Occupational Therapist Job Descriptions

Occupational therapists help people to overcome difficulties, which may be the result of physical or mental illness, an accident or the ageing process. They work with clients to help them lead full and independent lives and, where possible, prevent disability.

As an occupational therapist, you would often work with clients on a one-to-one basis and adapt treatment programmes to suit each individual's needs and lifestyle. Your work could include:
· teaching an older patient recovering from a stroke how to dress themselves
· encouraging someone suffering with depression to take up a hobby
· Putting forward suggestions on ways to adapt an office so that an employee injured in a car accident can return to work.
Your day-to-day duties would include:
· keeping details of clients' progress
· considering ways to adapt treatments to make them more effective
· counselling clients, their families and carers
· Helping clients adjust to permanent disabilities.

Key Skills
· a creative and adaptable approach to work
· the ability to design and develop individual treatment programmes
· good written and spoken communication skills
 
· the ability to form effective working relationships with a wide variety of people
· patience, determination and a positive attitude
· the ability to motivate clients who are disappointed or frustrated
· the ability to understand and accept other people's priorities and lifestyles
· a practical approach to problem solving
· a high level of mental and physical stamina to cope with the demands of a challenging job
· A sense of humour and a strong desire to help people.