Occupational Therapist
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After many years living overseas and working in both the private and charitable sectors, I chose to pursue a career in occupational therapy. My last job in China was financially rewarding and enjoyable, but I felt a lack of purpose and meaning. My extensive experience volunteering and establishing community groups in the UK and abroad shifted my focus towards more purposeful activities. This led me to return to the UK and enrol in an MSc in Occupational Therapy at Coventry University.
I chose occupational therapy to make a meaningful difference, believing my diverse life experiences and transferable skills would be valuable in this field. I enjoy engaging with people, being creative, solving problems, and participating in meaningful activities. This role appeals to me because it offers hands-on experience and allows me to apply the theory I learned at university, leveraging my transferable skills.
My previous roles have required autonomy, adaptability, cultural awareness, strict confidentiality, and teamwork. I have experience as a lecturer/trainer, designing and delivering activities and lessons to learners of all levels. My MSc included modules on client-centred practice and using therapeutic self to build rapport and collaborate. We trained to adhere to RCOT and HCPC standards and the hospital’s core values, focusing on pride, honesty, critical reflection, and compassion.
I have some background in anatomy and movement from my training as a Bowen practitioner, which I continue to build upon. I participated in the IC4 Life programme, a collaborative project with European students to design innovative adaptations using technology to enhance individual and community life. This opportunity allowed me to explore new perspectives and solutions.
With a rich employment history, life experiences, and extracurricular learning, I am a passionate and versatile newly qualified Occupational Therapist. My MSc studies also provided hands-on experience in clinical and community healthcare settings, focusing on assessments, personalised therapeutic interventions, and holistic approaches like yoga and breathwork. I have managed volunteer programs, facilitated educational workshops, and contributed to team development.
My professional experience includes clinical placements in early psychosis, hospital discharge departments, secure mental health units, physical organic wards, and care farms. I have worked effectively with dementia patients, individuals with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, and physical disabilities.
Additionally, I have served as a Therapy Assistant Bank on a medicine ward and an Activity Coordinator in a secure mental health unit. Adaptable to various environments and cultures, I am skilled in assessment and intervention planning, volunteer management, education, and holistic therapy. Committed to enhancing patient quality of life, I am eager to join a forward-thinking healthcare team dedicated to holistic, patient-centered care.
Online Assessment Consultant/British Council-Impellam, U.K. /April 2022-present
Conducting international online standardised assessments, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy whilst managing a demanding schedule.
Life Skills Examiner/Assessment Consultant | British Council, China | Feb 2015 - Dec 2021
Facilitated over 300 International English Language tests, earning a promotion to Lifeskills examiner trainer. Developed a team of new examiners through monitoring and assessments while providing well-being sessions and mentoring to support their growth.
Teacher Training Instructor | Busan Education Training Institute, South Korea | Feb 2011 - Jan 2015
Designed, coordinated and delivered ESL and Communication courses to Korean public school teachers, focusing on language improvement and career enhancement. Developed new EPIK native-speaker teachers using proven teaching methodologies. Regularly assessed teacher performance, providing constructive feedback to enhance student engagement.
Volunteer Coordinator & Manager | North Warwickshire Volunteer Centre, UK | Mar 2008 - Jan 2011
Managed recruitment for a volunteer centre, boosting volunteer engagement by over 70% through promotion, networking and local collaborations. Delegated roles based on volunteer strengths and goals, offering support as needed.
Holistic Personal Development Instructor | Multiple Institutions, UK | Mar 2005 - Jan 2008
Developed courses for professional and new therapists, significantly growing the client base. Collaborated with organisations to host themed events, enhancing partnerships and trainee benefits.
Company Buyer leading to Head of Advertising | Onetoo Ltd, UK | Mar 2003 - Jan 2005
Drove company growth by launching new brands across radio and television negotiating rates to maximise revenue and profitability. Partnered with B2B mobile content platforms to increase brand awareness. Recruited and trained new advertising staff, ensuring company standards and conducting appraisals. Presented weekly reports to the CEO.
PT Lecturer | South Worcestershire College | Malvern, UK | 2009- 2011
Sales Executive leading to Senior Sale Executive | Trinity Publications Ltd, UK | 2001- 2003
MSc in Occupational Therapy Preregistration | Coventry University, Coventry | 2022-2024
DELTA- Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages | Cambridge | 2016
IELTS- Examiner Certification | British Council | 2015
IELTS- Life Skills Examiner Certification | British Council | 2015
QTLS- Qualified Teaching Learning and Skills Status | IFL | 2013
Effective Management- Level 3 | Institute of Leadership and Management | 2011
DTLLS- Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector | LSIS endorsed qualification | Staffordshire University | 2009
Certificate in Educational Studies | The College of Teachers | 2004
Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Design | Coventry University, Coventry | 2000
BA Honours Communication Studies- 2.1 | Coventry University, Coventry | 1998