STEP ONE: Search for opportunities > Occupational Therapist
We urgently need experienced occupational therapists to support disadvantaged people in fulfilling their rights to physical, mental and social well-being and accessing good quality essential services. You could be working in countries such as Sri Lanka, Malawi, Papua New Guinea and Guyana.
Necessary qualifications and experience
You'll be a qualified occupational therapist with at least 2-3 years' experience. The majority of our placements require training and management skills as well specialised experience in an area such as paediactrics or mental health. Previous experience of working in a community setting is also highly desirable.
Types of opportunity available
Most volunteers work in hospitals or rehabilitation centres and work with adults or children and their families. You could be involved in setting up a hospital department, community services or managing a community rehabilitation programme. All jobs will involve hands on training and the clinical instruction of other professionals. Jobs we are currently recruiting for have a focus in mental health, paediatrics or hospital teaching.
If you're aged 18 to 25 you could take part in one of our youth volunteering programmes. Find out more here.
If you are an experienced health professional interested in volunteering overseas, come along to our information day. You'll hear from returned volunteers and learn more about the volunteering opportunities available in your profession. Find out more and register
Mental Health OT - Sri Lanka As a mental health OT at the Arunalu Rehabilitation Centre, you'll develop OT services for clients and build the confidence of staff in managing therapeutic activity.
Find out more about our mental health programme in Sri Lanka Read the full volunteer job description:
Community OT – Namibia Combining clinical supervision with hands-on training of community-based carers, you’ll plan and develop services across Kunene region to support disabled people in their homes.
Read the full volunteer job description:
Occupational Therapist - Malawi At the Kachere Rehabilitation Centre in Blantyre, you'll work with adults with neurological disabilities and provide in-service training for rehabilitation assistants to develop their OT skills. Read the full volunteer job description:
Mental Health Development Worker - Sri Lanka As a mental health development worker with the Meedumpitiya Rehabilitation Centre for women, you'll improve and develop rehabilitation activities and introduce best practice in mental health care.
Find out more about our Mental Health Programme in Sri Lanka
Read the full volunteer job description:
Occupational Therapist - Sri Lanka Working with Empowerment Campus in Vanuniya, you'll work with children with a wide variety of disabilities. You'll also share your knowledge of disability issues and management with your local colleagues.
Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker - Sri Lanka Working at the Ridiyagama Rehabilitation Centre in Hambanthota, you'll ensure that marginalised people with mental health problems can access the support they need.
Read the full job description:
Paediatric Occupational Therapist - Sri Lanka An inspirational OT with paediatric experience is required for a vital role, working with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health to improve the quality and equality of rehabilitation services on a national scale. You'll provide hands-on training, help develop services that put clients' needs first, and ensure more people with disabilities in Sri Lanka than ever before can fulfil their potential.
Read the full job description:
Whether you are ready to apply now, would like an information pack or would like to be kept informed about our work, please register your interest now.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions about volunteering with VSO, go to the VSO Experience
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Other ways to get involved
Visit our awareness and action pages to see some of the other ways you can get involved with VSO.
