Occupational Therapist - Career Advice - Community and Health

Diversional Therapist
Occupational Therapist Aide
Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational therapists assess and treat people who, due to illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake everyday activities. They assist people to regain lost functions, develop their Future Growth Strong abilities and social skills, as well as maintain and promote independence in their everyday lives to enhance health and wellbeing.

Occupational therapists assist people with physical or mental health issues in their working, home and social lives. They work with people of all ages and walks to life, assessing their physical, emotional and social needs, and enabling them to develop practical everyday skills as well as skills that will help them to participate in the community. They may also arrange assistive technologies and modify their client's home and work environments to minimise disruptions to their everyday lives. They also liaise with a range of other healthcare professionals, family members, caregivers and volunteers in realising a holistic approach to their work.

ANZSCO ID & description: 252411: Assesses functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities, and provides therapy to enable people to perform their daily activities and occupations. Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative names: OT, OTR,

Specialisations: Aged Care Occupational Therapist, Disability Occupational Therapist, General Medicine Occupational Therapist, Health Promotion Officer, Occupational Health Officer, Paediatric Therapist, Psychiatric Occupational Therapist, Vocational Rehabilitation Officer Strengthening

Aged care - providing programmes and equipment for people with medical and social problems associated with ageing.
Disabilities - working with people who have an intellectual, physical or sensory disability through planned activity programmes over long periods of time.
General medicine - working in hospitals or private practice to assess and treat individuals with physically disabling diseases or injuries.
Occupational health - assessing the safety of work environments and injured workers, providing rehabilitation and advice about adaptations for their return to the workplace.
Health promotion - assisting people who want to achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Paediatrics - working in hospitals, private practices or schools to assess and treat children with disabilities, developmental delays or learning difficulties.
Psychiatry - assessing and treating individuals with mental illness and behavioural disorders through programmes involving such methods as stress management.
Vocational rehabilitation - assisting injured workers to return to work.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

An occupational therapist needs:

to enjoy helping and working with people
a friendly, caring and helpful nature
organisational and motivational skills
problem-solving and lateral thinking skills
patience, tolerance and flexibility
strong communication skills

Duties and Tasks

Occupational therapists may perform the following tasks:

conduct tests to assess functional, emotional, psychological, developmental and physical capabilities
plan and direct specific therapeutic programmes for individuals using recreational, remedial, social, educational or vocational (job-related) activities
select and design activities that improve an affected movement or function and help individuals to regain personal care skills, such as eating and dressing
assist people to gain or regain skills in social, leisure and work environments through graded individual or group therapy and activity programmes
monitor the progress of individuals and assist with the coordination of an appropriate health team
assist children with disabilities to integrate into education programmes in schools
assess the ability of injured workers to return to their usual employment or perform alternative duties
design and modify the everyday environment of clients to allow for better access and independence
advise on the use of specialised equipment, such as home modifications, adapted kitchen utensils, wheelchairs and other assistive technologies that help people within their environment
assess the need for, develop and run health education programmes
act as consultants to industry and government organisations
undertake research
teach in academic institutions, generally at tertiary level
assist with policy development for health and other areas.

patient Working conditions

Occupational therapists may work in a range of settings including hospitals, general practices, community health facilities, aged care facilities, private businesses, or in the workplaces and homes of their clients. They may work as part of a larger organisation or may work independently. They usually work regular hours, but may do shift work or work outside regular business hours to see clients at times that are more convenient for them. They may work in groups or one-on-one with their clients. They may work with clients who display erratic behaviour or suffer from emotional, intellectual or physical disabilities, and their work can be stressful at times.

Tools and technologies

Occupational therapists use a range of assessment tools to establish the needs of their clients. They also help their clients to use specialised mobility equipment including wheelchairs, orthoses and computer-sided communications devices. They may also help their client by teaching them how to use adaptive equipment such as eating and dressing aids.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an occupational therapist you have to complete a degree majoring in occupational therapy. You may need to complete a Master's degree.

To work as an occupational therapist in Australia, you must obtain professional registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, and hold a current Working with Children clearance.

Did You Know?

Carlien Parahi is a paediatric occupational therapist in New South Wales who has a strong interest in sensory processing in children who have special needs, ranging from sensory practicing (processing) disorders, autism and social and emotional behavioural issues.

She is the co-founder of Sense Rugby, a program using occupational therapy methods, incorporating the basic elements from the sport of rugby, to facilitate development in children.

Assisting Carlien with the running of the program is her husband, rugby player Jesse Parahi, former long-time member of the Australian Rugby Sevens team. Jesse retired from union earlier this month having been part of the Australian team to successfully qualify for the Olympics, and is now training with the Wests Tigers in preparation for the 2016 NRL season. (Source: Huffington Post)

The main difference between an occupational therapist and an occupational therapy assistant is that the former is qualified to diagnose and prescribe treatments. At the same time, the latter can only help the patient directly under the guidance of the therapist themselves. Future Growth Strong

An occupational therapy assistant is a medical professional who works with physical and occupational therapists to rehabilitate patients with physical and other limitations. An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) works with an occupational therapist (OT or OTR) to treat patients who have difficulty performing daily living and work activities due to illnesses, injuries, and disabilities. Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction of an occupational therapist and administer therapy treatments and procedures to help patients recover, develop, or improve skills needed for daily living and working. He or she helps clients perform exercises as specified in a treatment plan and teaches them how to use equipment that may make some activities easier. Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

An OTA works under an OT's supervision. He or she also does some administrative tasks, including recording patients' progress. Their job duties include helping to evaluate each client's physical abilities, implementing a long-term treatment program, and assisting the patient with therapeutic exercises to improve their condition. Occupational therapy assistants also create splints and provide assistive devices, instruct patients on how to use adaptive equipment in their everyday lives, document patient progress, and relay status updates to the therapist and other team members. Occupational therapy assistants take continued education courses to keep up to date. They typically work in hospitals, therapy offices, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, skilled nursing care facilities, and schools.

with child
(Source: Kids First)

ANZSCO ID: 423314

Alternative names: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Compassionate with excellent interpersonal skills.OTAs must have a strong desire to provide physical and emotional support. And, the ability to interact with patients and their families, team members, physicians, and other health care professionals is essential. You need excellent social skills, as well as superb listening and speaking skills.
Good working knowledge of occupational therapy practices, procedures, and legal regulations.
Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong attention to detail: The ability to precisely follow a treatment plan an OT has developed is imperative.
Physical strength: You must be able to help lift patients, and kneel, stoop, and stand for a significant part of your day.
Patient confidentiality: Respect for the patient’s privacy and confidentiality regarding medical records

OT Assistant at work
(Source: IHNA)

Duties and Tasks

The COTA will be responsible for implementing programmes developed by the Occupational Therapist in compliance with all local, state and national regulations. They collaborate with facility staff to enhance the physical, mental and social well-being for patients.

Work with the occupational therapist to determine patients’ current physical capacities and limitations
Help the occupational therapist create and implement specialized, long-term treatment plans that will lessen symptoms, address learning disabilities, improve health, and provide a sense of self-sufficiency
Complete therapeutic activities with patients to improve motor skills, balance, range of motion, or other physical capabilities
Give patients appropriate assistive devices and adapt devices as needed, including fabricated splints, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes, to ensure patient comfort
Teach patients how to use their adaptive equipment to complete necessary living skills at home or in their work environment
Document client information for each appointment and fill out health insurance and company-required paperwork in a timely manner to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
Maintain accurate records of patient treatments
Relay relevant observations about the client’s progress to the physical therapist and work with other team members to ensure the patient continues to improve and has a satisfactory experience
Assess physical and mental abilities of individuals to determine realistic rehabilitation goals
Assist clients in finding and securing jobs
Choose activities that will help individuals learn life-management skills
Collaborates with other professionals regarding an individual’s overall case management
Provides adaptive equipment, such as an enlarged keyboard, to help individuals function more effectively in their home and work environment

Recording
(Source: Falls Prevention Workshop)

Working conditions

Jobs in this field are typically full-time - an occupational therapy assistant works 40 hours per week and may have to work on weekends, depending on the workplace. To accommodate patients' schedules, OTAs sometimes work evenings and weekends.

Occupational therapy assistants work primarily in occupational therapists’ offices, in hospitals, and in nursing care facilities. Occupational therapy assistants and aides spend much of their time on their feet while setting up equipment and, in the case of assistants, providing therapy to patients.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You will need to finish high school and tertiary coursework, generally through TAFE. While not essential, having some experience with biology, psychology, and general physiology and anatomy will help you understand the material better.

A common qualification is the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, which can be completed entirely online – although you will need to complete at least 120 hours of placement. This includes working with at least three different clients in occupational therapy programs.

The Certificate IV is very flexible: the material can be learnt in 15-20 minute segments. It also includes a simulated clinic where you can explore and become familiar with the work environment, along with forums designed to support you with all your questions. The course will provide you with 24 months to finish, though you can always finish up sooner if that works for you.

It does have various entry requirements, however:

You must be at least 18 years old
Be in Year 12 or equivalent
Have at least two years of related vocational experience or a qualification at the Certificate II level or higher

Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Another qualification that will give you a head start in this field is the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance, which will teach you basic medical terminology and understanding of the relevant infection prevention and control policies. It aims to refine your ability to communicate with both your co-workers and your patients, which is crucial for an assistant, especially since you’ll be relying on an occupational therapist for guidance. It requires you to complete 80 hours of work placement along with the online education. You will be assessed through:

Quizzes
Observation reports
Short answer questions, and more.
You’ll need to complete this certificate within a twelve month time frame.

Fewer entry requirements are needed than the previous course mentioned. In fact, there are no formal entry requirements, other than being at least sixteen years old.

Employment Opportunities

Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

An occupational therapy aide supports occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. Their job duties include responding to patient inquiries and scheduling appointments, prepping treatment areas and equipment, transporting patients, sterilizing rooms and equipment, completing and filing client Future Growth Strong paperwork, and monitoring inventory levels to keep supplies well-stocked. Additional job duties include supporting occupational therapists during appointments as they complete therapeutic activities with clients and educate them on assigned assistive devices and special equipment. Occupational therapy aides may work full-time or part-time in hospitals, therapy offices, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, skilled nursing care facilities, schools, or home health organizations.

