Apprentice Occupational Therapist Review

I work with individuals who have long term health conditions around Lincolnshire to assist them to be as independent as possible with activities of daily living. The role involves a compensatory and acquisitional approach to occupational therapy; including provision of equipment and adaptation, and outward referrals to other teams to ensure health and wellbeing.

I have learnt from many experiences during my time with Lincolnshire county council; including the fine line between the promotion of independence and risk aversion, a multidisciplinary approach to supporting people, consent to assessment and outward referrals, mental capacity and its involvement in consent, procedures involving adaptation and equipment provision, how to communicate with individuals effectively, time management, and autonomous working. I have also learnt how to apply theory within occupational therapy, and the importance of considering the person, their environment, and their occupation as a whole; how these factors are all interlinked and intertwined.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme so far, the environment has been friendly and supportive. The lecturers have been supportive and they are a wealth of knowledge.

I feel that the programme is organised and structured to the extent in which it is possible. There have been occasions where marking of assignments have been late, or we have been timetabled to attend university for just 2 hours, however, I understand that the university have restrictions to which they can work and it is not always possible to organise timetabling and marking to suit the students in reality, when they have many cohorts to organise.

My employer has been very supportive in my attending of university, they allow of the job learning within other teams and insight days. They allow us study time, and are actively looking for cases for us to work with that are suited to the syllabus at that time to enhance our learning.

The lecturers are very attentive and have offered support when ever it is needed.

It has allowed me to look at theory that is relatable to occupational therapy, not only in my role, but other types of occupational therapy that could support an individual; this allows us to ensure that the correct and most beneficial type of therapy is offered to the individual. The qualification has also helped me to look at individual circumstances more deeply, and recognise the promotion of independence is achieved through different forms of intervention, such as rehabilitation, acquisition, compensatory approaches etc.

We often go out for work meals, have team meetings, and lunch together.

Yes

The Occupational Therapy team at LCC is the most wonderful team, I feel well supported, I enjoy the autonomy and flexible working that the council offers. I have worked for many employers and LCC is by far the best, I have thoroughly enjoyed being employed by LCC, I would not like to work anywhere else.

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