The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has published new guidance on the roles and responsibilities of principal occupational therapists in adult social care services in England.
The guidance aims to provide a resource for principal occupational therapists and social care leaders who wish to develop this post within existing services. It highlights how principal occupational therapists can work alongside principal social workers and directors of adult social care to provide collaborative, person-centred, inclusive, and effective services.
It has been ‘mapped to Career Level 8 in the Career development framework (RCOT 2021a)’ and provides a ‘version of this level of practice contextualised within the social care setting’.
It can also be used to:
- Demonstrate the role of the principal occupational therapist, support the development of new principal roles and amplify the important part occupational therapists have within social care.
- Highlight how principal occupational therapists can work alongside principal social workers and directors of adult social care to provide collaborative, person-centred, inclusive, and effective services.
- Align the roles and responsibilities of principal occupational therapists with the four Pillars of Practice as set out in the RCOT Career Development Framework.
Steve Ford, Chief Executive, RCOT said: “We know that despite the small percentage of occupational therapists based within adult social care in England, they are responsible for a high proportion of work and are essential in delivering key aspects of the Care Act.
“As leaders within social care, principal occupational therapists can articulate to others the valuable role theprofession holds working alongside their principal social work colleagues. Their role as strategic leaders plays a vital part in bridging the gap between health and care that is so important to best meet the needs of people in receipt of services.”
The guidance is available to view here.
