2222 — Occupational therapists

What this occupation covers

Occupational therapists work with people who have a physical or learning disability or mental illness, actively engaging them in purposeful activities in order to maximise self-confidence, independent functioning and well-being.

Typical duties

considers the physical, psychological and social needs of a patient that may result from illness, injury, congenital condition or lifestyle problems

devises, designs, initiates and monitors carefully selected and graded treatments and activities as part of the assessment and intervention process

liaises with a wide variety of other professionals in planning and reviewing ongoing treatments

trains students and supervises the work of occupational therapy assistants

makes home visits to clients, families and carers to organise support and rehabilitation and assist them to deal and cope with disability

counsels clients in ways to promote a healthy lifestyle, prevention of illness and/or preparation for coping with increasing stages of illness

maintains patient records, manages caseloads

Entry routes and qualifications

Entrants usually possess A levels/H grades, an HND/HNC, a BTEC/SQA award or equivalent qualifications followed by training on an approved degree scheme necessary for state registration as an occupational therapist. There is a minimum age limit of 18 years to enter training.

Sponsorship information

Higher Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

DBS assessment

Commonly assessed for DBS eligibility. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

Find this code and estimate salary

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Annaizu is independent of ONS, the Home Office and DBS.