The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has launched new guidance on the roles and responsibilities of Principal occupational therapists in adult social care services in England. Endorsed by Skills for Care, the guidance is supported by the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England, Chief Social Worker for Adults for England and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services in England.
Prompted by an awareness of the importance that lead occupational therapists play at strategic levels, this guidance provides a capability statement to be used as a foundation to bring consistency to job role planning across England. 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.
Commenting on the report, RCOT Chief Executive, Steve Ford 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 the profession 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 download from the RCOT website.