The Keep Well service offers an Occupational Therapist (OT) service, providing direct patient contact in vocational rehabilitation to support people with work‑ and health‑related issues.

Early OT intervention focuses on job retention and supporting a timely return to work following sickness absence. The OT provides advice and practical support to help create a healthy work environment. Where appropriate, patients may also be supported to develop long‑term coping strategies through psychological therapies, helping to maximise their functional abilities and sustain employment.

• The OT is a certified disability adviser and can coordinate with other healthcare professionals, liaise with employers, arrange workplace adjustments, and monitor a return to work.

Aim of the Keep Well occupational therapist (health and work)

• Early intervention
• Job retention
• Support for an early return to work following sick leave
• Return to an adapted work environment
• Development of long‑term coping strategies through psychological therapies
• Maximising a person’s functional abilities to sustain work

The occupational therapist will

• Complete a holistic assessment
• Support individuals to maintain attendance in the workplace
• Develop a return‑to‑work plan, including advice on managing health conditions at work
• Provide advice on reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 for employees and employers
• Liaise with essential partners (including employers and union representatives) and act as an advocate or Certified Disability Management Practitioner, with the person’s consent
• Recommend adaptations and assistive equipment, including equipment to support activities of daily living
• Offer psychological therapies, including interventions such as Behavioural Activation, CBT for anxiety, safety and stabilisation, mindfulness, stress reduction and Decider Skills
• Liaise with GPs to support referral to specialist services
• Take a systematic approach that considers all aspects of a person’s life that may impact work performance
• Assess risk where required

Criteria for referral

A person may be referred if they are concerned about their ability to attend work due to:

• Biological factors – injury, illness or physical function, including musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, dementia, long‑term conditions (such as autoimmune conditions) and neurodivergence
• Psychological factors – beliefs, motivation and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and trauma
• Social factors – workplace support, job demands or work environment. This may also include non‑work‑related issues, such as relationship or family difficulties, bereavement or loneliness, that affect daily functioning, including work