Occupational therapy support worker

You could do a college course to get into this job. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Work Preparation for Health and Social Care
• Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Health and Social Care
• Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

Most health and social care courses include work placements so this could be a good way of getting experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as a healthcare assistant and learn on the job. You could then do training to move into occupational therapy work.

You'll find it useful to get some voluntary work experience in healthcare .

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT .

You can apply directly for occupational therapy support worker roles if you've got skills and experience from working in a care or healthcare role.

Employers might want you to have a qualification in a subject related to health, and experience of working with people.

Career Tips

When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values apply in your work.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming an occupational therapy support worker from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health Careers .

As an occupational therapy support worker, you could:

• encourage clients with mental health issues to create a daily routine
• assist children with physical disabilities to enjoy play activities
• help clients who have had a stroke or been in an accident to adjust to their disability
• show clients how to use equipment that helps them to live independently
• check that equipment is in good working order and keep a record of items

You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a client's home.