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Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists assess and treat people who,
because of illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in
their ability to undertake the activities of everyday life.
They assist people to regain lost functions, develop their
abilities and social skills, maintain and promote independence
in their everyday tasks enhancing the person's health and
well-being.
Occupational therapists may perform the following duties:
- conduct tests to assess functional, emotional,
psychological, developmental and physical capabilities
- plan and direct specific therapeutic programs for
individuals using vocational (jobs or careers),
recreational, remedial, social and educational activities
- select and design a variety of activities that assist 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 and
group therapy and activity programs
- monitor the progress of individuals and assist with the
coordination of an effective health team
- assist children with disabilities to integrate into
education programs in schools
- assess the ability of injured workers to return to their
usual employment or to 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, which help people within their
environment
- assess the need for, develop and run health education
programs
- act as consultants to industry and government
organisations
- undertake research
- teach in academic institutions
- assist in policy development for health and other
related areas.
Occupational therapists may specialise in areas such as:
Aged care, providing programs 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 programs 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, to assess the safety of work
environments and injured workers, provide rehabilitation and
advice on adaptations to the workplace.
Health promotion, assisting people who want to
achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Paediatrics in hospitals, private practices or
schools to assess and treat children with disabilities,
developmental delays or learning difficulties.
Psychiatry, where occupational therapists assess and
treat individuals with mental illness and behavioural
disorders through programs involving such things as stress
management.
Vocational rehabilitation to assist injured workers
return to work.
Required Skills - Occupational Therapist
- patience, initiative, flexible attitude
- practical, innovative and observant
- able to solve problems
- good interpersonal and communication skills
- able to work as part of a team
- able to work independently
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