Occupational Therapy Technician Job Summary
We are seeking a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor to join the team at The Tarn Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) The post holder will be a member of the wider Occupational Therapy (OT) team and will contribute to the provision of Occupational Therapy services across Oxleas House. You will work in partnership with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to enable service users to reach their recovery potential and develop the skills necessary to manage their occupational needs. You will motivate service users and encourage community re-integration by liaising with suitable local resources to promote social inclusion.
OT Technical Instructors work with both individuals and groups and contribute directly to the Seven Day Therapies Programme and may be required to work over the weekend. This is usually once a month on either a Saturday or Sunday as part of the rota.
Occupational Therapy Main Duties
- To manage own workload
- To work independently under the supervision of a registered OT as a member of the MDT
- Use technical, creative and psychosocial skills to assist in providing therapeutic activities for individuals/groups of service users
- To take responsibility for leading on the development of service user projects
- Communicate with service users/carers
- Provide feedback on therapeutic activities to supervisor, OT colleagues and MDT
- Have an awareness of social inclusion and skills development and ensure activities used focus on these objectives
- To undertake additional delegated responsibilities as directed by OT supervisor
Interview Questions for Occupational Therapist Positions
Preparing for an occupational therapist (OT) interview involves highlighting your clinical skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and passion for helping patients regain independence in daily activities. Based on common themes from expert resources, here are 15 frequently asked interview questions, categorized for clarity. I’ve included sample answers to demonstrate strong responses—tailor them to your experience. These draw from real-world examples and best practices to show enthusiasm, professionalism, and client-centered focus.
General Questions (Assessing Fit and Motivation)
- Why do you want to be an occupational therapist?
Sample Answer: “I became passionate about occupational therapy after volunteering at a rehab center where I saw how OTs empowered a stroke survivor to dress independently again. It’s rewarding to bridge the gap between medical recovery and meaningful daily life, and I’m excited to bring my empathy and creativity to your team’s pediatric program.” - What inspired you to pursue a career in occupational therapy?
Sample Answer: “A family member’s recovery from a spinal injury introduced me to OT’s transformative impact. Witnessing how adaptive tools restored their confidence motivated me to study it, and my fieldwork in geriatrics reinforced my commitment to holistic, occupation-based interventions.” - Tell me about yourself.
Sample Answer: “I’m a recent MOT graduate with fieldwork in acute care and outpatient settings. Currently, I’m shadowing OTs to build skills in adaptive equipment prescription. In the future, I aim to specialize in hand therapy while contributing to evidence-based practices at a multidisciplinary clinic like yours.” - What do you enjoy most about working as an occupational therapist?
Sample Answer: “The joy of celebrating small victories, like a child mastering fine motor skills for schoolwork, keeps me motivated. It aligns with my values of fostering independence and building therapeutic alliances.” - Where do you see your career in five years?
Sample Answer: “I envision advancing to a lead OT role, mentoring new graduates and integrating telehealth innovations. Long-term, I’d love to contribute to research on community reintegration, aligning with your clinic’s growth in outpatient services.”
Experience and Skills Questions (Assessing Technical Knowledge)
- What is your process for interviewing a patient to gather necessary health information?
Sample Answer: “I start with open-ended questions about their daily routines and goals, using active listening to build rapport. Then, I assess occupational performance areas like self-care and productivity, incorporating standardized tools like the COPM for client-centered insights.” - If a patient has difficulty moving around the house, how do you approach prescribing equipment?
Sample Answer: “I’d conduct a home evaluation to identify barriers, collaborate with the patient on preferences, and recommend evidence-based aids like grab bars or reachers. Follow-up ensures proper use and adjustments for safety.” - What are the critical skills of an occupational therapist?
Sample Answer: “Key skills include strong communication for interdisciplinary teams, empathy to motivate non-compliant patients, creativity in adapting interventions, and analytical thinking for progress tracking—all honed through my fieldwork.” - How do you stay current on developments and technologies in occupational therapy?
Sample Answer: “I subscribe to AOTA journals, attend CEU webinars on VR-assisted rehab, and participate in online forums. Recently, I integrated telehealth tools from a conference to enhance remote sessions.” - Do you prefer working with certain types of patients?
Sample Answer: “I thrive with diverse populations but have a passion for pediatrics due to my volunteer experience with autistic children. That said, I’m adaptable and eager to support your adult neuro rehab caseload.”
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.