OT Role Fulfillment 

The application of OT with the homeless population can be done through a variety of roles and approaches. Below are some examples and ideas to help you envision just a few of the possibilities. 

Advocate

• Compose articles or create educational resources and submit to OT websites, magazines, or journals
  
• Include the topic of homelessness in your OT blog or podcast
• Host healthcare competency event on homelessness within your department to highlight the population's specific needs
  
• Share/disperse resources on social media platforms or at your facility to provide information regarding homelessness matters

Educator

• Provide information on the needs of the homeless population to students as a fieldwork educator or professor
• Provide guidance to students on how to navigate a non-traditional community-based practice area
• Educate on grant writing specific to OT and a community setting to better prepare students

Entrepreneur

• Create your own consulting business to serve the homeless population
• Create your own business as a mobile OT service provider and conduct outreach for the homeless population
• Create and sell a toolkit for OT practitioners with resources regarding the treatment of homeless individuals
• Create and sell an educational phone/tablet application for OT's
• Write and sell a book on the homeless population and OT application

Leader / Administration

• Become a leader with AOTA or your state association who focuses on matters related to the homeless population
• Present at national, state, or local conferences on the unique needs of the homeless population
• Identify gaps in services for the homeless population at your organization and address them
• Create resources that are specific to the homeless population to improve carryover upon discharge

Policy Developer

• Propose and advocate for OT services inclusion within federal grants at local community centers serving the homeless population
• Propose and advocate for OT's recognition as a qualified mental health provider in your state (if not already)
• Support and promote legislation that supports positive occupational engagement for the homeless community

Researcher

• Conduct research while practicing as a consultant at a local organization with the homeless population
• Conduct a national research project to identify the current practices and applications of OT services
• Conduct research with the homeless population to identify common unmet needs for all realms of health and wellness (gaps in service)

Consultant

• Lead life skills groups at your local homeless shelter, transitional housing facility, or drop-in center
• Consult organization's that currently serve the homeless population to help them better meet the population's needs
• Lead educational trainings for existing staff at your local homeless shelter, transitional housing facility, or drop-in center to maximize services and minimize challenges
• See treatment ideas below 

Direct Service Provider

• Provide resources that are specific to the homeless population to improve carryover upon discharge (such as information on bed mobility from the floor, donning/doffing clothing from the floor, etc.)
  
• Practice occupations that the client specifically reports participating in (setting up a temporary shelter, using public transportation, etc.)
• Conduct assessments and facilitate skill development in a one-on-one approach 
• See treatment ideas below 
  

Suggested Frameworks & Models 

Treatment Ideas