download BAOT Members and £10.00 for Non Members. To request a hard copy please contact June McCarthy by email: june.mccarthy@cot.co.uk or tel: 0207 450 2336.
For more information on work as an occupational therapy support worker please contact your nearest occupational therapy service in health or social care, your local job centre and voluntary and private organisation for current job vacancies.
Occupational therapy support workers are eligible for registration as an associate member of the College. For more information please contact our membership department on 020 7450 2348 or email membership@cot.co.uk.
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