Career development
Career development
Feature like to do the same , but are worried that they do not have the right skills or would need to go back to Band 5 level .
This resonates so much with the imposter syndrome and anxiety that I felt when deciding to apply for my new job . I have also noticed a common misconception that it is ‘ too late ’ to move practice settings once you reach a certain banding . This is simply not true .
These are five key lessons that I have learnt from my personal experience of moving from one practice setting to another after eight or more years .
One , it is never too late to change practice areas . For me , I realised that the only barriers were the ones that I put up in my own head . Change can be scary , but it can also lead to so much happiness and job satisfaction .
If there is any part of you seeking a change , please explore your options and believe that it is possible .
Two , a supportive team is key . If possible , when you ’ re searching or applying for jobs , try to get a sense of the dynamics of the team . This could involve emailing the contact person on the job advert , scheduling a phone call , or arranging a visit to the service .
Be honest with them about your experience and where you feel you might need support . That way , you can ensure that the team and role are a good fit for both you and them .
Three , learning is lifelong , and it is okay to ask questions . When I first started my new role , I subconsciously felt like I should know everything . But the truth is , no matter how experienced you are , you will never know everything .
It is okay ( and encouraged ) to ask questions , as this helps you to learn and to consolidate your practice . Plus , it goes both ways ; areas of practice that you are confident with may be areas that your colleagues are less sure of . You may be learning from them , but they are also learning from you .
Four , skills from your old practice setting can help you in your new one . Transitioning from a mental health role to a learning disabilities role has allowed me to integrate the expertise of both roles .
The skills from my previous role give me a unique lens to apply to my new role and support clients more holistically .
And five , above all the most important thing is that you are happy and that you feel valued . Job satisfaction comes from not only doing meaningful work , but also from being supported and appreciated by your colleagues and managers .
When you feel valued , it makes all the difference to your performance and overall wellbeing .
The Career Development Framework
The Career Development Framework – guiding principles for occupational therapy supports the professional development of the whole occupational therapy workforce to help meet the needs of people who access services , their families and their carers .
The framework offers a structure with an overarching set of guiding principles to inform career , learning and workforce development within the occupational therapy profession .
It is designed to be inclusive and relevant to everyone . It is intended to be practical , accessible , flexible and inspirational . It is intended for use in all settings , within all sectors and at all career levels .
The framework is structured around four interacting Pillars of Practice , namely :
• professional practice
• facilitation of learning
• leadership
• evidence , research and development .
Each Pillar has nine career levels . Used together , the Pillars of Practice and the career levels highlight the breadth and range of opportunities available for all members of the profession .
The framework addresses needs across the workforce – from those new to occupational therapy , for example as novice support workers or pre-registration learners , through to those at the forefront of advancing the profession . Download at https :// bit . ly / 3ZKQYLa .
To conclude , moving practice areas after years in one place can be scary , but it has honestly been one of the best decisions I have ever made .
The skills you build in one setting are transferable and can help you to thrive in new roles . Embrace the chance to apply what you know in different ways , and don ’ t doubt your ability to succeed .
With the right mindset , a supportive team and a little confidence , there is nothing that occupational therapists cannot do .
Words CARA ST JOHN , Advanced Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist , Camden Learning Disabilities Service ( North London NHS Foundation Trust ), and MSc Advancing Practice Sensory Integration student at Sheffield Hallam University cara . stjohn @ camden . gov . uk
January 2025 OTnews 39