Who'd be an Occupational Therapist?

I am currently employed as the Service Manager in the Occupational Therapy Team in West Cumbria. This role involves managing the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Team in West Cumbria. The team is a multi disciplinary team comprising of Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Rehabilitation Officers for Visual Impairment and Social Care Workers. We are a new team and are pleased to have the opportunity of raising the profile of younger Disabled people and their needs.

I have worked for Cumbria County Council since 1994 when I started as a part time senior OT. Part time working allowed me to balance the needs of my then young family and work commitments. I was also able to benefit from working those hours flexibly. I now work full time and am positive about the introduction of flexi time working, which ensures that I can continue to balance my home and work commitments.

The department is positive about investing in its staff. In addition to the wide range of in house training I have received training as an Accredited Fieldwork Educator and am currently studying towards an MSc in Rehabilitation Studies at St Martin’s College, Lancaster.