I have been working as a qualified occupational therapist in a social services setting since 1995.I have worked for Staffordshire Social services (with an interlude of six months in Hertfordshire) until recently, when the work of the department was transferred into the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Partnership NHS TrustIn that time I have assessed both adults and children with a variety of disabilities.My duties included assessing for minor and major adaptations, specialist… Show more I have been working as a qualified occupational therapist in a social services setting since 1995.I have worked for Staffordshire Social services (with an interlude of six months in Hertfordshire) until recently, when the work of the department was transferred into the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Partnership NHS TrustIn that time I have assessed both adults and children with a variety of disabilities.My duties included assessing for minor and major adaptations, specialist equipment, assistive technologies and manual handling.Assessing and advising on adaptations has given me skills in building design, preparing scheme drawings (manually and electronically using IDAPT), and reading architects plans.I have experience of prescribing step lifts, stair lifts, wheelchair lifts and ramping.My manual handling experience covers hoisting, specialist slings, manual assists, slide sheets and patient turners. I have also been involved in work to promote single handed caring and in the review of social care packages from an occupational therapist prospective.I have worked closely with social workers, technical officers, grant officers and physiotherapists, and I have made assessments with the assistance of a translator.At various times I have supervised occupational therapy assistants, supervised student and work experience placements and have APPLE accreditation. I have assisted in interviewsIn addition to my regular duties I have conducted several research studies, some of which have been published. Show less