Occupational Therapy Career in Surrey
Discover how occupational therapists support people to live independently and explore career opportunities across Surrey.
Occupational Therapy is a rewarding career for people who want to make a practical, lasting difference in others’ lives. It focuses on helping individuals overcome physical, mental, or social challenges so they can live as independently and confidently as possible.
As an Occupational Therapist, you support people of all ages to take part in everyday activities that matter to them, from getting dressed and cooking meals to returning to work, education, or social life. Every day is different, and your work is shaped by the unique needs, goals, and environments of the people you support.
Across Surrey, Occupational Therapists play a vital role within the NHS, local authorities, and community services, working closely with health and social care professionals to improve wellbeing and quality of life.
This career suits people who enjoy problem-solving, working closely with others, and seeing real progress from the support they provide.
What You’ll Do as an Occupational Therapist
As an Occupational Therapist, your role is to help people do the everyday activities that are important to them, even when illness, disability, injury, or life changes make these activities difficult.
Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:
- Assessing individual needs by talking with people about their challenges, goals, and daily routines
- Identifying barriers to independence, such as physical limitations, mental health needs, or environmental obstacles
- Creating personalised support plans that help people regain skills or find new ways to complete daily tasks
- Recommending equipment or adaptations, such as mobility aids, home adjustments, or assistive technology
- Supporting rehabilitation and recovery after illness, surgery, injury, or periods of mental ill health
- Working with families and carers to ensure support continues outside formal care settings
- Collaborating with other professionals, including nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, social workers, and support staff
- Monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needs change over time
The focus is always on what matters most to the person, helping them live safely, independently, and with dignity.
Where You Can Work as an Occupational Therapist in Surrey
Occupational Therapists work across a wide range of health and social care settings in Surrey. This gives you the opportunity to choose a role that matches your interests, skills, and preferred working environment.
Hospitals
Occupational Therapists in hospital settings support patients to regain independence following illness, injury, surgery, or a hospital stay. You may work in acute wards, rehabilitation units, or specialist services.
Our partner organisations include:
- Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Surrey County Hospital
- Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Hospital Occupational Therapy roles are available across Guildford, Chertsey, Redhill, Epsom, and surrounding areas in Surrey.
Community Services
Community Occupational Therapists help people live safely and independently in their own homes and local communities. This may involve assessing daily living needs, recommending equipment, or supporting recovery after hospital discharge.
These roles are available across Surrey including Woking, Guildford, Epsom, Dorking, Staines, Sunbury, and nearby areas, often through community providers such as:
- CSH Surrey
Mental Health Services
Occupational Therapists in mental health settings support people to develop routines, coping strategies, and life skills that promote wellbeing and independence.
This includes services provided by our partner organisation:
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP)
(serving areas such as Redhill, Epsom, Chertsey and Guildford)
Children’s and Social Care Services
Occupational Therapists also work with children, young people, adults, and older people through local authority and social care services across Surrey. These roles focus on supporting development, independence, and participation in everyday activities.
Care Homes, Hospices and Specialist Providers
Occupational Therapists in Surrey may work in residential care homes, supported living services, hospices, and specialist care settings, helping people maintain independence and quality of life.
Examples of partner organisations include:
- Woking & Sam Beare Hospice
- Acacia Homecare
- Local care providers and supported living services across Surrey
Each setting offers a different experience, but all Occupational Therapy roles in Surrey focus on delivering person-centred, practical support that helps people live more independently, close to home.
Entry Requirements and Training to Become an Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy is a professional role that requires formal training and registration. There are clear and supported pathways to become an Occupational Therapist in Surrey.
Qualifications Required
To work as an Occupational Therapist in the UK, you must:
- Complete an approved Occupational Therapy degree (BSc or MSc)
- The course must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Be registered with the HCPC before starting work
Degree courses are available at universities across the UK and include both academic study and practical placements.
