Occupational therapists assess and treat people who, because of illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake the activities of everyday life.

Occupational therapists assist people to regain lost functions, develop their abilities and social skills, and maintain and promote independence in their everyday tasks, and to enhance a person's health and well-being.

Occupational therapists may perform the following duties:

• conduct tests to assess functional, emotional, psychological, developmental and physical capabilities
• plan and direct specific therapeutic programs for individuals using vocational (jobs or careers), recreational, remedial, social and educational activities
• select and design a variety of activities that assist an affected movement or function and help individuals to regain personal care skills such as eating and dressing
• assist people to gain, or regain, skills in social, leisure and work environments through graded individual and group therapy and activity programs
• monitor the progress of individuals, and assist with the coordination of an effective health team
• assist children with disabilities to integrate into education programs in schools
• assess the ability of injured workers to return to their usual employment or to perform alternative duties
• design and modify the everyday environment of clients to allow for better access and independence
• advise on the use of specialised equipment such as home modifications, adapted kitchen utensils, wheelchairs, and other assistive technology which help people within their environment
• assess the need for, develop, and run health education programs
• act as consultants to industry and government organisations
• undertake research
• teach in academic institutions
• assist in policy development for health and other related areas.

Occupational therapists may specialise in areas such as:

• General medicine, working in hospitals or private practice to assess and treat individuals with physically disabling diseases or injuries.
• Aged care, providing programs and equipment for people with medical and social problems associated with ageing.
• Working with people who have an intellectual, physical or sensory disability through planned activity programs over long periods of time.
• Occupational health to assess the safety of work environments and injured workers, provide rehabilitation and advice on adaptations to the workplace.
• Vocational rehabilitation in private practice or government agencies to assist injured workers return to work.
• Paediatrics in hospitals, private practices or schools to assess and treat children with disabilities, developmental delays or learning difficulties.
• Health promotion, assisting people who want to achieve a balanced lifestyle.
• Psychiatry, where occupational therapists assess and treat individuals with mental illness and behavioural disorders through programs involving such things as stress management.