Occupational Therapist Assistant Jobs- help required please!!

[Flawedperfection]

Hello!
I work in admin currently and had a dream of becoming an OT, but unfortunately can neither afford the course fees or the time required to dedicate to said training. However, I’ve been made aware of jobs as OT Assistants, which greatly interest me.
If anyone here has ANY knowledge or experience in this area I’d be so grateful for your perspective and honesty. Ok, I’ll be honest about my suitability to this type of role: I am youngish and fit and healthy. I love helping others and am an ex carer. I am energetic, positive and a can doer. I prefer to work one to one (ideally) as am undiagnosed as a high functioning autistic adult (my dr agreed with me when I gave a list of my everyday traits). I am creative, artistic, have performing experience and am sensitive. On the other side, I am too sensitive at times (apparently!), and disliked the personal care side of care work and don’t wish to lift and hurt back if possible (have sustained many injuries in care work).
I feel that I have a good sense of the role and realise admin and note taking would be at all levels, particularly my entry level role.
Should I seek work experience before applying? Obviously I’m a bit clueless about this aspect and can’t see if this is essential or not.
Thanks for reading!

Some info on the role here.

www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-support-worker/roles-healthcare-support-worker/occupational-therapy-support-worker

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for OT support workers. Employers expect good numeracy and literacy and some experience or qualifications in health or social care. Employers may ask for GCSEs in English and maths. They may ask for a BTEC or equivalent vocational qualifications in health and social care.

Employers often ask for relevant work experience. Even where this is not specified, it would be an advantage if you have worked in health or social care, either in paid employment or voluntary work. If you secure an apprenticeship in healthcare/clinical support, this could enable you to apply for OT support worker vacancies in the future.

If you're applying for a role in the NHS, you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work.

Thanks @ButItRingsAndIRise- lots to read through!

If you got an OTA role there could be an opportunity to train as an OT via the apprentice route
Typically out OTAs would have some experience in a care role so even volunteering at a care home would help. Perhaps carrying out activities. Many assistants are generic so will carry out OT and P/T duties

Hi @WhoNeedsaManOfTheWorld, this is really helpful, thanks and just what I needed to hear as have a lot of experience in care and would also love to be considered for the apprenticeship scheme one day. Always wanted to be an OT eventually but the training costs and time would be an issue so learning on the job is the dream especially as I have a useless ‘Mickey Mouse’ degree from 16 years ago!!

It’s always worth applying for roles that interest you to gain experience of the interview process.
The OT assistant role can vary depending on the setting. In a hospital setting you would be required to do personal care assessments but the focus would be to see what the person could do for themselves rather than caring for the person. You should also receive moving and handling training to reduce the risk of injury.
Also look out for rehabilitation assistant roles as these are often similar to OTA roles.
Good luck with your change of career.

OT is very broad and there are OT assistants in mental and physical settings. Sometimes they are known as other titles such as technical instructor or recovery and inclusion worker. I've worked on stroke rehab, Community rehab and acute mental health ward as an OT. The job can be physical in something like a stroke ward. Sometimes 3 people will need to assist with someone walking or sitting for the first time on the edge of bed or in the therapy gym. Wheelchairs can be heavy! Lots of bending putting on someone's shoes etc. But generally there are hoists etc to prevent heavy lifting. There is personal care on the inpatient physical wards. Eg daily shower practice. It's not unusual to have to change someone's pad or bed if they have an accident.
You sound very similar to me with ASD etc and I know a few others in OT or OTA roles.
Some OTA are on band 2 which is very low pay. I also work with band 4 assistant practitioners in mobility.
It is very rewarding I would say the main qualities needed are being a good listener and being non judgemental. Being creative is good too. Good luck.

In our local authority (council) roles like social care practitioner and reablement assistant/officer/practitioner would be the first step on the ladder and would mean you could then apply for OT apprenticeships within the LA
Adult Social Care team which would be offered to internal candidates in the first place so it’s worth looking at your local Council. There are OTs in the education team at our LA as well but I know less about how that works.