ANZSCO ID: 423314

Alternative names: Therapy Aide, OT Aide,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Often, occupational therapy aides need to be able to lift, transfer, and transport patients safely. They also need to be able to handle medical equipment and work with technology such as computers and software systems.

Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness -- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Instructing -- Teaching others how to do something
Service Orientation -- Actively looking for ways to help people
Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively.

OT Aide helping patient
(Source: Live About)

Duties and Tasks

An occupational therapy aide is not typically directly involved with a patient, but performs activities of support under the supervision of an occupational therapists. They would prepare the patient’s treatment area and assemble or set up the therapy equipment. At times they may provide assistance to a therapist or assistant with contact guard or safety measures when patients are being transferred from wheelchairs, beds, therapy mats, or medical equipment.

When needed aides transport clients via wheelchair from one place of treatment to another of back to their room. They also clean all areas and equipment after the therapy session to prevent infection and transfer of diseases. He or she performs clerical tasks such as filling out insurance forms, scheduling appointments, checking inventory, and answering phones when needed. An occupational therapy aide can be found working in offices, hospitals, care facilities, or some are employed in social assistance or educational services.

Scheduling appointments
Setting up therapy equipment
Preparing treatment areas, including cleaning the areas and equipment
Wrapping up after treatments by cleaning, putting away equipment, and gathering laundry
Transporting patients
Taking inventory of equipment and materials to ensure adequate supply
Performing clerical tasks, including filing, scheduling appointments, and answering calls and emails
Helping patients with billing and insurance forms
Answering the telephone,
Restocking or ordering depleted supplies
Filling out insurance forms or other paperwork.

Occupational Therapy Aide changing table
(Source: Your Free Test)

Working conditions

Occupational therapy aides work primarily in occupational therapists’ offices, in hospitals, and in nursing care facilities. Occupational therapy aides spend much of their time on their feet while setting up equipment but are able to sit down to carry out administrative jobs.

Education and training/entrance requirements

They usually receive most of their training on the job working with more experienced assistants or aides. Having previous health care experience and CPR and Basic Life Support certifications may be helpful for getting a position as an occupational therapy aide.

Employment Opportunities

Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides Career Video
https://youtu.be/YqG5tRleeow

Diversional therapists, plan, organise, schedule and run leisure and rehabilitation activities that enhance the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of their clients. They work with people in aged care, who have physical or intellectual disabilities, or mental illness, as well as people undergoing Future Growth Static medical treatment or rehabilitation from injury or surgery. They liaise with other health care professionals about the needs of their clients and discuss their clients' interests, and help them to find activities that appeal to them. They organise outings and activities for their clients, coordinate these activities and assist their clients in managing their lifestyle choices. Diversional therapists work mostly in cities and large regional centres.

ANZSCO ID & description: 411311: Plans, designs, coordinates and implements recreation and leisure-based activity programs to support, challenge and enhance the psychological, spiritual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of individuals. Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative names: Recreational Therapist

Specialisations: Activities Coordinator, Activities Officer

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A diversional therapist needs:

a caring and compassionate nature
good communication skills
a willingness to help people
excellent organisational skills
problem-solving skills
leadership and motivational skills.

(Source: MapMyCareer - NSW Govt)

Duties and Tasks

planning and implementing leisure activity programs for individuals in health care and in the community to assist in their social development, and promote their sense of wellbeing
identifying individual needs through task analysis
evaluating and assessing clients' levels of abilities, interests, needs, strengths and weaknesses, and their ability to carry out a range of tasks and interact with others
maintaining a knowledge of resources available within a facility and within the community
organising leisure and recreational events
assisting with training and supervising volunteers and staff
providing information on available support resources within the local community
encouraging and supporting clients to take part in activities suited to their particular needs and interests
adapting programs to suit individual clients' needs, interests, skills and abilities

Working conditions

Diversional therapists work in aged care facilities, youth and community centres and other organisations that provide social assistance within the community. They may also work with organisations that offer healthcare and social services to people with specific disabilities, such as blindness or deafness. Diversional therapists may also work in private practices or consultancies. They may work full-time or part-time, and usually work regular business hours. They are often required to work with people with severe intellectual or physical disabilities, who require specialist care.

Tools and technologies

Diversional therapists use computers to plan and organise the therapy schedules of their clients. They also work with a range of therapeutic materials including arts and craft materials, musical instruments, sports equipment, and other recreation equipment. They may consult textbooks and reference materials to determine the most appropriate treatment for their clients.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a diversional therapist, you usually need to complete a formal qualification in diversional therapy; or a related area such as therapeutic recreation, leisure and health studies.

Diversional Therapy Australia recognises the Certificate IV Leisure and Health.

A National Police Certificate is needed when seeking employment in aged care homes.

To work with children in Australia, you must obtain a Working with Children Check.