Occupational Therapy support workers can register as associate members of the College and enjoy all the benefits of membership

The British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT) is the only professional, educational and trade union or organisation for Occupational Therapy support workers in the UK. Membership offers the following benefits:

Find out more about becoming a BAOT Member

 

What do Occupational Therapists do?

Occupational Therapy support workers 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. A support worker generally follows tailor-made programmes that have been designed and agreed with each client by a registered Occupational Therapist. Most support workers are based in NHS occupational therapy departments or in social services units. They work in hospital wards and clinics, health centres, GP surgeries or residential homes as well as clients' homes.

What qualifications do Occupational Therapy support workers need?

Generally, there are no formal qualifications to become an occupational therapy support worker. You do, however, need a good general standard of education. On the job training is provided under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist. It is an advantage to have relevant experience e.g. your work as a volunteer in a care home for older people will be taken into account if you are applying for a job as an occupational therapy support worker in a service for pople who are elderly mentally ill. Support workers are expected to take advantage of short courses and other education opportunities and to keep learning while they work.

Finding a job as an Occupational Therapy support worker

Positions are available within the NHS, social services or voluntary organisations. Training is often provided on-the-job. Vacancies for occupational therapy support workers are usually advertised within relevant organisations or in local and regional newspapers and magazines. Advertised posts may sometimes require the applicant to have a particular qualification and experience e.g. practical woodworking or technical skills. Some posts carry significant responsibilities and are usually be graded at a higher level.

Employers tend to welcome people who can bring maturity and life experience to the job. Applicants must be fit enough to handle the physical aspects of the work.

Typical salaries for Occupational Therapy support workers

This is variable and depends on where you work e.g. acute hospital services, social service or mental health services. The current NHS payscales for example, pays occupational therapy support workers at age 18 is £11,097. This can rise to rise to £13,326

A support worker who has earned a relevant NVQ at Level 3 can earn £14,152. Experienced and skilled support workers working at the top of the scale can earn up to £22,000.

Continuing educational opportunities

Many employers are now encouraging individuals to undertake a qualification in health or social care and/or an accredited award such as the National/Scottish Vocational Qualification at Level III in a related subject

The College of Occupational Therapists has recently published a National Framework for Support Worker Education and Development. This includes information on the development for support workers and the vocational awards available. This framework can be ordered through the publications list.

Working as a support worker can sometimes be a route to an in-service or part-time degree course at an institute of higher education, leading to a qualification as an occupational therapist

Interested? Find out more about becoming a BAOT Member.