The Occupational Therapy (OT) Service is part of the Kent
Adult Social Services Directorate.
The OT Service provides information, advice, equipment and
adaptations to promote the independence of disabled people of all
ages across the County. The core activities include:
- Carrying out an assessment with disabled people in their
home
- Making recommendations for Disabled Facilities Grants available
from local councils
- Providing specialised equipment to enable people to live as
independently as possible
- Providing advise to disabled people with complex
needs
In order to do this a range of staff are employed:
Occupational Therapists (OT's)
OT's are professionally qualified to work with people with a
wide range of disabilities. They aim to enable people to make the
most if their abilities and remain as independent as possible in
their own homes. One way this is achieved is by adapting the home
environment to suit the disabled person's needs often through the
provision of equipment and/or adaptations.
This work is carried out in close collaboration with District
Councils and Health Trusts.
Paediatric Service
Some OT's have developed specialist experience working with
disabled children and carry out functional assessments to maximise
the child's ability to gain control over the practical aspects of
daily life.
Recuperative Care
OT's also work within registered care centres where they provide
a short period of intensive rehabilitation which will help people
to regain the skills and confidence needed to return to living as
independently as possible.
Rehabilitation Co-ordinators
Rehabilitation Co-ordinators are experienced staff who
compliment the work of the Occupational Therapists by providing a
response to people whose needs are relatively straightforward.
Technical staff
Technicians are available to fit equipment or minor adaptations
such as rails or ramps as recommended by an OT or Rehabilitation
Co-ordinator and have a Competency Framework in place which enables
them to qualify as Trusted Assessors and to undertake assessments
as appropriate.
What Experience is required?
Occupational therapists must be qualified and state registered.
Other staff members do not require specific qualifications but
should have an awareness of disability related issues. Training and
continuous career development is carried out for all staff.
What Skills are required?
- Empathy with disabled people
- Good Communication Skills
- Self Motivation
- Good organisational skills
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