Routes into Occupational Therapy
There are different ways to start a career in Occupational Therapy, depending on your background:
- Undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy (usually 3 years full-time)
- Postgraduate MSc for those who already have a relevant degree
- Apprenticeship routes (available in some NHS and local authority settings)
Many Occupational Therapists in Surrey begin their careers through NHS or local authority placements during their training.
Skills and Personal Qualities
Employers across Surrey look for people with the right values and skills, including:
- A genuine interest in helping people live independently
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Problem-solving and practical thinking
- Patience, empathy, and compassion
- Ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Confidence working with people from different backgrounds
Experience That Can Help (Not Essential)
Helpful experience before training may include:
- Healthcare support or care roles
- Volunteering in health, social care, or community services
- Working with children, older people, or people with disabilities
- Support worker or therapy assistant roles
Many Occupational Therapists in Surrey started in entry-level health and social care roles before progressing through training.
Becoming an Occupational Therapist requires commitment and training, but it offers a rewarding career with clear progression and long-term opportunities across Surrey.
Working Life as a Nurse in Surrey
Working as an Occupational Therapist in Surrey is varied, people-focused, and rewarding. No two days are the same, and your work will change depending on the setting and the people you support.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
As an Occupational Therapist, your day may include:
- Meeting people to assess how their health affects daily activities
- Visiting homes, wards, clinics, or community settings
- Observing how someone completes everyday tasks
- Recommending equipment or changes to improve safety and independence
- Writing care plans and reports
- Working closely with families, carers, and other professionals
- Reviewing progress and adapting support plans over time
Your role focuses on practical solutions that help people live their lives more independently.
Working Patterns
Occupational Therapy roles across Surrey offer a range of working options:
- Full-time and part-time roles are widely available
- Most roles are worked during weekday daytime hours
- Some services may include occasional evenings or weekends
- Flexible working arrangements are often supported by employers
This makes Occupational Therapy an attractive option for those seeking work-life balance.
Teamwork and Support
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, often alongside:
- Nurses and doctors
- Physiotherapists and therapy assistants
- Social workers and care coordinators
- Support workers and community teams
Across Surrey, Occupational Therapists receive supervision, ongoing training, and support from experienced colleagues, helping you grow and develop in your role.
Occupational Therapists are valued professionals across Surrey’s health and social care system, playing a vital role in helping people live safely and independently.
Pay, Benefits and Career Progression
Occupational Therapy offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and clear opportunities to progress within health and social care across Surrey.
Pay
Most Occupational Therapists working in the NHS in Surrey are paid under the Agenda for Change pay system.
- Newly qualified Occupational Therapists usually start at Band 5
- With experience, you can progress to Band 6 and Band 7 roles
- Senior, specialist, and leadership roles are available at higher bands
- Pay increases with experience, responsibility, and additional training
- Some roles offer enhanced pay for specialist skills or responsibilities
Pay may vary slightly depending on the employer and setting, including local authority and independent providers.
Benefits
Working as an Occupational Therapist in Surrey often includes:
- Paid annual leave
- Access to the NHS Pension Scheme (for NHS roles)
- Ongoing professional development and funded training
- Supervision and support from experienced colleagues
- Opportunities to specialise in areas such as mental health, rehabilitation, or children’s services
- Job security within health and social care
Many non-NHS employers offer similar benefits and flexible working arrangements.
Career Progression
Occupational Therapy offers clear long-term career pathways.
With experience and further training, you may progress into roles such as:
- Senior Occupational Therapist
- Specialist Occupational Therapist (e.g. mental health, community, paediatrics)
- Team Lead or Service Manager
- Advanced Practitioner
- Education, training, or leadership roles
Employers across Surrey actively support career development through mentoring, specialist training, and internal progression opportunities.
A career as an Occupational Therapist offers stability, purpose, and the chance to grow professionally while making a real difference to people’s lives across Surrey.
Locations Across Surrey
Wherever you live in Surrey, there is likely a role near you.
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