Menu Log in Search Search You are here HomeAbout occupational therapyBecome an occupational therapistBecome an occupational therapy support worker Become an occupational therapy support worker Becoming an occupational therapy support worker is a hugely rewarding and diverse career. Occupational therapy support workers (also known as occupational therapy assistants/rehabilitation assistants/technical instructors) assist registered occupational therapists in their day-to-day duties. They support and encourage clients and report back on their progress, liaising with the occupational therapist and possibly with nursing staff and social services. They also make sure clients have all the special aids they need and that the equipment is in good working order. Occupational therapy support staff benefit from learning on the job and can choose to develop their skills further through formal training programmes. For example, they may study to obtain a QCF level 2 or 3 qualification in Healthcare Support Services or Clinical Healthcare Support. There are also other options available such as a BTEC in Occupational Therapy Support, foundation degrees in Health and Social Care or the Higher National Certificate in Occupational Therapy Support. Generally, there are no specific qualifications required to become an occupational therapy support worker, although there are programmes available which provide an entry qualification into this kind of work. Some employers may have specific requirements regarding experience and prior learning, depending on the role. Qualities needed: A caring and encouraging attitude Tact and sensitivity Patience Good communication skills Initiative The ability to work in a team The ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds The interest in these posts is very strong, so applying can be competitive. Be sure to check with the employer about what skills and experience might give you a better chance of employment. Find out more Education and training for support workers Some employers have in-house training available for their support staff. Many occupational therapy support staff study for vocational awards, such as an NVQ/SVQ. There are also other options available such as a BTEC in Occupational Therapy Support, foundation degrees in Health and Social Care or the Higher National Certificate in Occupational Therapy Support. Meet an occupational therapy technician In a cosy workshop in the occupational therapy department of Wotton Lawn hospital in Gloucester, Chris Lucas, an occupational therapy technician and an active member of the Associate Member Committee can be found hard at work. He is surrounded by fabulous and inspiring creations, all of which have been made by patients who have been referred to the occupational therapy team as part of their treatment. Already a support worker? Find out more about our associate membership. Download the RCOT Career Handbook RCOT Career Handbook 2021-22 (PDF, 2.37MB) Share Occupational therapy jobs Website terms and conditions Privacy Policy RCOT and GDPR Compliments and complaints Get in touch Royal College of Occupational Therapists 106-114 Borough High Street London SE1 1LB T: 020 3141 4600 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (or 'RCOT') is a registered charity in England and Wales (275119) and in Scotland (SCO39573) and a company registered in England (No. 1347374). VAT Reg. No. 242 7829 47. © Copyright 2019 Royal College of Occupational Therapists. All rights reserved. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy policy. You can change your cookies settings at any time through your browser settings. OK, I agree Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest