Occupational therapy support worker
Support people to do day-to-day activities that may be difficult for them because of a disability.
Also known as: rehabilitation assistant, occupational therapy assistant, assistant practitioner
About the job
What it's like
You would support people to do day-to-day activities that may be difficult for them because of a disability.
You’d help people who have a disability due to physical or mental illness, an accident or ageing to manage their daily activities and live as independently as possible.
First you would assess each person’s needs and find ways for them to adapt or improve their situation.
You’d then help the patients with their rehabilitation, encourage them to think positively and work towards agreed goals. You would work with individuals or groups in hospital and in their own homes.
For example, you could:
help a patient get used to using a new prosthetic limb
support someone with mental health issues to plan a daily routine and take part in outside activities
assist children with physical disabilities to enjoy play activities
help people who have had a stroke or been in an accident to adjust to their disability
show an older person how to use equipment to help them with daily activities and remain living independently
The people you’d work with may become frustrated at their rate of progress so you’d need to encourage them and give them confidence that they can improve. You’d check and document people’s progress for regular feedback to the therapists.
You might also check equipment is in good working order and keep a record of items in stock.
If you have the skills, you might also do practical activities with people like cookery, woodwork or pottery.
You can see more about this role in the National Health Service on the occupational therapy support worker page on the NHS Careers website.
Hours
You would usually work around 37.5 hours a week. Part-time hours and job share opportunities are also often available.
Environment
You could be based in a hospital, day centre or residential home, or visit clients in their own home.
Travel
A driving licence may be helpful if working in the community.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- occupational therapy
- rehabilitation
- physical therapy
- personality disorder
- mental diseases
- neurotrauma
- discharge planning
- telehealth
- service-oriented architecture
- well services
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- motivating others
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- empathising
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Psychology
Science
Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need
an HNC (SCQF Level 7)
or a relevant work-based qualification such as a Modern Apprenticeship in Healthcare Support (SCQF 6/7)
You can enter an Occupational Therapy Support Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) with National 4/5 qualifications and two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at BBBC or above.
If you already have an honours degree (SCQF Level 10) in a relevant subject, such as health or social work, you can apply to a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) in occupational therapy.
Relevant work experience or a work-based qualification such as the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare.
To register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), for which a worker must hold, or agree to work towards, the appropriate qualifications for their job.
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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