Hiring and Sponsoring Occupational Therapists (SOC Code 2222)

Occupational Therapists, classified under SOC Code 2222, are vital healthcare professionals dedicated to enhancing the physical, psychological, and social well-being of individuals facing challenges due to illness, injury, congenital conditions, or lifestyle issues. Their role is crucial in the healthcare system, where they: 

• Devise, design, initiate, and monitor tailored treatment plans and activities as part of the assessment and intervention process.
• Collaborate with a diverse range of other healthcare professionals to plan and review ongoing treatments.
• Train students and supervise the work of occupational therapy assistants to ensure high standards of care.
• Conduct home visits to clients, families, and caregivers to organize support and rehabilitation, aiding them in dealing with disabilities.
• Counsel clients on promoting a healthy lifestyle, preventing illness, and preparing for the progressive stages of illness.
• Maintain detailed patient records and manage caseloads efficiently.

With the growing emphasis on rehabilitation and holistic health in the UK, the demand for qualified occupational therapists is on the rise. This has led many healthcare institutions and organizations to look for skilled professionals, sometimes sourcing talent from abroad. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in navigating the complexities of hiring and sponsoring occupational therapists under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Occupational Therapists?

SOC Code 2222 refers to Occupational Therapists who address the physical, psychological, and social needs of patients resulting from illness, injury, congenital conditions, or lifestyle issues. Their responsibilities can include:

• Devising and designing treatments: Creating and implementing tailored treatment plans and activities as part of the assessment and intervention process.
• Monitoring progress: Regularly assessing patient responses to treatments and making adjustments as necessary.
• Collaboration with professionals: Liaising with a variety of healthcare professionals to plan and review ongoing treatments for patients.
• Training and supervision: Instructing students and supervising occupational therapy assistants in their day-to-day functions.
• Home visits: Conducting visits to clients, families, and caregivers to organize support and rehabilitation, assisting them in coping with disabilities.
• Counseling and education: Providing guidance to clients on promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing illness, and preparing for the challenges of progressive illness.
• Recordkeeping and caseload management: Maintaining detailed patient records and effectively managing caseloads to ensure high-quality care.

Occupational Therapists play an essential role in fostering improved health and well-being, enabling individuals to participate in daily activities and enhance their quality of life.

Eligibility to Hire Occupational Therapists (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Occupational Therapists must possess a combination of educational qualifications, practical experience, and interpersonal skills to effectively support patients in their rehabilitation journey. The following criteria are essential:

• Education: A degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program is required; additional certifications may be advantageous.
• Licensure: Must hold a valid license to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Experience: Proven experience in a clinical setting, including work with diverse patient populations facing various challenges.
• Assessment Skills: Strong ability to assess individual patient needs and devise tailored treatment plans that address physical, psychological, and social considerations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise effectively with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Supervisory Skills: Experience in training and supervising occupational therapy assistants and students.
• Counseling Abilities: Capability to counsel clients on promoting healthy lifestyles and coping strategies.
• Record Management: Proficient in maintaining accurate patient records and managing caseloads efficiently.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 2222 and that candidates' qualifications and experiences meet the expectations for this role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Occupational Therapists: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Occupational Therapists under SOC Code 2222.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Occupational Therapists, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Occupational Therapists under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Occupational Therapists. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Occupational Therapists applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Occupational Therapists’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Occupational Therapists can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Occupational Therapists

Before the Occupational Therapists begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Occupational Therapists’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Occupational Therapists holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Occupational Therapists’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Occupational Therapists’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Occupational Therapistss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Occupational Therapists

Sponsoring Occupational Therapists under SOC Code 2222 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Occupational Therapists, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Occupational Therapists under SOC Code 2222 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.