Jobs

Career Profile of Karen Wilson

Karen Wilson has worked as an Occupational Therapist (OT) for the local government in Hertfordshire since 1981. She is based with the Children Schools and Families team in North Quadrant covering the Stevenage, Hitchin and Letchworth area and has been a specialist pediatric OT within a social care setting since 1994.

The role and responsibilities of an OT is to provide services to people in the community that require occupational support and advice. An OT will not only look at assessing clients needs and identify risks, but will also establish professional relationships with clients and carers and look to assist and advise them.

"This is an extremely rewarding job and I have been able to help the disabled child and his/her family to continue to live at home by recommending and planning housing adaptations. Housing is important to us all but essential equipment and environmental adaptations are vital for disabled children."

An OT will not only look at recommending environmental changes within the home but will assess personal care, play, leisure, carers/parents capacity to cope. Karen believes that a holistic approach is necessary taking into account the needs and wishes of the disabled child primarily and the people he/she lives with.

While there are a number of skills required Karen states that a good knowledge base and experience is essential in this work, ensuring that you keep up to date with current legislation.

"Good listening skills, analytical skills, understanding, be able to work under pressure and time management are all essential requirements for the job."

There are always changes afoot within the Occupational Therapist field. Messages locally and nationally are to work in a more integrated way with our health colleagues to avoid duplication, to share information and offer a consistent approach to the children and families.

"An OT's job is never dull and always a challenge. Adapting to change is what makes the job worthwhile and Occupational Therapists are good at helping others to adapt to their life changes."