Sam Sturgess' Career Journey as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at West Berkshire Council
Personal Background and Career Journey
Sam Sturgess, a dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) at West Berkshire Council, has worked in health and social care for 15 years. Residing in West Berkshire with her husband, daughter, and cat, Sam's journey to occupational therapy was not linear. Like many, she left school unsure of her career path. However, her first job in social care ignited a passion for helping others.
"I didn't know what I wanted to do after leaving school, but once I started in social care, I realised helping people was what I was meant to do,"Sam recalls.
Sam's varied career includes roles as a care assistant, working with sheltered housing and district nursing teams, and later as a senior therapy assistant. Her experience broadened her understanding of how health and social care intersect, shaping her decision to pursue occupational therapy. When a vacancy at West Berkshire Council appeared, it felt like the perfect next step.
Current Role and Responsibilities
In her role as an OTA in the East Locality team, Sam works closely with clients referred to her by occupational therapists, supporting individuals with disabilities to engage in meaningful activities. These "occupations" help improve their health and well-being.
"I visit clients in their homes, assess their needs, and provide solutions, whether it's assistive technology, equipment, or adaptations,"Sam explains.
One of her specialties is falls prevention, an area where she holds a Level 2 qualification.
A typical week for Sam is dynamic. She balances studying for her Occupational Therapy degree at Coventry University on Mondays, with home visits, documentation, and office-based tasks throughout the rest of the week. Her autonomy and flexibility in managing her caseload are what she values most, alongside the support of her team.
Contributing to the Community
Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of West Berkshire residents. Sam's work helps people overcome barriers posed by disabilities, reconnect with the community, and return to meaningful occupations, such as work or volunteering.
"When someone can achieve their goals, it has an immensely positive effect on their well-being," she shares.
Training and Development
Sam attributes much of her professional growth to the support she has received at West Berkshire Council. She is currently enrolled in an Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship, which allows her to work towards her OT degree while gaining hands-on experience.
"Without the council's support, I wouldn't have been able to pursue my dream of becoming a qualified occupational therapist. They offer a range of training opportunities that help me grow in my role."
Working Environment and Culture
For Sam, the culture at West Berkshire Council stands out as a key factor in her job satisfaction. She enjoys the trust and autonomy she's given to manage her caseload, as well as the strong support network within her team. Regular supervision meetings help her discuss her work, and she looks forward to monthly team gatherings where colleagues share experiences and learn from one another.
"There is a mutual trust here between management and staff. Everyone genuinely wants to do their job well," Sam reflects. "I'm proud to tell people about the work I do and feel lucky to work with people I consider not just colleagues, but friends."
Challenges and Rewards
One of the challenges Sam faces is when clients decline advice or equipment that she believes would benefit them. However, she emphasises the importance of respecting their autonomy and giving them the time to adjust to new solutions.
"Clients need to trust you and feel empowered to make their own decisions," she explains.
Despite these challenges, the rewards of the role are clear. Sam finds immense satisfaction in seeing the impact of her work on clients' lives. A memorable achievement for her was helping a client with osteoarthritis regain the ability to bathe independently after several years.
"She was overjoyed to have her first bath in years. Her health and well-being improved as a result, and she now bathes twice a week," Sam shares.
Advice for Aspiring Occupational Therapists
Sam encourages anyone considering a career in occupational therapy to take the plunge. Her advice? Gain experience as a carer to understand the importance of occupational therapy and explore opportunities within local authorities, like West Berkshire Council.
"You're never too old to change careers. I'll be in my 40s when I qualify, but it will have been worth the wait."
Looking Ahead: Future Goals
Sam's future goals are clear: she aims to qualify as an occupational therapist in 2028 and hopes to secure a permanent role within the team that has supported her career development. As the field of occupational therapy evolves, Sam is excited about the potential of assistive technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
"There's a lot of potential in using digital technology to support people with disabilities. I think occupational therapy will play a key role in this, and that excites me," she concludes.
Sam's journey at West Berkshire Council is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and a supportive work environment. Her experience shows that a career in occupational therapy not only improves the lives of clients but can be deeply rewarding on a personal level as well.
