First of all, perhaps we should explain what an Occupational Therapy Assistant – sometimes known as an Occupational Therapy Support Worker – does. Typically
Typically, either alongside an Occupational Therapist, or carrying out an OT’s recommendations, an OTA will help people who struggle with everyday tasks and activities. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants support these people with strategies for daily living. This helps clients to live a fulfilling, independent life.
The Work of an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Some people – adults, older people, children or young people – struggle with their everyday living for a variety of reasons – because of illness, injury, disability or ageing. Ordinary tasks are simply harder – sometimes seemingly impossible – for some people. Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work with occupational therapists to help them find ways to achieve these tasks.
An OTA’s daily tasks may include:
- Teaching clients exercises.
- Introducing clients to adaptive equipment.
- Discussing stress management techniques.
- Modifying a space to suit a client’s needs.
- Tracking the client’s progress
- Reporting progress to a supervising OT
- Checking and maintaining treatment areas or equipment.
- Accompanying clients on community activities or outings.
- Liaising with other providers or professionals.
Much like our occupational therapists, our OTA team are kept busy, with no two days being the same.
An ‘Average’ OTA Day
We asked one of our brilliant occupational therapy assistants to at least attempt to describe the ‘average’ day:
“My days, like any occupational therapy assistant, can vary tremendously. Some days I’ll be going into a school to work with groups or in a class. Other days involve seeing individual children regularly in a school or home setting. Yet another day may include a one-off session or one day of a week’s planned sessions in clinic.”
“When in a school setting, I might be in a classroom, or study area, and could be working with children in groups or on a 1:1 basis. This will often include working on skills such as handwriting, fine motor, gross motor or self-care. A crucial part of my job is working with the staff in the classrooms passing on the occupational therapy knowledge and strategies so they can continue, and therefore help to build upon, the work during the week.”
School and Community Days for OTAs
“When working within a school setting, specialised equipment may need to be organised as requested by OTs. I may be required to order this or to source from stock in school. I also need to work closely with the OT’s in the school too, sharing important information with them and discussing what has happened in the classes.”
“When out and about seeing individual clients, I’ll need to travel to schools and homes throughout Stockport and Manchester.” This, along with admin and keeping records can take up a sizeable part of the days. Fortunately, our Ots and OTAs usually get to avoid the worst of the traffic.
“In schools, I can deliver an individualised session, tailored to the person. We work on the goals set by the OTs, including self-care skills. Self-care could include washing or dressing. Again, we’ll look at and deal with a broad range of areas. This will of course depend on the space available . That’s something which we ascertain beforehand to best plan the sessions.”
Everyday Activities Every Day
“Similar to liaising with staff in the school settings, when I am working in a home setting I get to work with the family too. When in the home environment we can help clients with strategies and methods to help them manage other everyday tasks, such as cooking.”
“On a clinic day, I may have 1:1 sessions for handwriting, or groups such as sensory circuits to deliver. These will have been planned with the overseeing OT before the sessions. I may also be involved in helping OTs complete assessments. These can be in clinic, home or school.”
“When I have finished my groups or visits, detailed notes need to be written up, along with planning for the next session. I may need to email parents if the individual sessions occurred in school or discuss events with the overseeing OT. I often need to discuss individuals’ targets and progress with the overseeing OTs.”
“No two days are ever the same as I work in different settings and with different people. That’s what makes the role varied and fascinating. Helping people develop the skills they need for daily life, supporting them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential makes it totally worthwhile and rewarding.”
Occupational Therapy Assistants Make a Difference
As well as detailed record keeping – which isn’t just admin, it’s a legal requirement – an OTA will also spend time with their supervising OT. This is all part of career development and professional improvement, and also to assess if more help and support is needed. The whole team will also get together sometimes which is a great learning opportunity, a supportive environment, and a well-earned chance to chat and relax.
Anyone working in occupational therapy will confirm it’s more than a job. Your clients and their outcomes and wellbeing will matter to you. And you, and what you help your clients achieve, will make all the difference to them.