Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help people who have difficulties caused by physical or mental illness, disability, accidents or ageing.
Day-to-day Tasks
As an occupational therapist, you could:
- teach and help clients to live independently
- help clients with mental illnesses do activities they enjoy
- support clients to manage permanent physical disabilities
- suggest ways to adapt an office or home
- support clients, their families and carers and keep notes about progress
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Industry Qualifications
In order to be an Occupational Therapist, you could do a degree in occupational therapy followed by a conversion course in Occupational Therapist.