Looking for different roles in OT

Hi Chelsy, I have had a very varied career with some less traditional roles. I have always kept an open mind when looking for jobs and considered whether it fits with my own occupational identity rather than that of the NHS perception. I have worked in substance misuse in a prison and in 3 brand new services where I have had scope to develop my own role. Happy to chat.

Hi Chelsy, This has been an area of my interest and I am currently writing an article on this. OTs have a lot to offer in non traditional roles, including management, leadership, and policy. Happy to take this conversation further. Best way would be to connect on LinkedIn or email vardhan.ot@gmail.com. I will be able to share links to resources, including my talk which talks about this.

Just to give you a bit of context. I am a New Zealand registered OT managing the family and community health national programmes of the country. I am also former president tangata tiriti of our national OT association.

Kind regards

Hello @chelsy7. For convenience, we're passing on some responses to your forum, that were added when when we promoted it on our LinkedIn page:

Justine Jecker - 'When we say "non-traditional roles", I think what we mean is "non-medical roles". Occupation takes place everywhere, and so it continues to amaze me that we need to 'role-emerge' within our profession and society. I'm always up for chatting with any OTs looking to do occupational therapy in any environment. Thanks for sharing this post!'

Dana Tucker - 'I’m an OTA and after 23 years, I am burn out. I hate it but that’s the truth.'

Angela Greene - 'I am the US Head of Therapy Integration for MindMaze, a neurological digital therapeutics company. I have been an OT since 1994, and even in this role, I still get to use my clinical skills every day. Clinical reasoning is critical thinking and is much needed in the world. We, as OTs, have a comprehensive skill set with much to offer the world outside of daily direct clinical care. Never underestimate this! I am more than happy to discuss this in a forum.'

Shelley Latendresse - 'Hi I’m Shelley ! I’m an OT who has added Yoga Instructor to my toolbox. I have shifted my practice to suit my life... from clinic to private practice, from children to adults, I also added training after my own concussions and now work as a health coach for client’s recovering from concussion.

Check out OTs gone Rogue with Melissa Lapointe, Holistic OT with Emmy Vadnais and The OT Lifestyle Movement with Rhiannon Crispe (social media, podcasts and websites). With their incredible inspiration you will begin to see the evolving role of OT and new roles as coaches, holistic practitioners and business roles. I also know of another coach who runs the OT Collective. The inspiration is out there!!!'

Patricia Motus - 'Have a listen to one of my podcast episodes 🤗 The Uncommon OT Series, for some ideas!' This series is featured on the Hub! Take a listen:

The Uncommon OT Series (Podcast Portal)

Hi @chelsy7. It's interesting, but a shame, to hear you are considering moving away from 'traditional' occupational therapy, after just a few years. I do, however, know exactly where you are coming from. Having worked in a few acute hospital rotation roles, I (personally) felt the work I did was very constricted and reduced to real basics. Core ADL performance is the foundation for engaging in everything else, so I don't want to take away anything from the vital support OTs give in these areas. But, for me, it didn't always feel person-centred; more what the hospital felt was important, rather than what the person chose...

Have you looked into other settings (community vs inpatient), or specialisms (paediatrics, mental health, neurology...) What I love about our profession is the diversity of ways we can practice, in 'conventional' therapy roles!

If you look around the Hub (try searching 'non traditional' or 'role emerging') you'll find a range of articles and forums that cover such roles. For example, take a look at:

• Non-traditional OT roles - a forum hosted by @Jacqueline Webb

• Skills for a diverse practice of occupational therapy - an in-depth Therapy Article written by @Jennifer Creek

Good luck in your search for the kind of OT that aligns with your values and working preferences! Keep us posted on where you head next 💬 Jamie

Thanks for reaching out here @chelsy7! We'll bring your forum to the attention of fellow Members in the coming days.