Find out more about working as an Occupational Therapist in Doncaster - we would love to have you with us!

Becoming an Occupational Therapist in Doncaster

If you’re a creative problem solver who enjoys helping people to get the most out of life, becoming an Occupational Therapist in social care at City of Doncaster Council will give you real fulfilment, day in and day out. We have a number of roles available for newly qualified and experienced Occupational Therapists.

Link to Emmas video. Vacancies link

What we can offer you in Doncaster:

The wellbeing of our staff is important to us. As an Occupational Therapist at City of Doncaster Council, you will be able to work flexibly to manage the demands of your role, meet your own personal career development goals and balance your life outside of work.

We offer:

• Flexible working hours
• 5-day working
• Agile working enabling a mix of office, community and working from home
• Relocation scheme
• A robust Grade progression framework enabling you to develop and evidence your skills all the way through from newly qualified to senior Occupational Therapist
• Training and development offer including role specific training and aspiring future leaders
• A supportive team with a wide range of knowledge and experience

Here's what a few people who were supported by Doncaster's Occupational Therapists had to say:

"My 7 year old said earlier "I’m glad that lady got you this chair mummy", and I said "Aw yeah I am too darling", then he said "because now we can watch films together and you can watch us building towers" (he means watch him playing with his Lego because that’s what he’s been doing today).  I honestly can’t tell you how grateful I and my boys are for everything you’ve done and are still doing to try and help us make life less difficult.”

"I slept on the incredible chair you got me a couple of nights in a row,  it’s been an absolute god send and on Christmas morning,  I had been up awake in pain a few hours so I laid on it as the children opened their presents and I thought if it wasn’t for this chair I would be missing out on this moment, so thank you so much".

"I am just writing to say how impressed I am with the efficiency and speed the OT service has shown with putting into place things my mum needed to let her continue to live at home. They worked excellently with the Dr and the ambulance services to move my mum downstairs, install a hospital bed, reclining chair, commode and celling lift hoisting system to move my mum around along with all the appropriate slings, bedding etc Even in these very difficult times they have worked professionally, always showing my mum great care and ensured her dignity".

 

What is Occupational Therapy?

You may well already know what an Occupational Therapist is, but for us, we describb Occupational therapy as being able to help live their best lives.

An Occupational Therapist will talk to people about things they want and the things they have to do and will help them overcome the challenges they may face when completing everyday tasks or activities – what we call ‘occupations’. These could be getting dressed, getting out of the house, or simply doing the dishes, to helping people to achieve their aspirations. Then, we support them to create a plan with them of goals and adjustments which are practical, realistic and personal to them as individuals, and to help them achieve the breakthroughs they need to elevate their everyday lives.

What do the Occupational Therapy service in Doncaster do?

We will talk to people to find out what day to day tasks they need to or wish to be able to do and help find solutions to overcome any barriers preventing them from doing these tasks. Solutions could be providing advice about energy conservation and the way they plan their day, the layout of their homes, adaptations to their homes to make it more accessible and specialist equipment.

We do this by:

• Listening to people to understand what aspects of daily life they need support with
• Talking to them and their support network over the phone or seeing them in their home to identify if changes to their environment or the way they do things can help them to carry out everyday tasks, safely and more independently
• Working with them to help find solutions which enable them to engage in the things you wish to or need to do
• Providing advice, equipment or recommending adaptations which will help reduce the impact of illness/ disabilities on their health, wellbeing and independence
• Providing advice, equipment or recommendations which will help those that help care for people to continue to do so in a safe way

Who do Occupational Therapists work with?

Occupational therapists work with adults and children of all ages who are experiencing difficulties managing everyday tasks.

Most commonly, this will be those living with mental health conditions, or physical or learning disabilities. You’ll find them helping people live their best life in health organisations, social care services, housing, education and voluntary organisations.

How Do I Become an Occupational Therapist?

Occupational Therapy as a career choice will offer you lifelong opportunities which will have a positive impact on society. There are rich and varied roles to choose from and many career development pathways.

To become an Occupational Therapist you will need to complete a BSc (Hons) Degree in Occupational Therapy or a Degree level apprenticeship in Occupational Therapist and be registered to practice with the Health and Care professionals Council.

Home - Royal College of Occupational Therapists (chooseot.co.uk)

 The grades and qualifications you’ll need to gain a place on a degree course vary, so we’d recommend visiting the websites of the universities you’re interested in.

Generally you’ll need a minimum of;

• Five GCSEs minimum grade 4-5/ A-C including English, Maths and often a science subject.
• Evidence of successful study at Level 3. Examples of this could be three A-levels or BTEC Diploma in a health and social care-related subject or an access course
• For apprenticeships, employers will usually be looking for evidence of successful study at Level 3 or higher. Experience is also usually taken into account during the application process.

 

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