Page 114 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

Occupational Therapist
Occupation Code: 2269
Alternative title: Rehabilitation Therapist
Job description and duties
Occupational Therapists assist patients of all ages who have mental, physical or social difficulties to carry out daily tasks and/or occupational tasks in a more autonomous manner. Occupational Therapists may specialise in a number of areas including paediatrics, mental health, physical rehabilitation and geriatrics. Although the nature of work will vary according to specialisation, an Occupational Therapist is typically expected to:
• Carry out assessments to establish patients’ capabilities and needs and create a specialised treatment programme
• Review patients’ progress and adjust treatment programme accordingly
• Carry out evaluations on patients’ environments including home and work settings
• Guide patients to adapt their lifestyle and modify their environment to accommodate their level of ability
• Provide assistance to patients in order to enable them to return to work or find suitable employment
• Liaise with relatives and employers and educate them about patients’ needs
• Maintain effective communication with other health and medical professionals and participate in multidisciplinary meetings
• Maintain updated patient records and write reports
• Participate in the training, teaching and supervision of new employees and students
• Keep up-to-date on new treatments,
equipment and advancements in the field
• Participate in health promotion and health
education activities
Work environment
Occupational Therapists may work in the public and private sectors. Work settings include local health services, specialist health services, schools, community based settings, residential homes and private clinics and hospitals. Occupational Therapists are typically required to carry out on-site visits to homes, schools and workplaces.
Occupational Therapists may be employed or work on a self-employed basis. This role is typically on a full-time basis.
Occupation data
Number of employees (2017)
122
Share of foreigners (2017)
15%
Job Outlook (2018 - 2022)
+17%
Median Pay (per annum)
€20,200
Jobsplus
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